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

The successor body of 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 NLC served as the USANC. As NLC Executive Director, Empie worked closely in USANC affairs. In 1967, Empie became General Secretary of the USANC which was established as a separate.

Standing body. Although retiring in 1972, Empie filled in as General Secretary from 1974-1975. The Office of Theology and Worship, created to publicize LWF theological concerns and sponsor consultations and ecumenical dialogues, was replaced by an Office of Studies in 1970. The USANC was reorganized as Lutheran World Ministries (LWM) in 1977, at which time the USANC Office of Studies became the LWM Office on Studies. In 1987, USANC responsibilities were given to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Office/Department for Ecumenical Affairs.