wfn.org | ELCA Caribbean Synod Bishop to Return to Parish Ministry

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

April 3, 2001

ELCA CARIBBEAN SYNOD BISHOP TO RETURN TO PARISH MINISTRY
01-073-JB

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Francisco L. Sosa, bishop of the
Caribbean Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA),
will not seek a second term as bishop.  Sosa said he wants to serve as
pastor of a congregation after his term as bishop concludes.
     The ELCA is organized into 65 synods, each headed by a bishop
elected by its synod assembly.  Sosa, 62, was elected by the synod
assembly in 1996.  He will leave office Aug. 31.
            ELCA bishops are elected to serve six-year terms.  Because
the Caribbean Synod holds assemblies every other year, Sosa said he
decided to leave early to allow for election of his successor at this
year's assembly.  The assembly will be held June 7-9 at Iglesia Luterana
Getsemani and the Dorado Rafael Hernandez Colon Pavilion, Dorado, Puerto
Rico.
     Before he was bishop, Sosa served as pastor at Iglesia Luterana
Reconciliacion, Levittown, Puerto Rico.  He previously served as pastor
at Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, Carolina (Villa Fontana), Puerto Rico.
     Sosa was ordained in 1984.  He graduated from Evangelico
Theologico Seminario, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.
     The Caribbean Synod has 34 congregations and 6,783 members in
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
     Of 28 elections for bishop in ELCA synods this year, at least 14
bishops will not seek re-election.  Some are subject to term limits;
others announced they will retire or seek other opportunities in the
church.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html