The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) is making available a new election resource to assist members in becoming actively involved in the May 2 Federal Election.

The new resource, titled 2011 ELCIC Compassionate Justice Election Resource, helps members engage in the federal election as responsible citizens and spirited disciples by providing questions that might be asked of candidates and their policies on topics such as poverty, climate change, human trafficking and international development.

“It is a right, responsibility and a privilege to be able to choose our leaders through a democratic process,” says ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson. “I encourage all members of the ELCIC to consider prayerfully what it means to be In Mission for Others around important election issues.”

The resource, which also provides background information on the work of the ELCIC and its partners, encourages members “as people of faith,” to reflect on the values of “compassion and justice” to inform consideration when casting a vote.

The ELCIC’s Constitution (Article IV, section 2.g.) identifies that one expression of the church’s mission is to, “study issues in contemporary society in the light of the Word of God and respond publicly to social and moral issues as an advocate for justice and as an agent of reconciliation.”

ELCIC members are encouraged to use the 2011 ELCIC Compassionate Justice Resource to assist in public discussion, personal reflection and prayerful consideration on how to create a society that is rich in compassion and justice.

The 2011 ELCIC Compassionate Justice Resource can be found online at: https://www.elcic.ca/Documents/ELCICElectionResource.pdf.

—————————————————————–
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada’s (ELCIC) National Church Council (NCC) has been meeting in Mississauga, ON from April 1-3, 2011. The following is the text of a letter to the Church from members of NCC. A pdf version of the letter is available online.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Grace and peace to you.

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. —Ephesians 4:1-3

The National Church Council (NCC) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada has been meeting in recent days (April 1-3, 2011). As we began our work, the Council was deeply aware of the responsibilities commended to us by the church and we are grateful to all who have held us in their prayers.

Many of you have been anticipating our efforts as you have participated in the work of our committees and task forces. All of NCC’s work will be reported out in the Bulletin of Reports. For now, with a view to openness and transparency, NCC would like to share with you some decisions around two matters: Structural Renewal and Human Sexuality.

Structural Renewal Task Force: Report

National Church Council considered the Report of the Structural Renewal Task Force. The Task Force was given the responsibility to look at possibilities for renewal with a view (1) to equipping the Church to be In Mission for Others and (2) to developing a structural framework which is flexible, affordable and sustainable.

The report proposes that the ELCIC be re-organized into three synods, that existing conferences be reconfigured into “areas” (groupings of congregations) supported by leadership teams, that conventions of the National Church and synods be held triennially and that National Conventions be smaller in size.

As soon as the final text of the report is available, it will be published online and included in the Bulletin of Reports.

Council deeply appreciates the careful church-wide consultation and thoughtful analysis which are reflected in the Report.

NCC adopted the following motion: That the National Convention approve the recommendations of the Structural Renewal Task Force in principle and authorize the National Church Council to move forward with the implementation process.

Human Sexuality Task Force: Social Statement

National Church Council considered the Proposed ELCIC Social Statement on Human Sexuality. This proposed statement was prepared according to the vision and process articulated in The Public Witness of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada: A Policy on How the Church Addresses Social Issues (1991). Both documents are available on the ELCIC website: https://www.elcic.ca/.

The Statement has three sections: “Encountering the World in Which We Live” names, without judgment, some of the current issues of sexuality that face our world; “Facing God and Being Church” seeks to find common language to articulate the faith and theology which guide our life together; and “Doing Ministry” seeks to stimulate conversation about mission and ministry at the local and global level.

NCC adopted the following motion: That NCC approve and recommend for adoption to the 2011 National Convention the Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality.

NCC is grateful to the members of the Human Sexuality Task Force for the care and integrity with which they went about their work and for the breadth of their consultation.

Faith, Order and Doctrine Committee: Three Motions

National Church Council asked the Faith, Order and Doctrine Committee to review the Proposed ELCIC Social Statement on Human Sexuality and to prepare appropriate motions arising from the statement.

Council is grateful for the sound scholarship and pastoral sensitivity the Committee brought to their work.

NCC approved and recommended for adoption to the 2011 National Convention the following three motions:

        1. Motion on the Unity of the Church

MOVED that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in convention adopt the following affirmation as representing the position of this church and communicate this action to congregations, partner churches in Canada, sister churches in the Lutheran World Federation and other Lutheran church associations in Canada.

An Affirmation Concerning the Unity of the Church

As a confessional Lutheran Church which bases its life and teaching on the Scriptures, the Ecumenical Creeds and the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada affirms with the confessors at Augsburg in 1530 that “it is enough for the unity of the church to agree concerning the teaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments” (AC VII).

