wfn.org | ELCA Assembly Concludes Worship with Presiding Bishop Anderson

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 14, 2001

ELCA ASSEMBLY CONCLUDES WORSHIP WITH PRESIDING BISHOP ANDERSON
01-CWA71-LS

     INDIANAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Jesus is present in the poor and Christians
must seek Him there, said the Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding Bishop
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The bishop, who
will leave office Oct. 31, preached his final sermon to a churchwide
assembly at a Holy Communion service Aug. 13.
     The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the
ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 8-14 at the Indiana Convention Center.  There
are about 2,500 people participating, including 1,039 ELCA voting
members.  The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ Known:
Sharing Faith in a New Century."
     Biblical teachings mandate service to the oppressed and homeless,
Anderson said. He preached on a text from the book of Matthew in the
Christian Bible that explains serving the poor is actually serving God.
On judgement day, people will be accountable for their treatment of
those less fortunate, Anderson said and not their knowledge. "Apparently
God is not as concerned about who was orthodox as about who was loving,"
he said.
     Anderson cited biblical teachings explaining how Jesus reached out
to marginalized people. He drew laughter from the congregation when he
told the story of a woman whom Jesus welcomed when she touched the hem
of his garment for healing. "Jesus didn't turn to her and say, 'Woman,
you have an inadequate Christology. Go sell all you have and take a
course in theology,'" Anderson said.
     During the assembly, ELCA voting members approved acts of mercy
and justice, Anderson said. Lutherans adopted plans to minister to
Latinos and Asians and Pacific Islanders. They heard reports on
continued progress on advocacy for farmers in crisis and urban ministry
initiatives.
     Acts of mercy change those who serve, Anderson said. Sending money
to the poor is good but God wants people to be involved, he said.
Meeting the oppressed will open eyes and change hearts, Anderson said,
and provide those who serve the "gift of seeing the truth, the truth
about what really matters to God."
     Anderson preached at the worship and was assisted by officers of
the ELCA, including the Rev. Lowell G. Almen, secretary; Dr. Addie J.
Butler, vice president; Richard McAuliffe, treasurer. The Rev. Mark
Hanson, presiding bishop-elect Hanson was elected and Almen's was re-
elected at this assembly.
-- -- --
     Information about assembly action is at
http://www.elca.org/assembly/01 on the ELCA's Web site. Recorded updates
during the assembly are available by calling 773/380-2477.

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