Title: ELCA Missionary Gorski Resigns in Chile ELCA NEWS SERVICE NEWSBRIEF July 30, 1996 GORSKI RESIGNS IN CHILE William E. Gorski, 45, resigned July 13 as president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile (IELCH). Gorski's resignation came at the request of the IELCH governing council following questions regarding possible misuse of church funds. The Rev. Marta Hermosilla Jeldres, IELCH vice president, was appointed interim president of the church until the next IELCH Assembly in November, when a new president will be chosen. In an official communique, Hermosilla said the council's demand for "an investigation of the fire that affected the central office of the IELCH on July 9 in which valuable financial information was lost" prompted the resignation. Gorski resigned July 17 from the clergy roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). While no longer an ELCA missionary, Gorski remains an employee of the ELCA Division for Global Mission and remains in Chile so that he can cooperate with church and civil authorities. Gorski is a graduate of Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Ordained in 1976 by the former Lutheran Church in America, he served two years as pastor of Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, Elgin, Ill. Gorski has been a Lutheran missionary to Chile since 1978. He was elected president of the IELCH in 1986. The IELCH traces its history to the 19th century immigration of Europeans. In 1975 the Lutheran Church in Chile broke away, leaving the IELCH the smaller of the two churches. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Dir., ELCA News Service, (312) 380-2958; Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Dir., (312) 380-2955; Lia Christiansen, Asst. Dir., (312) 380-2956