We affirm that the church ought not be divided because of disagreement over moral issues, no matter how distressing such disagreement might be. We believe that any attempt to divide the church because of disagreements over morals, polity or liturgy is an unacceptable confusion of Law and Gospel, which will lead inevitably to a distortion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We encourage ELCIC members, congregations and synods and churches who share our commitment to the scriptures, creeds and confessions and who disagree with one another over issues of morals, polity (including standards for ordination or consecration) and/or liturgy to remain in dialogue and unity with one another and maintain unity in the gospel and the sacraments as St Paul recommends in 1 Corinthians 1:10-17. We encourage all Lutherans to work for and nurture the unity of the confessional witness to the Gospel which is essential to the Lutheran tradition. We ask those persons, congregations, synods and/or churches who are in disagreement to refrain from actions that will divide the body of Christ.

2. Motion on Presiding at or Blessing Marriages

MOVED that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in convention adopt the following policy statement:

It is the policy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada that rostered
ministers may, according to the dictates of their consciences as informed by the Gospel, the Scriptures, the Ecumenical Creeds and the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, preside at or bless legal marriages according to the laws of the province within which they serve. All rostered ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada are encouraged to exercise due diligence in preparing couples for marriage. All rostered ministers serving congregations are encouraged at all times to conduct their ministry in consultation with the lay leaders in the congregation and with sensitivity to the culture within which the congregation serves.        

3. Motion on Standards for Ordination and Consecration

MOVED that convention actions NC-1993-16 and NC-1989-96 be rescinded and that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in convention adopt the following policy:

It is the policy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada that sexual orientation is not in itself a factor which disqualifies a candidate for rostered ministry or a rostered minister seeking a call. Candidates and rostered ministers are in all cases expected to adhere to the qualifications and standards as set out in the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and of the synod within which they serve. Synods and congregations are expected to evaluate candidates for ordination or consecration and rostered ministers for call in accordance with a conscience informed by the Gospel, the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.

National Church Council recognizes that there are other areas of exploration that arise from the proposed statement which may require further study or action such as: “Stewardship of Media”, “Oppose Sexual Exploitation”, “Act for Justice” and “Create Safe Spaces” (items drawn from the third section of the statement).

A Call to Prayer

NCC is keenly aware that our commitment to a common faithful journey may sometimes challenge us or lead us into places of unease or hurt or pain. At the same time, we seek, as best we are able, to maintain the unity of the Spirit and to support one another on the journey.

At the National Convention, there will be many reasons for celebration and rejoicing: our National Bishop has called us into a time of spiritual renewal; our relationships with other Christians continue to grow; we are renewing relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous people; we are making an important witness around matters of justice; we have a wonderful 25th anniversary to celebrate; and much more.

We invite your prayers for congregations and leaders preparing for convention; for the officers of the church; for NCC; and for all who will gather at our 2011 ELCIC National Convention in Saskatoon to consider the important matters set before us and to experience spiritual renewal.

Please consider the substance of this letter and take the opportunity to study the various documents to which this letter points. As you have opportunity, please take the time to offer a word of thanks to the many people who have sought to do the church’s work, on our behalf, between conventions.

Grace and peace to you.

National Church Council
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

Documents:
– A Letter to the Church from NCC: https://www.elcic.ca/Documents/NCCLettertotheChurch-April32011.pdf
– The Public Witness of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada: A Policy on How the Church Addresses Social Issues (1991): https://elcic.ca/Documents/ThePublicWitnessoftheEvangelicalLutheranChurchinCanada.pdf
– Proposed ELCIC Social Statement on Human Sexuality: https://elcic.ca/Human-Sexuality/documents/PROPOSEDELCICSocialStatementonHumanSexuality.pdf

—————————————————————–
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

For Everything There is a Time is the theme of the inaugural ELCIC Praise Appeal which this year will give thanks for the ministry of women in the church, looking back on the ministry of Evangelical Lutheran Women Inc. (ELW) and looking forward to the new forms this ministry may take.

Congregations throughout the ELCIC are asked to designate one Sunday this year, and in coming years, at a time that works best within their own context to highlight the ELCIC Praise Appeal.

Resources for holding an ELCIC Praise Appeal Sunday are available online at www.elcic.ca/praiseappeal. These resources include: worship, prayer and liturgy suggestions, a sermon prepared by National Bishop Susan Johnson, and a bulletin insert.

The ELCIC Praise Appeal is being launched as an opportunity to highlight different aspects of the ministry of the wider church. ELCIC congregations are encouraged participate in this partnership and support the ministry of the wider church by participating in the Praise Appeal.

—————————————————————–
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

From April 1 to 3, the executive councils of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) will hold their first joint meeting in Mississauga, Ont. This meeting of the ELCIC’s National Church Council and the ACC’s Council of General Synod marks an important step in deepening the full communion relationship between the two churches.

