Lutheran World Federation. U.S.A. National Committee. General Secretary (1967-1972, 1974-1975 : Empie)

The successor body to the Lutheran World Convention (1923-1947), the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) was founded in 1947 as an international, free association of Lutheran churches dedicated to fostering world-wide Lutheran cooperation and unity in faith, mission, study, and ecumenical participation. To carry out its work, the LWF established national committees from each country with LWF member churches. From 1947- 1966, the Executive Committee of the National Lutheran Council (NLC) served as the U.S.A. National Committee of the LWF (USANC). As NLC Executive Director, Empie worked closely with USANC affairs.

In 1967, Empie became General Secretary of the USANC which was established as separate standing body. Although retiring in 1972, Empie filled in as General Secretary from 1974-1975. The USANC was reorganized as Lutheran World Ministries in 1977. In 1987, USANC responsibilities were given to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Office/Department for Ecumenical Affairs.