8/12/2016 5:05:00 PM

NEW ORLEANS – William B. Horne II of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Clearwater, Fla., was elected vice president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

Horne was elected on the fourth ballot with 565 votes to 175 votes for Cheryl G. Stuart of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Tallahassee, Fla., and 161 votes for Becky Blue of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, S.D.

“First of all, thanks be to God,” said Horne addressing the assembly following the election. “I really believe that his Spirit has been with us all of our assembly, and especially during the election process. I want to thank all of you for your discipline and your support.”

The position of vice president is the highest a layperson can hold in the ELCA. Carlos Peña, the current vice president, has served for 13 years. Peña did not seek a third term.

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