Working under the theme “Growing Together,” the councils will meet together for Bible study, Eucharists, and several items of business including a proposed joint Anglican-Lutheran office and the joint Anglican-Lutheran national meeting planned for 2013 in Ottawa. The ELCIC and ACC councils will also meet separately.

At the end of the joint council meeting, Lutherans and Anglicans will plant a tree on the grounds of the Queen of the Apostles Renewal Centre to symbolize their hope for future cooperation. Members have been encouraged to bring vials of water from their home communities to sprinkle on the tree after it is planted.

The year 2011 marks 10 years of full communion between Lutherans and Anglicans in both Canada and the United States. In 2001, the ELCIC the ACC signed the Waterloo Declaration. In that same year the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Episcopal Church, USA, signed a similar agreement, Called to Common Mission.

In Canada, the ELCIC and ACC allow interchangeability of clergy and confirmations are mutually recognized. Led by National Bishop Susan Johnson (ELCIC) and the Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz (ACC), the churches have sought more cooperation in national program work and have collaborated on initiatives including the promotion of the Millennium Development Goals. Bishop Johnson and Archbishop Hiltz offer joint Christmas and Easter greetings, often in the form of web videos.

On May 1, 2011, the leaders of Lutheran and Anglican churches in Canada and the U.S. will celebrate 10 years of full communion with parallel services in Fort Erie, Ont. and Buffalo, N.Y. They will mark the anniversaries and honour the possibility for future collaboration.

All Lutherans and Anglicans across Canada are encouraged to find ways to celebrate 10 years of this unique full communion relationship.

—————————————————————–
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) encourages all congregations to include prayers for peace for all people in the Holy Land on the second Sunday of Lent, which this year is March 20.

The call comes in response to a motion passed at the 2009 ELCIC National Convention. The motion, titled "An ELCIC Convention Resolution on the Holy Land," encourages the ELCIC to "call on its members regularly to pray for peace for all people in the Holy Land, especially the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and to designate a Sunday annually for prayers in the congregations across the ELCIC."

The ELCIC’s Program Committee for Worship (PCW) has prepared a prayer petition for use (https://www.elcic.ca/Documents/PrayersfortheHolyLand2011.pdf). Congregations are encouraged to include the prayers in their worship on March 20.

—————————————————————–
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), through its partnership with Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), is appealing to its members for financial support for humanitarian aid to assist the people of Japan.

The biggest earthquake to hit Japan since records began 140 years ago struck the northeast coast on March 11, generating a 10 meter tsunami that swept away everything in its path and killed at least 10,000 people. 350,000 people are living in evacuation sites at the moment. The number of dead is expected to rise as the situation becomes clearer.

CLWR is issuing an appeal for funds to support the humanitarian aid being provided through ACT Alliance. ACT reports there are various gaps in basic needs such as water, food, blankets, electricity, health and sanitation kits that evacuation sites are facing, since most efforts at the moment focus on search and rescue and evacuation from radiation contaminated areas where explosions at nuclear power plants have taken place.

ACT Alliance is in the midst of a needs assessment from both land and air. ACT General Secretary, John Nduna said, “We are deeply concerned and we are monitoring the situation closely so that ACT Alliance can direct its resources to where they are most needed, as quickly as possible.” Should ACT decide not to proceed with an aid program for Japan, CLWR will work through other partners to deliver effective and efficient humanitarian aid.

Donations to the appeal may be made in the following ways:

1. ELCIC members are asked to donate to the appeal by making a designated offering donation for "Japan Earthquake" through their congregation.
2. Donations may also be made through CLWR:
* AFTER MARCH 15 – Online at www.clwr.org/donate. In the process of completing the form, you will come to a pull-down menu that allows you to designate a specific project. Choose Japan Earthquake.
* By calling CLWR’s toll-free number: 1.800.661.2597 or locally at 204.694.5602.
* By sending a cheque made payable to CLWR and mailed to: CLWR, 302-393 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6. Please indicate in your correspondence that you wish to contribute to the 2011 Japan Earthquake Appeal.

—————————————————————–
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) National Bishop Susan C. Johnson shared her concern and prayers for the people of Ethiopia and for members of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus following attacks and church burnings by Muslim extremists against Christians.

An estimated 10,000 Christians have been forced to flee from their homes in western Ethiopia following the attacks. Thousands of Muslim extremists reportedly set fire to 59 churches and at least 28 homes. Looting has also become widespread.

News sources indicate the attacks were carried out after Muslims accused a Christian of desecrating a copy of the Koran.

"It is horrifying to hear of such violence and aggression," said Bishop Johnson. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people living through this terror, and the suffering it causes in body and soul. With sighs too deep for words, we hope and pray for the restoration of safety, peace and community."    

Bishop Johnson will be part of a Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) delegation that will travel to Ethiopia in April to visit CLWR related projects and meet with church leaders in the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus.

