_One would think, with the financial struggles the ELCA is having, that they would at least try to be wise with the gifts and tithes to God that they receive from people.  However, much like the United States government, they love to spend on their agenda. 

For example, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America wants you to come to “Ecumenical Advocacy Days.” (March 23-26)  At this gathering you "will explore economy, livelihoods, and our national priorities . . . hear from theologians and policy experts, equip ourselves to speak confidently on key policy issues, and take our message to our elected officials in Congress."  But wait, is "(m)oney tight? We understand, and to help more people attend EAD, the ELCA is providing scholarships."  (read here)

"ELCA scholarships for Ecumenical Advocacy Days cover the conference registration fee, hotel costs, and travel expenses to Washington D.C. (either flight or mileage reimbursement)." (read here) 

Isn’t that nice?  Your tithe is going to train people to be lobbyists and political activists, and you can be sure the training will be centered around the ELCA’s political priorities. 

That’s not all.  You know the money you sent to ELCA World Hunger?  It is being used to send lobbyists to the Iowa State capital.   Called "Lutheran Day on the Hill," "passionate advocates" will be going to lobby state legislators.  "This opportunity is offered at no cost to attendees."  Lunch is provided and you also get a t-shirt.
"This event has been made possible through a grant from ELCA World Hunger. We are proud to be a partner in Lutheran Day on the Hill with the three Iowa Synods of the ELCA."  (read here)

And lastly, another example of how our denomination is quick to spend God’s money on their ideology.  "Lutheran School of Theology Chicago Offers LC/NA Course Free For CEU's."  This ELCA seminary is offering free Continuing Education Units for a course called "Transformation + Action = Oxygen."  The course "is designed to empower, equip, inspire, and activate participants to have life-giving, well-timed, appropriately-framed conversations with their congregants regarding the inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities." (read here)

This course comes from Lutherans Concerned / North America, whose purpose is "to unite gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their supporters within the Lutheran churches."  (read here)

And it’s free at this ELCA seminary!
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Two ELCA synods, the Western Iowa Synod and the Southeastern Iowa Synod, have decided to co-sponsor, what has all the indications of, an anti-Israeli conference October 14-15, 2011. (see here)

Interestingly enough, the conference that the ELCA “Christian” synods are co-sponsoring includes a Muslim prayer service.  (read here)

The conference is called “US Policy in Palestine-Israel: Engaging Faith Communities in Pursuit of a Just Peace.”

When I look at the program for the conference, maybe it is just me, but I don’t think this gathering is all that interested in making sure Israel gets a “just peace.”

Notice some of the topics they will cover:
- Challenging US Military Aid to Israel
- Divesting from Israeli Occupation
- Palestinian Christians & the Kairos document (read about the Kairos document here)
- Debunking Myths About Islam
- Muslim Contributions to Knowledge
- Peace by Piece
- Organizing Within the Churches
- Fair Trade – Canaan
- Ethical Travel to Palestine
- Inside Gaza Today
- Christian Zionism
- Organizing on Campuses
- Youth travels in Palestine

One of the scheduled workshops is titled “BDS - MN Break the Bonds.” (see here)  I looked up “BDS” and found a description on the organization's website outlining who they are and what they are about.  It said, “(t)he global movement for a campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel until it complies with international law and Palestinian rights was initiated by Palestinian civil society in 2005, and is coordinated by the Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC), established in 2007.” (see here)

A few other things I noted about this conference: 
- Phyllis Bennis, a keynote speaker, was a founder and remains on the steering committee of the U.S. Campaign to End Israeli Occupation.
- The speakers seem to be Americans and Muslims who have the same political/Middle East view point. 
- It is worth taking a look at who the other conference co-sponsors are. (see here)
- The conference information pages use bias language and Palestinian talking points which are decidedly intended to put the Palestinian cause and positions in the best possible light while at the same time vilifying the Israelis. (see here)

If these people want to hold a conference, they certainly have every right to do so, but why are these two Evangelical Lutheran Church in America synods supporting a Muslim prayer service and an Israeli-bashing symposium?  Do you as ELCA members want your denomination to be associated with this kind of thing?

