wfn.org | Income for ELCA World Hunger Appeal Surpasses Goal

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

April 19, 2001

INCOME FOR ELCA WORLD HUNGER APPEAL SURPASSES GOAL
01-095-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA)   The World Hunger Appeal of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) collected more than $15.86 million
in 2000, surpassing the expected income goal of $14 million.
     While actual income for the 2000 ELCA World Hunger Appeal
exceeded the projected income by $1.86 million, it decreased slightly
from the 1999 appeal, which gathered more than $16 million   a record
amount for the appeal.  The appeal collected $12.6 million in 1998
and $11.8 million in 1997.
     "There is a renewed commitment to the appeal," said Lita
Brusick Johnson, director, ELCA World Hunger Appeal, ELCA Division
for Congregational Ministries.
     In the last two years, "people have expressed their commitment
to make [the appeal] grow.  It continues to save and change lives
because of the generous and faithful giving from members of the
church," Johnson said.
     The ELCA celebrated the World Hunger Appeal's 25th anniversary
in 1999.  That year, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly resolved to call on
members of the church to increase their awareness of hunger in the
world, to double their giving over the next five years to the ELCA
World Hunger Appeal through regular contributions and designated
gifts, and to thank supporters of the appeal.
     "Some anniversary [giving] momentum moved into 2000," said the
Rev. John L. Halvorson, coordinator, ELCA World Hunger Program, ELCA
Division for Church in Society.
     "Response has been strong in all areas, particularly in giving
from congregations, synods and individuals," Halvorson said.
     Income from the 65 synods of the ELCA totaled more than $11.48
million, and income from individuals gathered more than $3.4 million.
Women of the ELCA, the women's organization of the church,
contributed more than $153,000 for the 2000 ELCA World Hunger Appeal.
Income from other sources   endowments, bequests and dividends
garnered more than $824,000.
     In 2000, 73 percent of the appeal's funds was spent on fighting
hunger and poverty overseas and 12.6 percent was spent in direct
relief and community development in the United States.  Another 8.7
percent provided educational resources for the church, hunger
advocacy work and environmental stewardship efforts.  The remaining
5.7 percent was spent on administration, fund raising and
communication expenses.
     "Because the appeal in 1999 and 2000 has surpassed income
goals, the ELCA has been able to offer more to support the work of
some of its major partners, especially Lutheran World Relief and
Lutheran World Federation," said Stephen H. Padre, associate director
for internal church communication, ELCA Department for Communication.
     Lutheran World Relief works overseas in relief and development
on behalf of the ELCA and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Lutheran World Federation (LWF), based in Geneva, Switzerland, is a
global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition.
Founded in 1947, the LWF now has 131 member churches in 72 countries
representing 59.5 million of the world's 63 million Lutherans.
     "Another factor in the increased giving to the appeal can be
attributed to the role of  synod bishops.  They led [the church] with
personal giving," said Johnson. "The ELCA Conference of Bishops has
vocally supported the appeal," she said.
     The 5.15-million member ELCA is organized into 65 synods, each
headed by a bishop.  The Conference of Bishops is an advisory body of
the ELCA's synod bishops, presiding bishop and secretary.
     "Congregations and synods are working hard to [collect] $25
million for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal by 2005," said Johnson.  To
achieve the goal, every member of the ELCA will need to contribute
$5, which is equivalent to the cost of "two Big Macs and fries," she
said.  The goal was set by the 1999 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
     Johnson said "Stand With Africa: A Campaign of Hope" may help
energize members of the church to continue their strong support for
the ELCA World Hunger Appeal in the next two to three years.  "Stand
With Africa" will focus on issues significant to Africa, including
HIV/AIDS, food security, and peace and reconciliation.   The three-
year campaign is being coordinated in part by the ELCA World Hunger
Program.  Stand With Africa is scheduled to be presented to the 2001
ELCA Churchwide Assembly this summer.
     The goal for the 2001 ELCA World Hunger Appeal is $16 million.

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