ELCA Bishops Hold Annual Conference

The 65-member Conference of Bishops held their annual meeting in early October; finance was a main topic of discussion

The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) held its annual meeting at the church headquarters in Chicago, Ill., Sept 30-Oct 4. The Bishops, who were able to hold discussions with the ELCA synod vice presidents, discussed past developments and future goals of the church both in the spiritual and financial aspect.

According to Christina Jackson-Skelton, ELCA treasurer, the 2003-2004 fiscal year ending August 31 saw both good and bad results.

"This was a period of relative stability for the churchwide organization," Jackson-Skelton told the bishops and vice presidents. "This is a piece of good news that I am happy to share with you."

According to Jackson, receipts to the church increased from $42.7 to 43.6 million in the last year. Additionally, the total offerings received were half a million dollars higher than the projected budgets.

However, Skelton explained that despite the growth in income, the church was at a negative balance overall. expenses exceeded income by $1.9 million in current operating funds for the seven-month period -- a "seasonal norm," she said. Expenses were $45.5 million.

In terms of income in the form of mission support, the ELCA received $35.6 million -- $100,000 less than the last fiscal year.

Overall, Jackson-Skelton said the synods across the nation are running “pretty close to budget,” and that “"It has been a more stable period for mission support."

However, because the amount received by the denomination was only 91.4 percent of what was expected, the churchwide organizations had to reduce their budget several times and lay off personnel.

Upon hearing the report, the Conference of Bishops agreed to “encourage” one another to maintain or increase their current giving percentage for mission support.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.