12/09/2013

ELCA presiding Bishop Invites Members to Pray for an End to Hunger

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is encouraging members to join with people of faith to pray for the end of hunger in response to a call from Pope Francis for a world day of prayer December 10 -- Human Rights Day.

"I invite you to pause wherever you find yourself at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 10, and join a worldwide wave of prayer," said Eaton in a Dec. 5 video message. "Prayer for the hungry, prayer for justice, prayer that we might share our food. Prayer that citizens and world leaders work to find just and equitable solutions to end hunger."

In her message, Eaton said Advent is "a season of hopeful longing" when Christians anticipate the birth of Christ and "the abundant life Christ promised." She emphasized the ELCA's work in helping provide that abundant life for people who are hungry and living in poverty.

"We know many in our communities and around the world are hungry. You know this because of the work you do in your communities, through your food pantries, and in your community meals. And the work we do together through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's World Hunger program," said Eaton.

ELCA World Hunger works to address the root causes of poverty and hunger through a comprehensive approach of relief, education, advocacy and development. ELCA World Hunger works with and through congregations, synods, partner churches and companions.
"We worship the one who is the true bread for the world, who taught us to pray for our daily bread. Let us pray that this may be so," said Eaton in closing.

The full text of the presiding bishop's message is available at http://bit.ly/1bj7O5o. Information about ELCA World Hunger is available at http://www.ELCA.org/hunger.