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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE REVEREND DR. DAVID A. DONGES FOR HIS OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AS BISHOP OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SYNOD, EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA (ELCA); TO EXPRESS PROFOUND THANKS AND APPRECIATION FOR HIS DEEP COMMITMENT, STEADFAST EFFORTS, AND NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS AS THAT SYNOD'S CHIEF PASTOR; AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, it is with a sense of gratitude that we recognize South Carolinians who have dedicated their lives to nurturing the spirit and well-being of all of God's children; and
Whereas, it is appropriate to recognize the achievements of those leaders involved in faith communities in South Carolina and beyond, and to express appreciation and encouragement to those who continue to inspire all people of faith and good will; and
Whereas, Bishop Donges received an A.B. Degree in Psychology from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, a Master of Divinity Degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and an honorary Doctor of Human Letters (LH.D.) conferred by Newberry College; and
Whereas, Bishop Donges, during his over forty year ministry, having been ordained a Minister of the Church in the Holy Office of Word and Sacraments on September 16, 1967, has served with distinction and as an example in numerous faith communities. He has served as Chaplain Resident for Baltimore City Hospitals and Memphis Medical Center, Associate Pastor at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta, Senior Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Columbia, South Carolina, Assistant to the Bishop of the Congregational Life, South Carolina Lutheran Synod, ELCA, and Bishop of the South Carolina Lutheran Synod, ELCA; and
Whereas, Bishop Donges has given many years of outstanding service to the community, participating in: Columbia Rotary Club; Religious Advisory Committee for Newberry College; Alston Wilkes Society (President); Chaplains' Advisory Committee, Richland Memorial Hospital; Greater Columbia Area Strategy Team; Board of Directors, Lutheran Social Services of Central South Carolina; Columbia Ministers' Association (President); Lutheran Pastors' Association of Columbia (President and Convener); Board of Directors, Community Care, Inc.; United Way Clergy Division Worker; Board of Directors, Hospice, Inc; and
Whereas, Bishop Donges is a devoted and loving husband to his lovely wife, Carolyn, and with Carolyn he has nurtured the faith of their godchildren. During more than forty years of ordained ministry, he has baptized, confirmed, and welcomed countless numbers of people into the family of faith; he has counseled parishioners and pastors alike, through births, marriages, illnesses and deaths, and provided loving counsel to them in their joys and sorrows; and
Whereas, during his two terms as Bishop, the Reverend Dr. David A. Donges has provided leadership and oversight to the mission of the South Carolina Synod by having primary responsibility for the ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Synod and has exercised his authority to ordain, commission, and consecrate the Synod's rostered leaders; and
Whereas, Bishop Donges has shown leadership in strengthening the unity of the Church as a member of the Conference of Bishops, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and, while serving as the Synod's chief ecumenical officer, he has fully embraced the ecumenical relationships established in the South Carolina partnership of faith communities known as LARCUM (Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic, and United Methodist). As Bishop, he has nurtured the "companion synod" relationships with the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church, as well as, the South West Diocese, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania; and
Whereas, it is fitting and proper for the members of the South Carolina Senate to pause in their deliberations to recognize such a faithful and distinguished South Carolinian. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Reverend Dr. David A. Donges for his outstanding leadership as Bishop of the South Carolina Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America from 1996 to 2008.
Be it further resolved that the members of the South Carolina Senate do express thanks and appreciation for his deep commitment, steadfast efforts, and notable achievements as the Synod's chief pastor, and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Reverend Dr. David A. Donges.
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