So in an effort to set the record straight on the quest for peace in the Middle East, please watch this six minute video.
Israel Palestinian Conflict: The Truth About the Peace Process
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Here is an interesting article about an organization called Greater Cleveland Congregations, "Have Alinsky Political Operatives Infiltrated Cleveland’s Christian, Jewish & Muslim Faith Communities?"  (read here)

At least three ELCA entities are involved in this group:

- ELCA North East Ohio Synod
- ELCA Gift of God
- Hope Lutheran Church
(read here)
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The ELCA continues to show that promoting their political positions is a major priority.  The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America just posted on their website and sent out an email asking readers to "Call Your Representative Today to Vote NO on the 'Cut, Cap and Balance Act.'" (see here) 

Here is another example of the ELCA using their resources and displaying their true focus -- pushing a political agenda.

Remember that when you give to the ELCA, your money that is intended as a tithe and gift to God is really going to promote the ideology of the Democratic party, the ELCA's social justice causes and progressive policies.  When you throw in the fact that the ELCA is seemingly indifferent to making disciples for Christ and bringing the lost to the salvation offered by Jesus (to all those who believe), I wonder if God finds your gifts and tithes acceptable.


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The ELCA and its leaders love to push their liberal progressive political policies and condemn ones that do not live up to their point of view.  Here is another case in point.  Recently, four ELCA bishops (along with other religious leaders) signed a letter to United States Senators saying that the Republican “budget proposal passed by the House of Representatives, which the Senate will vote on this week, fails the basic tests of justice, compassion and a commitment to the common good.”  They go on to say the “House budget turns its back on the most vulnerable at a time of grave economic uncertainty even as it endorses policies that gives tax breaks for the privileged few. This is morally indefensible.” (read here) 

The ELCA puts forth very little effort to make disciples as Jesus told us to do, they are not bringing people to the saving knowledge of Christ and what He has done, but they are great at being a voice for progressive liberalism.

ELCA leaders who signed letter -

Bishop James F. Mauney
Virginia Synod

Bishop David B. Zellmer
South Dakota Synod

Bishop Stephen S. Talmage
Grand Canyon Synod

Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
Northeastern Ohio Synod

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It seems that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will collaborate with anyone, as long as it works to further their political and social justice agenda. 

The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) is not a Christian denomination.  They describe themselves this way, "Unitarian Universalism is a caring, open-minded religion that encourages seekers to find their own spiritual path. Our faith draws on many religious sources, welcoming people with different beliefs." (see here)

