Title: Funds Needed for Relief Worker Rescue
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

January 22, 1998

FUNDS NEEDED FOR RELIEF WORKER RESCUE
98-03-015-AH

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Four staff members of agencies related to Action by
Churches Together (ACT) were kidnaped in the fall of 1997 while working on
relief programs in Chechnya.   Hungarian Interchurch Aid and Orthodox
Christian Charities are working closely together to ensure their safe
release.
     ACT has issued an appeal for $200,000 to help meet the practical
needs the two agencies face as they seek to resolve the situation,
specifically reliable and secure communications, staff time, and financial
resources.
     ACT reports, "While it is believed that all of the victims are still
alive, they are living under extreme pressure and poor conditions.  As they
continue efforts to secure the release of their staff members the two
agencies have asked for ecumenical solidarity, prayers, words of
encouragement and financial support, ACT reports.


For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html