ELCA News Briefs 02/06/2012
 
_Synod Assemblies are coming up, which means that now is the time to submit resolutions.  Every year a host of liberal affirming resolutions are submitted and passed.  Very few represent orthodox Lutherans, so we encourage you to start writing.  If you have a resolution prepared, or when it is written, please send it to Exposing the ELCA and we will post them for others to use for submission to their synod gatherings.  I have heard that a resolution has been submitted to the Northern Great Lakes Synod, ELCA called "Welcoming Traditional Lutherans."  If anyone has a copy of it, we would be happy to post it on this website.

Pastor Eric Carlson wrote this about resolutions:

“One avenue of access for congregations, conferences, synod organizational units and voting members to address issues and propose a plan for action is the resolution. Resolutions help organize the work of the assembly by clarifying important issues or concerns. Resolutions are first reviewed by the reference and counsel committee, which will make recommendations to the assembly to facilitate its work, but the resolutions belong to the assembly and may be amended, rejected, or adopted after consideration by the voting members. Resolutions may be submitted until 45 days prior to the first day the assembly meets.” (see here)

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Rev. Julie Boleyn, on January 14, 2012 became “the first lesbian to be ordained in the Greater Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.”

Rev. Boleyn “spent about four years working for Planned Parenthood.” (see here)

Is that where we are now getting our pastors?  Planned Parenthood?

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Reverend William E. Flippin, Jr., “a staunch supporter of Barack Obama and an ELCA pastor,” wrote a blog posted in The Huffington Post entitled “Would Martin Luther Vote for Barack Obama?”  Rev. Flippin implies that Luther would.  He says he believes “wholeheartedly that the political views of President Barack Obama would resonate with his (Martin Luther’s) vision of universal needs for all.”  (see here)
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Almost 100 ELCA pastors and leaders have endorsed a declaration entitled, “Religious Declaration on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing.”  In this document, the ELCA leaders call for marriage equality for homosexuals, and they voice their commitment to abortion, among other things.

Concerning marriage equality and abortion, the declaration says, “We call for:”
- “Full inclusion of women and LGBT persons in congregational life, including their ordination and marriage equality.”
- “A faith-based commitment to sexual and reproductive rights, including access to voluntary contraception, abortion, and HIV/STI prevention and treatment.”  (read here)

Here is the list of ELCA pastors and leaders who signed this public declaration:

Rev. Michael E. Allwein; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA; Gettysburg, PA

Rev. Dr. LaVonne Althouse; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Retired Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Lititz, PA

Rev. Glenn M. Anderson; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA; Park Rapids, MN

Rev. Kirk Anderson; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Prescott Valley, AZ; Dewey, AZ

Rev. Dr. Theodore W. Asta; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutherans Concerned; Worcester, MA

Reverend John F. Backe; Lutheran, Our Savior's Lutheran Church; Denver, CO

Rev. Ernest R. Barr; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Faith Lutheran Church; Wichita Falls, TX

Rev. Ruth Bosch Becker; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA, retired Campus Pastor; Cranberry Twp, PA

Rev. Joel Benbow; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA; Edina, MN

Rev. Arne Bergland; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, California Lutheran University; Thousand Oaks, CA

Dr. Charles Bergstrom; Lutheran, Lutheran Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; W Yarmouth, MA

Rev. James E. Boline; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, St. Paul Lutheran Church; Santa Monica, CA

Rev. Shawn Brandon; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA; Baudette, MN

Rev. Dr. Thomas Edwards Breed; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, St. Andrew Lutheran Church; Cedar Rapids, IA

Dr. Pamela Brubaker; Brethren, Associate Professor, California Lutheran University; Thousand Oaks Rd, CA

Rev. Laurie Larson Caesar; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA; Beaverton, OR

Rev. Paul Carlson; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Highlands Lutheran Church; Denver, CO

Rev. Dr. Herbert W. Chilstrom; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Former Presiding Bishop, ELCA; St. Peter, MN

Rev. Erin Clausen; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, St. James Lutheran Church; Western Springs, IL

Rev. Barbara Condon; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA; Idaho Falls, ID

Rev. Dr. Samuel Cruz; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Assistant Professor of Religion and Society, Union Theological Seminary; New York, NY

Rev. Sandra D. Dager; Lutheran, Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church; Palo Alto, CA

Rev. Dr. Amandus J. Derr; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Pastor, Saint Peter's Church; New York, NY

