November 2002
Stand with Africa: A Campaign of Hope" was approved by the 2001 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
(CA01.06.27) as a three-year program seeking to withstand AIDS, banish
hunger, and build peace at the grassroots in Africa through education,
advocacy, and second-mile fund-raising. It is sponsored by three partners:
the ELCA World Hunger Program, World Relief of The Lutheran Church–Missouri
Synod, and Lutheran World Relief.
At its April 2001 meeting, the ELCA Church
Council received a report from a "Stand with Africa" study tour
which included the ELCA vice president, three additional members of the
Church Council, one advisory bishop, and an executive assistant to the
presiding bishop. The presiding bishop, in consultation with the officers of
the ELCA, reviewed the report and its recommended action and brought a
revised action for consideration by the Church Council. After discussion,
the Church Council approved an action (CC02.04.13) that:
1. designated $350,000 for "Stand
with Africa" efforts;
2. acknowledged previous action and
financial support;
3. called on members and congregations of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in consultation with synods,
to support generously from all sources the World Hunger Program’s
"Stand with Africa" campaign;
4. encouraged the World Hunger Program to
engage members in education and awareness; explore a variety of
fund-raising efforts; and respond to the several calls to action in
consultation with other units of this church and its partners;
5. made requests of both the divisions for
Global Mission and Church in Society; and
6. requested that a report be brought to
the November 2002 Church Council meeting.
In response to the request of the Church
Council, the Rev. Bonnie L. Jensen, executive director of ELCA Global Mission, provided an update on activities related to "Stand
with Africa."
CC ACTION
To acknowledge with gratitude the work of
the ELCA World Hunger Program, in partnership with World Relief of The
Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and Lutheran World Relief, which has given
life to "Stand with Africa: A Campaign of Hope" as detailed in the
report submitted to this council;
To reaffirm the commitment of the ELCA to
walk with the churches of Africa, the Lutheran World Federation, Lutheran
World Relief partners, and ecumenical partners as they seek to withstand
AIDS, banish hunger, and build peace in Africa;
To express appreciation for the synods,
congregations, individuals, and other groups and organizations throughout
the ELCA for "going the second mile": learning, advocating, and
giving generously, above and beyond regular World Hunger giving;
To encourage additional offerings throughout
the coming year -- including at synod assemblies next year;
To express encouragement and support to the
youth of the ELCA and the Lutheran Youth Organization for their leadership
in this church as they embark on their special million-dollar challenge
goal; and
To request that the World Hunger Program, in
consultation with these strong partners and other units of the churchwide
organization, continue to provide leadership and support for "Stand
with Africa" through education, advocacy, and second-mile fund-raising.
