ELCA NEWS SERVICE August 17, 2003 ELCA Assembly Adopts 2004-2005 Budget 03-CWA-55-JB MILWAUKEE (ELCA) -- The 2003 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted budgets for 2004 and 2005 Aug. 16. For 2004, the budget was approved at current fund fiscal year income of $84,310,000, and World Hunger income was approved at $16,250,000. For 2005, the budget was approved at current fund fiscal year income of $85,140,000, and World Hunger income was approved at $16,500,000. World Hunger income is designated for addressing chronic hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 11-17 at the Midwest Airlines Center. There are about 2,100 people participating, including 1,031 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ Known: For the Healing of the World." The vote on the budget proposals was 858 in favor, 95 percent; and 48 against, 5 percent. An additional measure adopted by the churchwide assembly was to authorize the Church Council, the interim legislative authority between churchwide assemblies, to establish spending authorization after periodic review of revised income estimates. Revision of income estimates based upon further development of mission plan and strategic directions being discussed by the 2003 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is also expected as it affects the churchwide spending plan, staffing and structure. Amendments to the budget were considered. A plea by Leon T. Philpot, voting member, Eastern North Dakota Synod, to use up to $1 million in income in excess of expected levels for youth and family ministry was presented. "This is an investment, not an expense," Philpot said. Linda J. Brown, chair of the Church Council Budget and Finance Committee, Moorhead, Minn., was among those speaking against the amendment, saying the funding approach is "not a healthy practice in the long-run." The amendment was defeated by a 77 percent majority. The Rev. Margarita Martinez, bishop of the Caribbean Synod, presented an amendment seeking to promote awareness of the stated ELCA goal to achieve full partnership and participation of African American, Black, Asian, Latino, Arab and Middle Eastern and American Indian/Alaska Native people in the life of the church in budget allocations. The Rev. Stephan M. Kienberger, voting member, Caribbean Synod, said the proposed amendment "doesn't change the dollar amount, but is a message to the Church Council." The amendment was defeated by 53 percent of the vote. Comments regarding the constraining environment of finances preceded a comment by Earl L. Mummert, ELCA Church Council Budget and Finance Committee, Harrisburg, Pa. "We across the ELCA act as if we are a poor church. But the ELCA does not have an economic problem," he said. Mummert reported that the 5 million members of the ELCA have a combined income of an estimated $125 billion. Members are giving on average 1.9 percent of their income, according to Mummert. "We have a problem with commitment, not an economic problem," he said. Three major purposes to which funds are directed in the approved budget are 24.2 percent to vocation and leadership; 23.9 percent to worship and evangelism outreach; and 19.3 percent to service and justice work. Significant expenses in the proposal are $37 million toward financial support grants to congregations, seminaries, global companion ministries and many other entities; $29.1 million toward staff compensation; and $6.7 million to retiree health benefits. -- -- -- Information on the 2003 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is available at http://www.elca.org/assembly/03 on the Web. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news