Rev. John Moldstad, president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), greeted the assembly on Thursday morning. "I bring greetings from all of your brothers and sisters in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. There are many people in our synod who have been praying for WELS, knowing that you have been having some financial struggles."

Moldstad says that the ELS treasures its relationship with WELS, its sister synod in the United States. He came to the convention to encourage delegates during this challenging convention.

He adds, "I am very much impressed with the real congenial and fraternal spirit in the discussions that have taken place. Although I know that there sometimes have to be strong differences in how to allocate funds, there has been a strong fraternal spirit because of your commitment to the Word."

The ELS held its annual convention June 21-25 at Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minn. In order to balance its budget for 2010, the ELS delegates voted to use contingency funds so that no cuts in ministry were necessary. If foundation grant money continues to decrease, the synod will face tougher decisions in 2011.