wfn.org | Last Elected Lutheran Bishop of Western Iowa

[news@ELCA.ORG]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

April 23, 2001

LAST ELECTED LUTHERAN BISHOP OF WESTERN IOWA
01-098-FI

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Michael A. Last was elected April 21
to a six-year term as bishop of the Western Iowa Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).  The election was held
during the synod's assembly at the Sioux City Convention Center,
Sioux City, Iowa.
     On the fifth ballot Last received 240 votes to 217 votes for
the Rev. David B. Zellmer, Grace Lutheran Church, Hayes, S.D., and
Lutheran Memorial, Pierre, S.D.
     The Rev. Durwood J. Clauson, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Alta,
Iowa, and Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Rembrandt, Iowa, was also
considered on the fourth ballot.  Last received 153 votes on the
fourth ballot -- Zellmer, 151, and Clauson, 149.
     There were 71 names on the first and nominating ballot.
     Born in Rock Island, Ill., Last, 54, is a graduate of William
Penn College, Oskaloosa, Iowa, and Northwestern Theological Seminary
(now Luther Seminary), St. Paul, Minn.
     Ordained in 1972, Last was pastor of four Iowa congregations --
Hope Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids; Trinity Lutheran Church, Spencer;
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clinton; and Augustana Lutheran Church,
Sioux City.  In 1999 he became an assistant to the Rev. Curtis H.
Miller, bishop of the ELCA Western Iowa Synod.
     Last succeeds Miller, 53, who was not eligible for re-election
to another term as bishop of the ELCA Western Iowa Synod.  The synod
constitution allows for a bishop to serve two six-year terms, and
Miller has served two four-year terms and one six-year term.  The
ELCA extended the length of a bishop's term from four to six years in
1993.
     Last is to become bishop July 1.  A worship service of
installation is planned for Oct. 14.
     The Western Iowa Synod includes 78,146 Lutherans, including 226
pastors, in 173 congregations across 43 Iowa counties and the
township of Sioux Valley, S.D.  The synod office is in Storm Lake,
Iowa.

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