consin Dells, Wis. • Called for financial support to build a school in South Sudan. • Recognized the Lutheran Association of Christian Educators as a key organization in support of Christian educators.
Northwestern Minnesota, May 11-12, Moorhead, Minn. • Challenged con- gregations to participate in the ELCA Malaria Campaign between 2012 and 2015, with the goal of raising at least $225,000 synodwide. • Declared opposition to a proposed state marriage amendment that would “prevent one group of com- mitted couples and their families from pursuing ordinary legislative or legal means to gain the suppor t and protections afforded to all others.” • Asked congregations to develop strategies for including Lutheran outdoor ministries in their program- ming. • Encouraged congregations to identify individuals for rostered leadership and to find ways to finan- cially support seminarians.
Pacifica, May 17-19, Irvine, Calif. • Rec- ognized the Lutheran Association of Christian Educators as an organiza- tion that provides support, network- ing and encouragement. • Affirmed Pacific Lutheran Theological Semi- nary, Berkeley, Calif., and California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, as they discuss a potential merger.
Southeast Michigan, May 17-19, Lan- sing, Mich. • Received a report on ways to partner in mission with the North/West Lower Michigan Synod. • Heard the Detroit Lutheran Gospel Choir, made up of members from nine synod congregations, during a prayer and praise event.
North/West Lower Michigan, May 17-19, Lansing, Mich. • Received a report about ways to partner in mission
Music is a highlight at synod assemblies. Bishop Michael Last (left) and David Ludwig, worship and arts director of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Winter Park, Fla., lead a table prayer during the Western Iowa Synod Assembly in April.
with the Southeast Michigan Synod. • Called on congregations to renew their commitment to work with justice and mercy for all who are affected by crime, and discuss the proposed ELCA social statement on criminal justice.
Metropolitan New York, May 17-19, Tarrytown, N.Y. • Challenged con- gregations to raise a minimum of $3 per baptized member for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. • Asked congregations to review or rede- fine their mission plans, including incorporation of ministry with and to diverse populations. • Requested its council to develop a process to regularly review the viability of congregations.
Northwest Washington, May 18-19, Everett, Wash. • Set a minimum goal of $150,000 for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. • Encouraged congrega- tions to provide tuition assistance for seminarians; adopted a synod 10-year goal of full tuition funding for all its candidates. • Supported Pacific Lutheran Seminary, Berke- ley, Calif., and California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, as the two discuss a merger. • Affirmed marriage equality in Washington, urging members to study Scripture
and the ELCA social statement on human sexuality and “prayerfully consider how to publicly respond if a Marriage Equality referendum” appears on the November ballot.
St. Paul Area, May 18-19, Burnsville, Minn. • Voted to oppose a proposed amendment to the state constitu- tion that would define marriage as a union of one man and one woman. • Called for resources to help congregations address issues of faith and conscience with regard to military service. • Affirmed its goal of becoming multicultural and anti-racist as a focus of its mis- sion strategy and witness. • Voiced
Re-elected
Claire Burkat, 63, to a second six- year term as bishop of the Southeast- ern Pennsylvania Synod, May 4, on the first ballot with 348 of 464 votes.
Ray Tiemann, 59, to a third six-year term as bishop of the Southwestern Texas Synod, May 20, on the fifth ballot with 199 votes. Michael Cof- fey, pastor of First English Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas, received 157 votes.
July 2012 37
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