Title: ELCA Bishops Pledge Hunger Funds, Honor Retiring Bishops, Editor
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

March 17, 1999

ELCA BISHOPS PLEDGE HUNGER FUNDS,
HONOR RETIRING BISHOPS, EDITOR
99-10-55-JB

     TUCSON, Ariz. (ELCA)   The Conference of Bishops of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted a resolution
urging the church to renew its commitment to the ELCA World Hunger
Appeal and pledged collectively to increase giving by a total of at
least $25,000 to the appeal.  The appeal is celebrating its 25th
anniversary year.
     The bishops, representing the 65 synods the ELCA, held their
spring meeting here March 4-9.
     In the resolution, the bishops called on the ELCA "to set a goal
of $25 million as a sign of renewed commitment and urgency for this
ministry of mercy."  The Rev. Howard E. Wennes, bishop of the ELCA's
Grand Canyon Synod, introduced the resolution.
     The ELCA World Hunger Appeal has provided direction and leadership
"for emergency relief, local development and hunger advocacy around the
world," the resolution said.
     During the meeting, the bishops honored three bishops who are
leaving office midway in their six-year terms -- the Rev. Robert M.
Keller of the Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod; the Rev. Dale K. Skogman
of the Northern Great Lakes Synod and the Rev. Richard F. Bansemer of
the Virginia Synod.  They also honored the Rev. Edgar R. Trexler, editor
of the magazine of the ELCA "The Lutheran."  Trexler announced in
January he would not seek re-election at the churchwide assembly this
summer.  He will turn 62 this year.
     The bishops adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Lyle Schaller, a
well-known consultant to local churches and denominations who has
conducted leadership seminars for the past five decades and publishes
"The Parish Paper."  He was acknowledged for his "exceptional" ministry. 
The bishops conferred the title, "honorary Lutheran" on Schaller, "in
response to a life-long secret ambition," the resolution said.
     The resolution acknowledges Schaller's donation of nearly $500,000
to alleviate world hunger, funds generated from his seminars. 
Schaller's "current health necessitates the curtailment of travel and
possible full retirement," the resolution said.


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