The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, a member of The Lutheran World Federation, has 5.3 million members. It is one of the largest Lutheran churches in the world.

—————————————————————–
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) National Bishop Susan C. Johnson is calling for members of the ELCIC to pray for the people of Japan following a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit the region on March 11. Both caused major damage to northeastern Japan.

"We ask the members of the ELCIC to pray for the people of Japan in the midst of the devastation they are experiencing from the earthquake and tsunami," says Bishop Johnson. "We include in our prayers Lutheran World Federation member churches in the region, and those around the Pacific Rim who watch and wait for the possibility of tsunamis."

The 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck just off the coast of Japan and triggered a devastating tsunami which created a wall of water. Videos from the region shows cars, ships and buildings being dragged into the water and swept across fields. News reports indicate the earthquake is the most powerful to hit Japan in at least 100 years.

Reports out of Japan vary on the impact on human lives but the death toll is expected to rise significantly.

There are three Lutheran World Federation member churches in Japan, including the Japan Lutheran Church (associate member), Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Kinki Evangelical Lutheran Church.

—————————————————————–
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

The year 2011 marks 10 years of full communion between Lutherans and Anglicans in both Canada and the United States. In 2001, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) signed the Waterloo Declaration. In that same year the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America signed a similar agreement with The Episcopal Church, USA, Called to Common Mission.

On May 1, 2011, the four churches will celebrate this landmark year with parallel services in Fort Erie, Ont. and Buffalo, N.Y. Lutherans and Anglicans will gather to mark the anniversaries and honour the possibility for future collaboration.

In a statement issued Ash Wednesday, National Bishop Susan C. Johnson (ELCIC) and Archbishop Fred Hiltz (ACC) call for wide participation: "We invite the people of the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada to pray for each other and for this holy endeavour. At the same time, communities are encouraged to host their own celebrations, on the Second Sunday of Easter or sometime thereafter, in their own churches."

The full statement from National Bishop Johnson and Archbishop Hiltz is available for download and includes liturgical material for a service celebrating full communion.

—————————————————————–
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge is calling Lutherans worldwide to prayer, support and advocacy concerning the humanitarian crisis developing from the swift political changes in North Africa.

In a March 3, 2011 letter to LWF member churches, Junge urges the churches’ prayers for people in North Africa and the Middle East so “that violence and repression will stop,” that people would “be treated with dignity and respect” and that leaders “will be chosen who are honest and accountable.”

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) National Bishop Susan C. Johnson added her voice to General Secretary Junge’s call for prayers. "We pray for peace that is so desperately needed in North Africa. We deplore the choice to use violence, and pray for people of courage and good will to emerge as leaders, so that people’s core human need for dignity, rights, safety and self-determination will be respected."  

In December a popular uprising began in Tunisia, forcing the Tunisian president to flee the country in January. Similar protests in Egypt in January forced the country’s president to step aside in February. Protests that began peacefully in Libya in February are resulting in a huge humanitarian crisis as the country’s leader fights to keep his hold on power.

Junge deplored the loss of life and expressed hope that those fleeing would be able to return home safely and that the refugees will find refuge. He expressed particular concern for Libya where the country’s leader, Muammar Gaddafi, “is trying to cling to power in the most cruel way, ordering his security forces to shoot and kill his own people. The death toll may already be in the thousands.” Most of those fleeing the country are foreign workers, predominantly from Egypt but also from other countries including Bangladesh and Nepal.

The general secretary welcomed the United Nations’ actions against Libya. The Security Council in February imposed sanctions against Libya. On March 1, 2011 the General Assembly suspended Libya from the Human Rights Council.

“The international community is unanimously condemning the indiscriminate use of violence and the violations of human rights,” Junge noted.

In view of the large-scale humanitarian crisis unfolding from Libya, Junge pointed out that an LWF-led humanitarian assessment team will arrive in neighboring Tunisia this weekend. The LWF-ACT Alliance rapid assessment team will elaborate a preliminary appeal and coordinate the shipment and distribution of immediate relief goods as well as the establishment of water supply infrastructure in close coordination with UN organizations on-site.

The LWF is a founding member of ACT Alliance, a global network of church-related organizations collaborating in humanitarian assistance and development.

Junge asked the churches for continued financial support as the LWF responds to the humanitarian crisis.

He urged Lutherans in Europe to advocate with their governments to show compassion toward those fleeing North Africa. “While the struggling countries bordering Libya are generously keeping their borders open, the European discussions seem to focus more on how to protect their borders” in a humanitarian situation that calls for a different approach, Junge added.

The general secretary expressed his hope that the political changes in North Africa would “pave the way for political governance that is accountable to the very people it represents.”

He added, “People want to have their dignity respected. People want to be treated fairly and honestly – they reject injustice and corruption.”

(Files from Lutheran World Information.)
—————————————————————–
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.