ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 4, 2004

ELCA Presiding Bishop Offers Commitment, Prayer For Bush Leadership
04-207-JB

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- In the wake of this week's election, the presiding
bishop of the 5-million member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA) offered his "commitment to all who have been elected and in
particular to President George W. Bush," and called on members of the ELCA
to pray for elected officials, participate actively in civic life and
continue to be "communities of moral deliberation" on complex domestic and
global concerns.
     The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, in a public statement issued Nov. 4, said he
respects the office of president and will pray for Bush's leadership in
that role.  Hanson also thanked Sen. John F. Kerry and Sen. John Edwards
for their "valuable participation" in the campaign.
     "As a religious leader and a citizen with great regard for this
country, I acknowledge as well the many voices that remind us of the
significance of this election, not only for this country but for people
throughout the world," said Hanson, who also serves as president of the
Lutheran World Federation, Geneva, Switzerland, a global communion of 138
churches in 77 countries, representing 65 million Lutherans worldwide.
     "We have heard the challenge -- and the plea -- that the economic,
political and military power of the United States be exercised in ways
that serve justice, peace and care for the environment," Hanson said in
his statement. "The American electorate has spoken in this election about
its deep concern for personal moral values and faith.  It is my hope that
we will not separate personal morality from public responsibility for the
complex moral issues of hunger and poverty, HIV/AIDS, environmental
degradation, civil war and social inequities.  May our faith not isolate
us in fear but give us courage to work with others to find a just and
lasting peace."
     Lutherans "affirm that good government is a gift from God when that
authority and responsibility is exercised in the service of the common
good," Hanson continued.   He said he will cooperate with the Bush
administration in working toward unity in the United States "that is
enriched by our diversity."
     Hanson reiterated his pledge to pray for Bush and Vice President Dick
Cheney and their families "as they continue to carry out the privilege and
responsibility of leadership."
     Hanson's statement follows his Sept. 27 public criticism of Bush and
Kerry, in which he asked both to change the tone of their campaigns.  In
an open letter he criticized each for talking too much about fear and each
other's military service records, and he said they should be talking about
their visions for the future.  He asked each how they would address
concerns about the HIV/AIDS pandemic, environmental concerns, the growing
gap between people with wealth and people living in poverty, access to
affordable housing and health care, good jobs and quality education.
Hanson also called on each to address how they would use U.S. military
power to secure world peace, and he said it was time to stand with people
who suffer in the world.
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     The text of Presiding Bishop Hanson's Nov. 4 public statement on the
U.S. presidential campaign is at
http://www.elca.org/bishop/m_election.html on the ELCA Web site.  His
Sept. 27 open letter to President Bush and Sen. Kerry is at
http://www.elca.org/bishop/m_candidates.html on the Web.


For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/news