_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!
 


Comments

Dr. William H. Stotler
01/20/2012 11:30am

If the above statements are true and accurate, I am angered by the action to use Lutheran World Hunger dollars for any event outside the scope of providing hunger assistance, not advocacy. Advocacy dollars can come from other sources, not my dollars. I will write a letter of complaint and perhaps this family will consider other agencies for our hunger gifts.

Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. William H. Stotler
stotler@mac.com

Reply
John Vincent
01/20/2012 3:05pm

Don't forget, the ELCA's health benefits plan pays for any and all surgical abortion procedures performed during the fist five months of the unborn child's life, no questions asked. The money that pays for these abortions comes from the members of ELCA congregations. That is, your offering dollars help to fund a health benefits plan whose abortion coverage is one of the most unrestricted in the world. Surely this is the most outrageous use of our offering dollars, to be willing to pay to have an unborn child violently killed.

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