Proposed resolution supports ELCA malaria campaign

By Rick Nelson, Hunger Committee member

Voting members of the 2012 Assembly of the Southwestern Washington Synod will consider a resolution to support the Malaria Campaign of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. On Jan. 2, the Synod Hunger Committee agreed to join the synod's Global Mission Committee and Women of the ELCA group in co-sponsoring the resolution in support of the campaign.

The document calls on individuals and congregations to commit themselves to continue as partners in the healing ministry of Jesus by preventing and treating malaria through prayer, advocacy, education and fundraising. The resolution also calls on the three co-sponsors to provide resources for congregations.

The 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly overwhelmingly voted to launch the Malaria Campaign. According to the ELCA Malaria Blog, nearly 800,000 people die each year from malaria, most children under age 5. The disease is preventable and treatable. Churches already have the structure to reach individuals and communities that other organizations can’t reach, but they need financial support, and the synod participation in the campaign will address that need.

On the Web: www.elca.org.