With that in mind, let’s look at the strong connection and relationship the ELCA has with the Unitarian Universalist Association by looking at some of the organizations and causes that the ELCA and the UUA are members of or associated with.
  • The ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program lists the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee  (see here) under the heading “Faith Partners,” (subheading “Protestant Socially Responsibly Investing Partners”)
  • The ELCA participates in the Inter-religious Organizing Initiative (IOI) with the Unitarian Universalists.  The IOI strives to win policy changes on justice issues. (see here)
  • The ELCA and UUA are in a coalition together called Churches for Middle East Peace.  The coalition advocates for its vision for “peace” in the Middle East. (see here)
  • The UUA and ELCA are both partners with the Islamic Society of North America Office for Interfaith and Community Alliances.  (see here)
  • Both the UUA and the ELCA are listed as Network Council Organizations of the Jubilee USA Network. (see here)
  • The ELCA and the UUA are part of Faithful Reform in Healthcare. (see here) 
  • The ELCA collaborates with the Ecumenical Justice Partners Network in anti-racism work.  Unitarian Universalist Association is one of the six partners that the ELCA works with in this venture. (see here)
  • Both the ELCA and the UUA are members together in the US Faith and Ethics Network for the International Criminal Court (US FENICC). (see here) 
  • The ELCA and the UUA have partnered with The Campaign for U.S. Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). (see here)
  • Both are members of the Odyssey Networks which is dedicated to promoting tolerance, peace and social justice through the production and distribution of media.  (see here) 
  • The UUA and the ELCA are fellow members of the Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition (IDAC). (see here)
  • Both the ELCA and the UUA have taken part in the efforts of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.  (see here)
  • Evangelical Lutheran Church in America - Sierra Pacific Synod and Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association-Pacific Southwest District Chapter both endorse the efforts of Californians for a Moratorium on Executions in Calling for a Time-Out on Executions in California. (see here)
  • The ELCA and the UUA supported The Democracy Restoration Act (DRA), which is federal legislation that seeks to restore voting rights in federal elections to the nearly 4 million ex-prisoners. (see here)
  • Both are Coalition Members of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. (see here)
  • The UUA and the ELCA are both “endorsing groups” in the Interreligious Working Group on Domestic Human Needs.  (see here)
  • Interfaith Funders (IF) is a network of faith-based and secular grantmakers committed to social change and economic justice.  Members of this network included The Evangelical Lutheran Church In America's Division for Church in Society, Unitarian Universalist Funding Panels and Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock. (see here)
Here are a few letters from the Interreligious Working Group on Domestic Human Needs, which the ELCA and UUA collaborated on and signed:
  • A Faith Reflection on the Federal Budget.  (see here)
  • Letter to Congress on the expiration of TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program). (see here)
  • Faith community representatives ask President Bush and Senator Kerry to address the issue of poverty in the United States. (see here)
  • Letter - Statement: To Preserve and Strengthen Social Security: Religious Organization Statement of Principles. (see here)
  • Letter to Senators. (see here)
  • Letter To Senators Calling for Renewal of Expiring Provisions of the Voting Rights Act. (see here) 
  • Letter to President Bush Encouraging Support of Uganda Peace Negotiations - signed by Presiding Bishop of the ELCA and the President of the UUA.   (see here)
Here are more letters signed by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
  • The Interfaith Platform on Humane Immigration Reform Letter.  (see here)
  • Sign-On Letter: Protect HUD Funding. Both the ELCA and the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations signed. (read here) 
  • The Religious Statement on Foreign Assistance Reform. (read here)
  • The Religious Working Group on Water's letter “Water for All.” (see here) 
  • The Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition (IDAC). (see here)
(This is not an exhaustive list of the working relationship between the ELCA and the UUA.  With more research I am sure more connections could be established.)
 
As you can see, the ELCA and the Unitarian Universalist Association have very similar agendas and find themselves working together on so many issues.  This is not a coincidence.  The ELCA has become a liberal, non-orthodox, non-traditional, non-Bible believing denomination which finds itself working and associating most often with likeminded denominations and religions. 

When you throw out the clear Truth of Scripture as the ELCA and UUA have done, when you cast the Great Commission out the window, you have to invest your time and energies in “works” which are elevated into the reason for the church’s existence.   And when you are all about “works” it doesn’t matter who is helping you, as long as you accomplish your political and social justice driven goals.

The Bible says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?  What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?  What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?”  - 2 Corinthians 6:14-16

Some people may ask, “What fellowship can the ELCA have with Unitarian Universalists?”  The real question should be, “What fellowship can Bible believing Lutheran Christians have with the ELCA?”

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ELCA and Muslims 10/27/2010
 
(The following is written by a reader of Exposing the ELCA)
Here's an interesting tidbit, straight from the ELCA Town Hall meeting September 19:

"As a Christian, I want to hear a Muslim speak of their faith, how the Qur’an shapes their faith, how they live their faith in daily life, what it’s like to worship together. And I want to share that story as a Christian. And in that exchange, we might grow to appreciate the faith of the other. Sometimes in that conversation, one may even be opened to being converted to the faith of the other. But if that doesn’t happen, we will at least begin to say: We have a common commitment to the one world in which God has placed us, to work together for justice and peace."

For the full transcript, you can visit this page.

