Title: Arthur Leichnitz Will Serve LWF in North America ELCA NEWS SERVICE February 7, 1998 ARTHUR LEICHNITZ WILL SERVE LWF IN NORTH AMERICA 98-05-026-AH CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Arthur Leichnitz, Winnipeg, Manitoba, has been nominated to serve as the regional expression officer for the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in North America. He is a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC). He will be located in the churchwide offices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) here. When confirmed by the LWF, Leichnitz will begin a two-year term in April. The LWF Regional Office in North America represents a new initiative of the LWF and the two North American member churches, according to the Rev. Daniel F. Martensen, director of the ELCA's Department for Ecumenical Affairs. "We see it as a very important step forward in relating to the LWF," he said. Leichnitz will be responsible for coordinating interpretation and education about the LWF, bringing the gifts of LWF member churches into the lives of the North American churches, facilitating communication and new cooperative mission ventures. He will be a member of the LWF's Department for Mission and Development staff. Leichnitz has served congregations in Winnipeg and most recently as Lutheran campus chaplain at the University of Manitoba and youth ministry facilitator for the Manitoba/Northwest Ontario Synod of the ELCIC. He has served on the ELCIC National Church Council and attended the LWF Executive Council meeting in Namibia in 1995. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html