August 30, 2005

CHICAGO – The major need now is the search and rescue for survivors of Hurricane Katrina, according to Heather L. Feltman, director for Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. "Keeping people alive is the primary task this day," said Feltman, who also serves as director for ELCA Domestic Disaster Response.

"Lutheran Disaster Response is identifying retired military personnel, fire fighters and others with search and rescue skills and referring them to appropriate officials" in the federal search for hurricane survivors along the U.S. Gulf Coast, said Feltman.

"Evacuation continues to take place, particularly in New Orleans, which is about 80 percent under water," she said. Recovery work will not begin until flood waters recede, access to power and electricity are restored and conditions are deemed safe for disaster response volunteers, Feltman said.

"We are still collecting information from ELCA synods and LCMS districts," she said. "Information has been somewhat sporadic, but we know many Lutheran church buildings have sustained damage. Hardship grants will be given to congregations and communities at large for health and child care needs, temporary housing, and emotional and spiritual care," Feltman said.

"Financial gifts are urgently needed to help with a flexible, efficient and immediate plan for disaster response," said Kathryn Sime, director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal.

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, said, "I thank God for all in this church who are offering support through their prayers for the safety of people who have been evacuated, those who have lost homes and communities, and those who are risking their lives in search and rescue efforts."

Hanson is currently in Jerusalem, West Bank, attending a council meeting of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the LWF is a global communion of 138 Lutheran churches in 77 countries, with 66 million members. Hanson is president of the LWF.

Contributions may be made to ELCA Domestic Disaster Response, P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764 Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522 Credit card gifts via Internet: http://www.ELCA.org/scriptlib/dcm/giving/ddisaster.asp.

ELCA News Service