Synod candidate for ELCA VP receives 2nd highest # of votes

Group 236

Voting members at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly returned to office its incumbent vice present, Carlos Peña of Galveston, Texas.  He was elected to a second six-year term on the fourth ballot with 580 votes, 60.8 percent of the votes cast. Sixty percent were required on the fourth ballot. Peña was elected over two other nominees: Ryan M. Schwarz, McLean, Va., received 264 votes and Norma Hirsch, Des Moines, Iowa, received 110 votes.  (ELCA News Service, 8/22/09)