But it's obvious that quote wasn't taken out of context, and it's only on page 2 and 3. Martin Luther transcribed the Quran into German because he felt that the learned Christian ought to know it so that through knowing it, he or she "might be able to heal some." But now, we have become so afraid of embracing the Word that the best the ELCA can do is say that though interfaith dialogue, a Christian or Muslim might or might not be inclined to convert to the faith of another.

I think that we have to live with our neighbors of other faiths on three levels: civic, just, and evangelical. Civic in the sense that we have to figure out how to get along with neighbors, friends, family members, and coworkers who are of radically different faiths. Just in the sense that most of us can agree that things like bullying, racial slurs, world hunger, poverty, etc., ought not to be no matter what your religious/racial/sexual/national affiliation may be. And evangelical because we may be called to invite people into the Christian faith and we need to know how to do that. The ELCA has substituted evangelism with justice and called it good.
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August 11-14, 2010, the ELCA will be holding an event called "Sharing the Gospel in a 2.0 World."  

First off, I pray the ELCA is going to be teaching attendees to tell the lost about salvation from sin and death in Christ alone.  Sadly, I highly doubt that John 3:16 (For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life) or Romans 10:9 (That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved we) will be preached.

We don't hear and see that message from ELCA leadership now so why would that change?  (you hear a lot about universal salvation from the the ELCA though)

For those lucky few that will attend this event you get to hear about "Sharing the Gospel" from a . . . Muslim!  Now isn't that special.  The speaker is Eboo Patel, a member of President Obama’s Advisory Council of the White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and author of the book called "Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation."  (read here)

Featured speaker Patel made news on July 20, 2010 when it was reported that he had close ties with the controversial imam "who wants to build a 13-story Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero."   The report also said that the "two have been documented together discussing America as 'the ideal place for a renewal of Islam.'"  (read here)

I highly doubt the ELCA's goal is to share with the Muslim speaker the message of salvation in Jesus.  So why is he speaking at a "Sharing the Gospel . . ." gathering?

Other featured speakers at the ELCA event will be the Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, pastor of the progressive ELCA church which boasts to be social justice oriented and queer inclusive.  (read here)

Michael Organ, who was Director of Internet Advertising for President Obama's presidential campaign. Note he is the second person with personal connection to the president.

A Muslim and theologically liberal individuals are the ELCA's event featured speakers.  Where are the orthodox, conservative, Bible believing speakers?  That's right.  The ELCA wants you to stay in denomination but your views will not have a place, because the ELCA is moving full steam ahead with its universal salvation, social justice and Biblical revisionism ways. 
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We recently reported that the Southeast Michigan Synod, of the ELCA, was promoting an event held by the US Social Forum (USSF). (read here)  It has been learned that this forum had the known terrorist Bill Ayers as a speaker.  (read here and here)

Is the type of gathering our denomination should be  promoting?  I highly doubt the proclamation of the gospel was happening here.

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Keep an eye out for what resolutions are passed at your ELCA synod and churchwide assemblies this year.  The Metropolitan Chicago Synod Assembly is meeting June 4 and 5, 2010, and will be voting on a resolution called "TO ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING OF AND ENDORSEMENT OF THE KAIROS PALESTINE DOCUMENT 2009." (see here)

The Kairos Palestine Document is a propaganda piece against the nation of Israel.  "The document. . . is meant to mobilize churches worldwide in a program of boycotts, divestment and delegitimization directed at the State of Israel. It alludes explicitly to a similarly named document issued in South Africa years ago, thus deliberately comparing Israel with the regime of apartheid. It employs extreme language, such as declaring that 'the military occupation of our land is a sin against God and humanity,'" says Malcolm Lowe in his article, "The Palestinian 'Kairos' Document: A Behind-the-Scenes Analysis."
 
Please read Malcolm Lowe's Analysis of the "Kairos" document. (see here)  The ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod Assembly will be voting on the endorsement of this document. (will there be something similar at the churchwide Assembly?)

I have a bad feeling the ELCA will be passing many of these types of resolutions in the months and years to come.
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