July 8, 2005

SAN ANTONIO – Carmen K. Richards, Hope, N.D., was elected the new president of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) at a July 7 business session at the organizationís Sixth Triennial Convention.

Women of the ELCA's Gathering is meeting here July 5-10 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. The organization's three-year theme, "Act Boldly," is being unveiled at the convention amid Bible study, keynote presentations, workshops, community service, business sessions and elections. More than 2,100 women from across the United States and around the world are participating.

On the third ballot for president, Richards received 242 votes and was elected; 222 votes were needed for election. Elizabeth Y. Gaskins, Smyrna, Ga., was the runner-up with 93 votes.

After being elected Richards, 49, thanked the ELCA Eastern North Dakota Synod and the Women of the ELCA for their continuous support. She also responded by encouraging the women in the organization who were present. "You canít be burned out if youíre not on fire yet," Richards said. "We need to act boldly, and I need all of you to do that."

Richards will be installed as president at the gatheringís closing worship July 10. She will serve a three-year term.

During her term, Richards said she hopes ìto reach out to the young women and the children in the pews and around the world and to show them what this organization can provide for them in support, in faith support, in camaraderie among each other.î

She hopes to reach the young women "by contacting them first of all, by talking to them where theyíre at, wherever that may be – in the workforce, in their homes, in their churches – and just showing them what we have available to them. That may mean the organization has to change some to meet their needs and to meet their time availability," Richards said.

Richards is currently serving as the Women of the ELCA treasurer. She is a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hope, N.D., a congregation of the ELCA Eastern North Dakota Synod. Richards was a Sunday school teacher for 24 years, youth choir director, and president and treasurer of her local Women of the ELCA unit.

Richards and her husband, Randy, own and operate a 4,800 acre farm. They have three adult children – Tony, Katie and Brandi.

Information about the Women of the ELCA's Sixth Triennial Gathering is at http://www.womenoftheELCA.org/ on the Web.

ELCA News Service
Kirsten H. Boettner is a senior communication major at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. This summer she is an intern with the ELCA News Service.