ELCA NEWS SERVICE

October 9, 2008  

ELCA Conference of Bishops Addresses Financial Crisis
08-171-JB

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- In a pastoral letter to the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the ELCA Conference of Bishops
called on church members and others who are concerned about the
financial health of the United States to discuss and pray about
economic life, financial behaviors and "the interconnectedness of
all life and creation that cries out to be reclaimed."
     The Oct. 7 pastoral letter addressed the current financial
crisis in the United States, compounded by its effects on global
markets.
     The ELCA Conference of Bishops is an advisory body of the
church that includes the ELCA's 65 synod bishops, presiding
bishop and secretary.  It met here Oct. 2-7.
     "We are deeply concerned about the current financial crisis,
which is affecting not only our nation but the entire global
economy," the pastoral letter said. "This crisis is causing fear
and loss in our country as thousands of families face
unemployment, foreclosure, and uncertainty about savings and
pensions. Meanwhile, they struggle to put food on the table and
gas into their cars."
     The future is uncertain for everyone, and it is "especially
frightening," the letter said, for those who are already
vulnerable and struggling to survive.  In their letter the
Lutheran church leaders offered prayers for those whose lives are
affected and for national leaders as they seek to address the
complex financial crisis.
     The ELCA Churchwide Assembly addressed issues about economic
life in the 1999 social statement, "Sufficient, Sustainable
Livelihood for All," the letter said. The conference encouraged
members to use the statement to understand the significance of
theological and biblical principles in responding to the crisis.
     The letter cited four specific principles: concern for
people in poverty, personal and corporate responsibility, the
need for good government, and the benefits and limits of free
markets.
     "As people of the God who calls us out of fear into hope and
community, we welcome all people into widespread and respectful
discussion about this current crisis," the letter said. "In this
way we can create partnerships that will help those whose lives
are being shattered and encourage responsibility and integrity in
our national economic life."
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     The text of the Conference of Bishops' pastoral letter is at
http://tinyurl.com/54cu99 on the ELCA Web site.

     The text of the social statement, "Sufficient, Sustainable
Livelihood for All" is at http://tinyurl.com/549955 on the
ELCA Web site.

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