Rev. Dr. Thomas Dorsey; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church; New York, NY

Ms. Emily Eastwood; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutherans Concerned/North America

Rev. Dr. Sandra Ellis-Killian; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, St. John's Lutheran Church, Ambler, PA; Glenside, PA

Reverend Joanne Elise Engquist; Lutheran, Pastor, University Lutheran Church; Cambridge, MA

Dr. R. Guy Erwin; Lutheran, Professor, California Lutheran University; Thousand Oaks, CA

Rev. Paul Fauske; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, pastor, Evangelical Church in America; Mercer Island, WA

Rev. Travis Fisher; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA; Davenport, IA

Reverend Ray Flachmeier; Lutheran, Pastor, Resurrection Lutheran Church; Plano, TX

Rev. Robert Franek; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Pastor, Faith Lutheran Church; Galesburg, IL

Rev. John L. Freesemann; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church; San Jose, CA

Rev. Ruth Frost; Lutheran, Chaplain, Hospice of the Twin Cities; Minneapolis, MN

Rev. Sue Gaeta; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Rev. Dr. Paula J. Gravelle; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Ellis Hospital; Watervliet, NY

Rev. Anne Hall; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Seattle University Lutheran Church, ELCA; Seattle, WA

Rev. Katherine Hellier; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Zion Lutheran Church in America; Portland, OR

Rev. Jill Henning; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Trinity Lutheran Church

Ms. Cheryl Heuer; Dean of Students and Registrar, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary; Berkeley, CA

Rev. Anita C. Hill; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Co-Pastor, St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church; Saint Paul, MN

Rev. Emory A. Hingst; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Florida Bahamas Synod; Tallahassee, FL

Rev. Alfred O. Hoerig; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Grace Lutheran SAWC, ELCA; Elgin, TX

Rev. Dr. John F. Hoffmeyer; Lutheran, Asst. Prof. of Systematic Theology, Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA

Rev. David Holmquist; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Calvary Lutheran Church, ELCA; Eureka, CA

Rev. Magdalene Holm-Roesler; Lutheran, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, ELCA; Austin, TX

Reverend Dr. John B. Hougen; Lutheran, St. John's Lutheran Church; Melrose Park, PA

Pastor Timothy Hoyer; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church; Lakewood, NY

Pastor John Hugus; Lutheran, Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Jacksonville, FL

Pastor Alexander Jacobs; Lutheran, Campus Pastor, Lutheran Campus Ministry at UW-Milwaukee; Milwaukee, WI

Reverend Denton R. Kees; Lutheran, ELCA; Stroudsburg, PA

Pastor Donald M. King; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Hope Lutheran Church; Cleveland Heights, OH

Rev. Donald J. Knecht; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, retired; Minneapolis, MN

Rev. Dr. Robert Kriesat; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Retired; Morristown, NJ

Rev. Frederick Lentz; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, St. Andrew Lutheran Church; Parsippany, NJ

Rev. Mark Lingle; Lutheran, St. Francis Episcopal Church; Stamford, CT

Rev. Dr. Barbara K. Lundblad; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Union Theological Seminary and Advent Lutheran Church; New York, NY

Rev. Catherine Malotky; Lutheran, ELCA Board of Pensions; Minnetonka, MN

Rev. Dr. David Miller; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Central States Synod, ELCA; Lenexa, KS

Rev. Gwendolyn E. Miller; Lutheran, Martin Luther Lutheran Church

Rev. Paul E. Mullins; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church; San Francisco, CA

Rev. Dr. Heidi Neumark; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Trinity Lutheran Church; New York, NY

Rev. Karen E. Norman Rees; Lutheran, Evangelical Lutheran Church; Peoria, IL

Reverend Edward D. O'Donnell Jr.; Lutheran, Reverend, VITAS Healthcare

Rev. D.M. Olson; ELCA Lutheran, Mother, ELCA; Milwaukee, WI

Rev. David C Parsons; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, St. John-St. Matthew-Emanuel Lutheran Church (ELCA); Brooklyn, NY

Rev. David Ethan Olson; Lutheran, Berwyn United Lutheran Church; Berwyn, IL

Rev. Janis Pauliks; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, MNYS; Brooklyn, NY

Reverend Dr. Gary Pence; Lutheran, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary; Berkeley, CA

Rev. Pamela Griffith Pond; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Marin Interfaith Worker Justice; Novato, CA

Rev. Mary Robinson; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA; New London, CT

