The following newsletter and comments are from an Exposing the ELCA reader and pastor. The main thought that came to my mind when I read the newsletter was, "Lot about justice, little about Jesus." This is todays the ELCA.
Thank you pastor for bring this to our attention.
"The May 2010 newsletter of the Southeast Michigan Synod (pdf file) is a great example of where the ELCA is (mis)leading us. The lead article by Bishop Stephen Marsh (p.1) explains the Synod's "resurrection of purpose" as "And here is what the Spirit led us to see as the purpose of the SEMI Synod: God is calling the Southeast Michigan Synod to rise up: To bear burdens; To build bridges; To break chains; To bring hope." No mention of Christ, the Gospel,repentance and forgiveness, the Word, the Great Commission, salvation, etc. Justice and social activism, that's it!
But there is more: Most of page 5 of the same Synod newsletter contains a prominent ad by the US Social Forum (USSF) organization promoting a Detroit event at the end of June. The ad has a protest picture that says: "Another world is possible. Another US is necessary." And, most significantly the following inflammatory rhetoric: "The USSF will send a powerful message to people's movements around the world that there are active movements in this country that oppose US policies and are developing strategic community based alternatives to our current destructive economic systems. The USSF will gather social and economic justice organizers, environmentalists, peace & justice activists, community-based organizations, indigenous nations, unions and students to address the key issues of our time." Aren't those words frighteningly reminiscent of early 20th century Russia, China, the Black Panthers, the Weathermen, Abby Hoffman and the Chicago 8?
What is something like this doing in the monthly newsletter of an ELCA Synod? How can Synod leadership reasonably accept this stuff for and promote the USSF, as appears from its inclusion in the newsletter? I guess we already know the answer! This is an insult to faithful, orthodox Lutherans who take responsible American citizenship seriously as well as to those who respect the constitutional separation of church and state. The only other question: Why aren't more ELCA pastors and lay members making more noise about this and standing up to be counted as faithful to the Word of God?"
Thank you pastor for bring this to our attention.
"The May 2010 newsletter of the Southeast Michigan Synod (pdf file) is a great example of where the ELCA is (mis)leading us. The lead article by Bishop Stephen Marsh (p.1) explains the Synod's "resurrection of purpose" as "And here is what the Spirit led us to see as the purpose of the SEMI Synod: God is calling the Southeast Michigan Synod to rise up: To bear burdens; To build bridges; To break chains; To bring hope." No mention of Christ, the Gospel,repentance and forgiveness, the Word, the Great Commission, salvation, etc. Justice and social activism, that's it!
But there is more: Most of page 5 of the same Synod newsletter contains a prominent ad by the US Social Forum (USSF) organization promoting a Detroit event at the end of June. The ad has a protest picture that says: "Another world is possible. Another US is necessary." And, most significantly the following inflammatory rhetoric: "The USSF will send a powerful message to people's movements around the world that there are active movements in this country that oppose US policies and are developing strategic community based alternatives to our current destructive economic systems. The USSF will gather social and economic justice organizers, environmentalists, peace & justice activists, community-based organizations, indigenous nations, unions and students to address the key issues of our time." Aren't those words frighteningly reminiscent of early 20th century Russia, China, the Black Panthers, the Weathermen, Abby Hoffman and the Chicago 8?
What is something like this doing in the monthly newsletter of an ELCA Synod? How can Synod leadership reasonably accept this stuff for and promote the USSF, as appears from its inclusion in the newsletter? I guess we already know the answer! This is an insult to faithful, orthodox Lutherans who take responsible American citizenship seriously as well as to those who respect the constitutional separation of church and state. The only other question: Why aren't more ELCA pastors and lay members making more noise about this and standing up to be counted as faithful to the Word of God?"
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