Christina Jackson-Skelton, ELCA
treasurer, reported to the council the
total funds given to the ELCA
World Hunger Appeal in 2006. Total
contributions reached $20.1 million, of which a record $19.1 million
was for the general World Hunger Appeal, and most of the remaining
funds were designated for the Stand With Africa campaign, she said.
In 2005 $17 million was given to the general hunger appeal. The
increase in giving in 2006 was the largest single-year increase in
hunger appeal funds since 1999, Jackson-Skelton said.
In its recommendation to the assembly, the council asked the assembly
"to give thanks to God for the generosity of members in reaching for
the first time" a new level in annual giving to the hunger appeal; to
remember the vision and commitment of ELCA
predecessor church bodies
in establishing the World Hunger Appeal in 1974; and to rejoice in the
"fruitful efforts of churches" as well as governmental and
non-governmental agencies in the battle against hunger.
The resolution also expressed "abiding appreciation" to the 1999 ELCA
Churchwide Assembly for establishing the annual goal of $25 million
and to a variety of Lutheran agencies and institutions that have used
"wisely and effectively" the appeal's funds in the past 33 years.