Rev. C. Franklin Samuelson; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA Retired Clergy; Moline, IL

Reverend Gilbert Rossing; Lutheran, Retired, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America; Grapevine, TX

Rev. Ronald Rude; Lutheran, Lutheran Campus Ministry; Tucson, AZ

Prof. Loyal Rue; Lutheran, Professor of Religion and Philosophy, Luther College; Decorah, IA

Rev. Rodney W. Seeger; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA; Mill Valley, CA

Rev. Timothea Sharpe; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Midlands Pastoral Care Associates; Prosperity, SC

Professor Mary Shields; Associate Professor of Old Testament, Trinity Lutheran Seminary; Columbus, OH

Rev. Dr. Jim A. Siefkes; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA; Minneapolis, MN

Rev. Timothy Singleton; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, New Horizons Lutheran Church; Falcon, CO

Rev. Craig Sommer; Lutheran, St. Martin's Lutheran Church; Austin, TX

Rev. Susan F. Sprowls; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI

John Stendahl; Lutheran, Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Newtons, Newton, MA

Mr. William Stewart; Lutheran, Thornton Friends School; Alexandria, VA

Rev. Kevin Stickland; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church; Maryville, TN

Rev. Susan M. Strouse; Lutheran, First United Lutheran Church; San Francisco, CA

Rev. Wayne Tellekson; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA; Minneapolis, MN

Rev. Andrew Tengwall; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Church of the Savior; Kalamazoo, MI

Rev. Gerald L. Thompson; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Reverend Paul A. Tidemann; Lutheran, St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church; St. Paul, MN

Ms. Julie Tillberg; Lutheran, Hosanna Lutheran Church; Plattsmouth, NE

Rev. Thomas Von Fischer; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Retired; Minneapolis, MN

Reverend Gloria Weber; Lutheran, Interfaith Voices for Peace and Justice; St. Louis, MO

Rev. June Wilkins; Lutheran, St. Martin's Lutheran Church

Rev. Susan E. Wolfe; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church; North Hollywood, CA; North Hollywood, CA

Rev. Phyllis Zillhart; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Hospice Chaplain, Fairview Home Care and Hospice; Minneapolis, MN

Reverend Jennifer E. Zima; Lutheran, Pastor, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Falls Church, VA

Rev. Martin Otto Zimmann; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA; Holland, OH

See the list of all endorsers here
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In ancient times there were evil, demonically inspired people who would sacrifice their newborn babies to false gods.  It was a fairly common practice, and I ask myself, “How could anyone do this?”

In the United States, from 1973 to 2008 over 53,310,000 unborn babies have been killed (aborted).  (see here)  We cut up, suffocate and burn our own children!  We are just as bad, if not worse than those people of ancient past.

How does this happen in a land of so many Christians?  I think the answer is found toward the end of a speech given by a young boy named Anthony Irsik.  Irsik said, “I would like to leave a thought with you from Dr. Bernard Nathanson.  Dr. Nathanson was one of the founders of the abortion movement. He helped provide 75,000 abortions, one of them being his very own child. He later became a pro-life movement leader. Nathanson explained to the public how he got abortion legislation passed. ‘We knew that the biggest obstacle in our way was not going to be the government or the media or academia. We knew we had those and could easily get those on our side. The biggest obstacle was going to be the church … (Abortionists) never would have gotten away with what (they) did had (churches) been united, purposeful and strong.’”
(read here)

The Christian church needs to stand together to protect the right to life of the unborn.  And if you are a member of a church or denomination which actively promotes and aids the killing of unborn children, you need to stand against them, stop supporting them and get out from their authority.  (see a run down of denominations’ positions on abortion here)

As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America you should know where your church stands on abortion.  You should find out if the ELCA is one of those churches that has made it possible for over 53 million babies to be slaughtered.

Check out this Exposing the ELCA page to find out more about the ELCA’s position on abortion.  It is apparent to me that the ELCA has blood on their hands.


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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America came out with a social statement in 1999, called “Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All.”  In that statement, the ELCA declares their belief that our world has an overpopulation problem.

The ELCA’s social statement says, “We call for . . . support for family planning and enhanced opportunities for women so that population pressures might be eased.”  (read here)  

Are there “population pressures?”  That is debatable.  The fact that the ELCA is using “overpopulation” as a reason to have “enhanced” family planning opportunities is troubling.  It should also be noted that the ELCA is calling for these opportunities for all women: “For all: especially those living in poverty.”

