For Immediate Release
Contact: Vicki Biggs, 314-996-1236, 314-556-3829 (cell), @VickiBiggs2
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Photo available – Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison
ST. LOUIS, July 6, 2013—The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison has been elected to his second term as president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).
“The greatest joy of serving as president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has been seeing the undeserved blessings Christ continues to bestow upon this worldwide fellowship,” said Harrison this morning upon being notified of the election results. “Amidst the deepest struggles, our own many sins and failings, and in the face of a world gone mad, the Lord unfailingly answers our prayers for mercy and abundantly so. ‘Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered’ (Ps. 32:1).
“I am deeply humbled by your support,” continued Harrison. “It is the honor of a lifetime to serve you. I plead for your prayers even as ‘I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy’ (Phil. 1:3–4).”
In a new election process adopted in 2010 at the church’s 64th Regular Convention, congregational delegates who attended their districts’ 2012 conventions were asked to cast their votes for the LCMS president between June 22-25, 2013.
All LCMS congregations were invited to submit nominations for president of the Synod. Nominations received by Feb. 20, 2013 – five months prior to the start of church’s 65th Regular Convention, as per the new Synod bylaw – were tallied by an independent auditor and delivered to the secretary of the Synod. The Synod’s secretary implemented the new voting process that initiated June 22.
Candidates were the three ordained ministers who received the highest number of votes in the nominations process and who consented to serve if elected. In addition to Harrison, the Rev. Dr. David P.E. Maier and the Rev. Dr. Herbert C. Mueller Jr. also were nominees.
Harrison received 4,262 votes, or 66.26 percent. Maier received 1,906 votes, or 29.63 percent. Mueller received 264 votes, or 4.10 percent. Total ballots cast were 6,432, or 78.43 percent of the electorate.
Harrison was elected by a majority of votes cast and will serve as president during the 2013-16 triennium.
Election of the Synod’s first vice-president and five regional vice-presidents will take place during the convention, July 20-25 in St. Louis. To see the results of all convention elections, visit www.lcms.org/convention/nominations.
The Synod’s triennial convention serves as the church’s principal legislative assembly. It offers the opportunity for worship, fellowship and the consideration of proposed resolutions. Some 3,500 people, including 1,200 voting delegates – an equal number of ordained ministers and laity – and advisory delegates will attend. Participants include pastors, teachers, other professional church workers and lay members representing congregations, schools, districts and ministries from around the world, will attend. For more information, please visit www.lcms.org/convention.
About The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is a biblical, confessional, witness-oriented Christian denomination with 2.3 million members – 600,000 households – in 6,200 congregations. Through acts of witness and mercy, the church carries out its mission worldwide to make known the love of Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.lcms.org.
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