ELCA NEWS SERVICE December 15, 2012 Richard Foss named interim president of ELCA's Luther Seminary 12-77-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The board of directors of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., named the Rev. Richard J. Foss to serve as interim president of Luther, one of eight seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Foss' appointment, effective Jan. 1, follows the Dec. 10 announcement that the Rev. Dr. Richard Bliese had resigned as Luther's president. Bliese had served as president since 2005. "Pastor Rick Foss brings to his leadership as interim president of Luther seminary marvelous gifts of wisdom, insight, faith, established relationships and the knowledge of the ELCA from having served as bishop of the ELCA Eastern North Dakota synod and on staff at Luther seminary," said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop. Having served as pastor of large ELCA congregations, "Pastor Foss will keep before us Luther's commitment to prepare leaders to serve this church in its many contexts, especially in our congregations," said Hanson. "I believe he comes to this office recognizing the strengths of Luther Seminary and the commitment of the board, faculty, students and supporters, and with the high expectation of the Holy Spirit. I look forward to serving with him." Foss has served as director of contextual learning at Luther since 2008. Prior to joining Luther, he was bishop of the ELCA Eastern North Dakota Synod since 1992, and he was senior pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minn., for six years before becoming bishop. Ordained in 1971, Foss also served as pastor of Lutheran congregations in Fargo, N.D., Minneapolis and Seattle. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., and a Master of Divinity degree in 1971 and a Master of Theology degree in 1984 from Luther. St. Olaf is one of 26 ELCA colleges and universities. "We are so fortunate to have found such a strong leader who already understands and believes in the mission of Luther Seminary," said the Rev. James M. Lindus, chair of Luther's board. "While we considered many candidates from around the country, Rick was clearly the right choice." --- About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 4 million members in nearly 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther. For information contact: Melissa Ramirez Cooper 773-380-2956 or [log in to unmask] http://www.ELCA.org/news Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com