ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP TO VISIT BETHANY COLLEGE  

LINDSBORG, Kan.— The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and president of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) will visit Bethany College Sept. 12 and13. 
            Bishop Hanson will lead a worship service Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. in Presser Hall auditorium and hold an open forum at 2 p.m. Sept. 13 in Lindquist Hall. Both events are open to the public.
            In addition to his public appearances, Hanson will attend Bethany classes, speak with students and meet with reporters.
            As ELCA presiding bishop and LWF president, Hanson represents more than 66 million Lutherans worldwide. Hanson is an outspoken advocate for Middle East peace, public spending to help those in poverty, and, most recently, on behalf of AIDS victims at the 2006 International AIDS Conference.       
           “As our guest during the college’s 125th anniversary celebration, I am delighted that Bishop Hanson will bring his experience with and deep concern for global issues to our campus. His gift for challenging those in power to serve those in need is in keeping with our college mission and very fitting for our anniversary celebration,” said Bethany President Paul Formo.
            The Bethany College 125th anniversary motto is “From the Plains to the World.” The college’s 16-month anniversary celebration continues through Dec. 3.
            ”Bishop Hanson has traveled the globe and has seen firsthand the results of war, poverty and oppression. He has been at the forefront of efforts to improve ecumenical relationships. This opportunity for students to interact with him is invaluable. We are very much looking forward to his visit,” said Bethany campus pastor Noni Strand.
            Bishop Hanson was ordained in 1974. He served as pastor at Prince of Glory Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minn., from 1973 to 1979; Edina Community Lutheran Church, Edina, Minn., from 1979 to 1988 and University Lutheran Church of Hope, Minneapolis, Minn., from 1988 to 1995. He was elected bishop of the Saint Paul Area Synod of the ELCA in 1995 and in 2001 was elected as presiding bishop of the ELCA. Hanson was elected LWF president in 2003.
            Bishop Hanson also is a member of the executive council of the executive board of the National Council of Churches USA. Hanson is author of “Faithful Yet Changing: The Church in Challenging Times,” published in 2002.
            Bishop Hanson and wife, Ione, currently live in Chicago.
            Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to nurture and challenge individuals in their search for truth and meaning as they lead lives of faith, learning and service.

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