ST. LOUIS — Three incumbents were returned to the Synod’s Board of Directors and three new members were elected in balloting today (July 13) at the 62nd Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Returned to the Board are Dr. Betty Duda of Cocoa Beach, Fla., with 643 votes, and Theodore A. Kober of Billings, Mont., 621 votes. Both were elected on the first ballot for four lay-member seats. Also returned is Rev. Edward Balfour of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, who received 617 votes on the second ballot for two clergy seats on the Board.
Duda and Kober will begin their second six-year terms. Balfour, who was appointed by the Board to a vacancy, will begin his first six-year term.
Elected for the first time to the Board are Rev. Victor J. Belton of Atlanta; Walter F. Tesch of Milwaukee; and Julie Martinez of Pagosa Springs, Colo.
Belton received 669 votes on the third ballot for the clergy positions. He is pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, Decatur, Ga., and has served on the Synod’s Board for Congregational Services.
Tesch was elected on the third ballot for lay members with 619 votes. He currently is chairman of the Synod’s Commission on Constitutional Matters.
Martinez received 653 votes on the fourth lay-member ballot. She is a registered nurse and a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Pagosa Springs.
Posted July 14, 2004
