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Title: ELCA Authorizes Use of "Presiding Bishop" ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF April 24, 1996 PRESIDING BISHOP The title "presiding bishop," in references to the bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, was authorized for provisional use, pending action of the Churchwide Assembly. The ELCA Church Council took that action at its April 12-15 meeting in Chicago. The council recommended the 1997 Churchwide Assembly adopt the needed amendments to the churchwide constitution and other related provisions and bylaws to reflect this change. A resolution asking for the use of "presiding bishop" came to the 1995 Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis. In part, it said, "for better order within the ELCA distinction needs to be made between the title for the office of the bishop of the ELCA and of the office of synodical bishops." Due to lack of time, no vote was taken and the matter was referred to the Church Council. The ELCA has 65 synodical bishops who represent geographic portions of the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Bahamas. Biennial assemblies are the ELCA's chief legislative body. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Dir., ELCA News Service, (312) 380-2958; Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Dir., (312) 380-2955; Lia Christiansen, Asst. Dir., (312) 380-2956