News
Assemblies discuss malaria, hunger and more A
s synods began meeting in assemblies this spring, discus- sion topics included eradicating
malaria, hunger, youth represen- tation and mission. Two synods elected new bishops, while one bishop was re-elected.
Arkansas-Oklahoma, April 13-15, Tulsa, Okla.: • Supported the ELCA Malaria Campaign with a commitment as individuals and congregations “to continue as partners in the healing ministry of Jesus by preventing and treating malaria through prayer, advocacy, education and fundrais- ing.” • Asked congregations to spon- sor Oaks Indian Mission Support Sunday (the mission in Oaks, Okla., provides children in need a safe and loving home while preparing them to be healthy contributing adults). • Approved giving vote at assemblies to interim pastors serving synod congregations.
Eastern North Dakota, April 21-22, Fargo, N.D.: • Urged congregations to increase giving to ELCA World Hunger. • Voted to install a peace pole at University Lutheran Center in Fargo, where the synod office and resource center will be housed beginning in June. • Met under the theme “Raising Up Children of God,” with youth and young adults playing a significant part in the gath- ering as voting members, assembly planners, worship and music leaders, and workshop presenters.
Rocky Mountain, April 26-28, Colorado Springs, Colo.: • Affirmed the process as Pacific Lutheran Theological
Reports submitted by Holly Emmel, Julie K. Aageson, Ida McAllister, Stan Meyer and Kent Mueller.
38 The Lutheran •
www.thelutheran.org
Seminary, Berkeley, Calif., and California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, discuss a potential merger. • Gave thanks for its com- panion partnerships with synods of the Malagasy Lutheran Church, ask- ing for continued oversight of these relationships as it moves into new synodical administration.
Alaska Synod, April 26-28, Eagle River, Alaska: • Created a seat on its council for a representative from the synod youth network. • Gave its support to Pacific Lutheran Theological Semi- nary, Berkeley, Calif., and California
Bishop elections
Elected: Shelley Wickstrom, 54, as bishop of the Alaska Synod, effective July 1. When: April 27 on the third bal- lot with 72 votes. Brian Crockett, pastor of Brevig Memorial (Brevig Mission) and Teller (Teller) Lutheran churches in Alaska, received 14 votes. Bio: Region 1 coordinator for missional leadership. Served Dill- ingham Trinity Lutheran Church, Dillingham, and Lord of Life, North Pole, both in Alaska; American, Bill- ings, and Christ, Bozeman, both in Montana. Replaces: Don Maier, who served as interim after Michael Keys took a call at Bethel Lutheran Church, Portland, Ore., and as Oregon Synod director for evangelical mission.
Elected: James Gonia, 52, as bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod, effective Aug. 1.
When: April 28 on the fifth ballot with 263 votes. Bruce Kuenzel, pastor of Beth- lehem Lutheran Church, Los Alamos, N.M., received 175 votes. Bio: Program director for West Africa, Tanzania and Madagascar with ELCA Global Mission. Served Atonement Lutheran Church, Den- ver. As a missionary to Madgascar, he was a regional evangelism co-director, teacher and director of Betela Seminary. Replaces: Allan Bjornberg, who is concluding 18 years as bishop.
Re-elected: Kevin S. Kanouse, 58, to a third six-year term as bishop of the Northern Texas–Northern Louisiana Synod, April 27, on the first ballot with 190 votes. Phillip Heinze, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church, Richland Hills, Texas, received 9 votes.
Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, as the institutions discuss a possible merger. • Committed to help end hunger.
Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana, April 27-20, Irving, Texas: • Endorsed the synod’s ongoing “DiscipleLife Alive!” campaign to raise $3 million to expand its capacity for mission and leadership development (half of the total has been pledged). • Agreed to support the ELCA Malaria Cam- paign through prayer, advocacy, education and raising $160,000 by 2015.
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