Robert Hofstad re-elected bishop of ELCA Southwestern Washington Synod

by John R. Brooks, ELCA News Service*

The Rev. Robert D. Hofstad was re-elected bishop of the
Southwestern Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America (ELCA) at the synod assembly May 17-19 in Tacoma,
Wash.  Hofstad, 59, was re-elected on the third ballot for bishop
with 207 votes, to 60 votes for the Rev. John P. Rosenberg,
director, Lutheran Educational Network and Support, Vancouver,
Wash. The Rev. Kathleen J. Braafladt, Messiah Lutheran Church,
Vancouver received five votes on the third ballot.  There were 36
names on the first or nominating ballot.  Hofstad's new term
begins Sept. 1.

Born in Sioux Falls, S.D., Hofstad is a graduate of Augustana
College, Sioux Falls, S.D., and Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.
He received a master of theology degree from Saint John's
University, Collegeville, Minn. When he was first elected in
2001, Hofstad was serving as assistant to the bishop of the
Southwestern Washington Synod.  He previously served as pastor of
ELCA congregations in Palatine, Ill., and Olympia, Wash.

The ELCA Southwestern Washington Synod has 39,999 baptized
members in 91 congregations.  The synod office is in Tacoma.
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     *Information was provided by Allison M.K. Ramsey of the ELCA
Southwestern Washington Synod.