Knowing that the ELCA is pro-abortion, one should wonder what the ELCA is really saying here (or trying not to say).  Is abortion a part of their overpopulation solution?  Based on what we know about the ELCA’s support for abortion, (see here) there is little doubt in my mind that it is.
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An Exposing the ELCA reader, John Vincent, recently sent me some documents that I’d like to share with you.  The first document has two pro-life resolutions which he submitted to the Nebraska Synod of the ELCA. (read here) The next one has the Nebraska Synod Resolution Committee’s rulings on his resolutions. (see pages 48-51, committee's response to resolutions 5 and 6) 

The third document is entitled “What I Learned About the ELCA and Abortion from the Nebraska Synod.” (read here) Here Mr. Vincent analyzes and presents his findings on what he has learned regarding the ELCA’s stance on abortion.

I recommend you take a few minutes to read the documents, especially Mr. Vincent’s findings, as they provide a clear picture of the ELCA’s true positions on abortion and the life of an unborn child.
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Exposing the ELCA readers were asked "Do you approve of the ELCA policy to pay for abortions for any reason, in their medical healthcare coverage?"

The results were -

Yes 15%  (53 votes)

No 85%  (299 votes)

Total Votes: 352
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Check out this "little jingle."

(sung to the tune of Fidelity Fiduciary Bank, from the musical Mary Poppins)

If you donate your tuppence
Wisely to the church
Safe and sound
Soon that tuppence
Safe within the ELCA
Will compound

And you’ll achieve a sense of justice
As your piety expands
When Higgens Road and its directors
Give in – to special int’rest groups’ demands

You see, members, you’ll be part of
Dissing the church in Africa
(They’re homophobes, you know!)
Two millenia of Christendom’s
Theology must to go!
Millions given for bogus studies
Toward a pre-determined goal!
…Ordination for non-celibate gays!

All from tuppence, prudently
Fruitfully, frugally donated
to the, to be specific,
to the publicly accountable,
life-long, monogamous,
same-gender Luth’ran Church

Now, members,
When you give tuppence to the ELCA-church
Soon you’ll see
Leftist causes successfully promoted
At church-wide assemblies.
And you’ll achieve that sense of stature
As your arrogance expands
To the high ecclesial strata
That our ELCA-church commands

You can buy our health insurance
That’ll cover abortions!
Ageism! Feminism! Racism! Sexism!
It’s Victomhood that sells!

Opportunities!
All manner of social activism!
Anti-War! Pro-Choice!
Global Warming! End of Life!
Stewardship to
Secularize the Church!

You see, members,
Tuppence, patiently, cautiously trustingly donated
To the, to be specific,
To the publicly accountable
Life-long, monogamous,
Same-gender Luth’ran Church

By "Snuggarunt," found in the comments section of this article.
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The ELCA has a dirty little secret that they hope their membership never finds out about.  The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America provides for abortions in the medical health coverage for people and families they employ.  They have been doing it from the start, when the ELCA was formed.  Over 20 years ago.  Our tithes and offerings have went and are going to pay for the killing of unborn children.

That's bad, but it gets worse.  They allow and pay for abortions for any reason.  They don't limit them to only cases where the health of the mother or child are in jeopardy.  They pay for any abortion that state laws allow.  The baby has Down's syndrome? Abortion approved.  Mother doesn't want to be tied down with a baby?  Abortion approved.  Wanted a boy, not a girl?  Abortion approved.  Abortion for any reason.

During the ELCA Church-wide Assembly in 1997 some voting members tried to limit medical coverage for abortions.  They submitted that abortions could be paid for "only in cases that involve pregnancy that results from the violence of rape or incest, or serious threats to the physical health of the mother, or abnormalities of the embryo or fetus that are incompatible with life."  The majority of the voters and leaders of the ELCA said NO.  651 votes to 271 votes.  (http://www.exposingtheelca.com/on-abortion.html)  They did not want to limit abortions.  The ELCA wants to pay for them all.  Or should I say, they want YOU to pay for all abortions.  Money you thought was going for God's work.

Do you think Jesus would tell people to kill their child?  Our paying for abortions makes it easier for people to have them.  Is that God's will?  Do you believe God thinks the ELCA is doing a loving thing by funding abortions?  This is a denomination gone wild!  Doing their own will.  Making their own truth while rejecting God's Words.  And they love having US pay for it!  

Christ followers, the ELCA is on brink of not even being Christian anymore.  
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