News release

June 9, 2013

N E W S   R E L E A S E

Rick Jaech elected bishop of ELCA's Southwestern Washington Synod

TACOMA — The Rev. Rick Jaech, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church of Vancouver, Wash., was elected bishop of the Southwestern Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on Saturday, June 8, in Tacoma.

Jaech, 63, will serve a six-year term in the post that oversees close to 90 congregations and worshiping groups from south of Seattle to the Oregon border, and from the Cascades to the Pacific beaches. The synod is one of 65 in the ELCA.

The decision was reached after six voting rounds over two days that narrowed the field from 46 to 3 and then to Jaech. The two other finalists were the Rev. Kim Latterell of Creator Lutheran Church of Bonney Lake, and the Rev. Dr. Melanie Wallschlaeger, who works out of the synod office in Tacoma starting new congregations. The three finalists all led at various points, but Jaech pulled ahead during late question-and-answer sessions.

Jaech replaces Bishop Robert D. Hofstad of Lakewood, who served as bishop for 12 years and now is retiring.

In remarks during the synod assembly at which the selection took place, Jaech said that as bishop he will bring ecumenical groups together for common work. In Vancouver, he organized and led a two-year dialogue among Christian, Muslim and Jewish congregations.

"That is how God gathers us together for ministry," Jaech told the assembly of about 300 people.

Jaech has led Beautiful Savior since 1987 and previously served a Latino congregation in San Francisco.

He holds a master's degree in conflict facilitation and recently published a book on transforming conflict within congregations titled, "Transforming Church Conflict: A Guide for Pastors and Leaders." He received his pastoral training from The Lutheran School of Theology.

He is married to Satya and they have one son attending the University of Washington.


For further information:

The Rev. Rick Jaech, 360-254-9243 or rick@rickjaech.com

Bishop Robert D. Hofstad, 253-535-8300 or hofstard@plu.edu

Rachel Pritchett, communicator, Southwestern Washington Synod, (206) 498-0920