Category: Advocacy

ELCA Seminarian Motivated By 'intersectional feminism, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, interfaith dialogue, (and) sex positivity'

3/5/2019

Madeline Burbank is a Master of Divinity student at the ELCA's Luther Seminary. Below is an announcement she made on her Facebook page about her education choice and the motivation behind it. Madeline Burbank does not mention telling people about Jesus and His free gift of salvation. It is about "Effective relief efforts, lifelong service, environmental stewardship, anti-racism, immigrant and refugee support, intersectional feminism, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, interfaith dialogue, sex positivity, and improving education..."

Everyone should be frightened about the pastors the ELCA is and has ordained.

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Recent Transgender Ruling Prompts ELCA Social Media Post

1/22/2019

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Today, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America posted the following message about transgender persons. It is another instance of the ELCA siding with the world and against God and His creation, while encouraging harmful lifestyles. Included in the ELCA Facebook post is an article from the ELCA's Living Lutheran (2017) that focused on transgender persons and included this statement, "The call of Christ’s people today is to celebrate the diversity of God’s creative work..."

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ELCA Synod Advocating For Refugees, Immigration and an End to Border Militarization

12/9/2018

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The Southwest California Synod of the ELCA sent out an email today titled, "Two ways to support migrants and refugees." In the email is a picture of a young boy peering through a wire fence. The ELCA synod is promoting a "Sunday Of Solidarity with Refugee Families!" event.

Later in the email the Southwest California Synod tells of another event where "100 faith leaders from all over the country will take part in a nonviolent direct action the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego, California. The event will kick off a week of actions in communities across the U.S., demanding an end to border militarization and calling for humane immigration policies that respect the rights and dignity of all people."

While churches who love Jesus and His Word seek to bring people to Christ, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is at work, funded by members' offering dollars, trying to implement their liberal extreme views on society.

If you disagree with that which the ELCA advocates, why are you funding them? Find a church that uses your money to do things that God actually tells us to do.

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Socialist ELCA Leader's Radical Beliefs Including the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel and the ELCA's Support of BDS

11/23/2018

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Pay attention to the people lifted up by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, those on whom they shine a spot light -- like the vile-speaking and sin-preaching people the ELCA placed in front of 31,000 youth this summer. (see here, here, here,
here, here, here and here) or the people living out sinful lifestyles whom the ELCA advocacy featured this summer. (see here) Please note who is writing articles for the ELCA's magazine and the people they feature in ELCA publications.

They are not orthodox, conservative, or Bible-believing Lutherans.

This week Pastor El-Yateem was featured in the ELCA's official magazine Living Lutheran (see here and below).

ELCA Pastor Khader El-Yateem is the president of the ELCA Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage. He is also the director for evangelical mission and assistant to the bishop in the ELCA's Florida-Bahamas Synod.

Let me tell you about Rev. Khader El-Yateem. He is radical liberal and not a friend of Israel.

- He is quoted in a New York newspaper saying, “I support BDS. And I will say this publicly, I say it to everyone.” (See here) BDS is a Palestinian origination movement aimed at encouraging Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel.

In a moment of truth-telling, El-Yateem announced, "My church the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and I support the BDS."

(Radical Linda Sarsour, who is a friend of Rev. El-Yateem as you will see in pictures below, commented on Rev. El-Yateem's post saying BDS is "a non violent means of protest protected by the US constitution." See here and read about Linda Sarsour here)

The BDS movement is anti-Semitism in action. This movement has no place in the Christian church, yet we have the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America supporting this movement (see here for further confirmation). Add to that Rev. Khader El-Yateem, also a high-ranking ELCA leader, is an outspoken advocate of BDS.

- Last year, Rev. El-Yateem offered housing to Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) staff when the United States spoke of closing the PLO mission in the nation's capital. (see here) If you are not aware, the PLO has a long history of terrorism against Israelis. (See here)

Here are some of other anti-Israel social media posts by Rev. El-Yateem. Two years ago, the ELCA pastor shared this post, a radical message to and about both Israel and the United States.

Below is what Pastor El-Yateem believes and thinks. History says otherwise.

In the following Facebook post, ELCA leader Khader El-Yateem says, "the Israeli soldiers have no respect for human life or law." Notice the rocks being thrown at the soldiers in the video he shared.

Below, the ELCA pastor expresses delight with President Obama's betrayal of Israel.

Next Khader El-Yateem shows his displeasure with a new Israeli law allowing BDS advocates to be banned from Israel. He could and should be one of those banned from ever going to the Jewish state.

Did you know Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Rev. Khader El-Yateem is a socialist?

- While running for a political office a few years ago, ELCA pastor El-Yateem said, "I want to be Trump’s worst nightmare.” That is recorded in an article about Rev. El-Yateem titled (see here) Meet the Socialist Who Hopes to Become New York’s First Arab-American Elected Official. The article goes on to say,

"It was these progressive credentials that inspired the New York chapter of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) to endorse El-Yateem and marshal its fervent base to volunteer on his behalf week after week, day after day. As of early September, the DSA reported that 'nearly 300' of its volunteers have participated in the El-Yateem campaign, including knocking on over 15,000 doors. And, while El-Yateem admits that some Democrats are unsure about the term 'socialism,' he is proud of the endorsement and unabashed about his socialism. 'Jesus was a socialist!' he laughs, referencing his vocation as a pastor."

How a Socialist Palestinian Reverend Became a Frontrunner in the NYC Council race- go vote for @KhaderElyateem ! https://t.co/D6mMtLiR9V
— NYCKidsPAC (@NYCKidsPAC) September 12, 2017

Democratic Socialists vow ground war to help elect @KhaderElyateem https://t.co/gbKzH7B4Xk pic.twitter.com/dqHQ3aFmZw
— Brooklyn Daily Eagle (@BklynEagle) June 8, 2017

ELCA Rev. Khader El-Yateem radicalism runs deep in many other areas too. Below are some of his social media posts.

- Rev. El-Yateem retweeted a post saying "Abolish profit. Abolish prisons. Abolish cash bail. Abolish borders. #AbolishICE."

- And here the ELCA pastor takes a knee with Linda Sarsour to #StandWithKap.

At our #SoulfulSundays meeting today, we all decided to #TakeTheKnee. We #StandWithKap and are committed to fighting for racial justice. pic.twitter.com/NsicI7XdUb
— Rev.Khader El-Yateem (@KhaderElyateem) September 25, 2017

- ELCA pastor El-Yateem must be pretty close with Sarsour, here he says "#IMarchWithLinda."

- So moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem is against Jesus, but Palestinians claiming the Jewish capital as their own is not?

- ELCA leader El-Yateem is honored to have an abortion advocating organization's endorsement. And he adds "Women's health is non-negotiable."

Very honored to have the endorsement of the National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund! Women's health is non-negotiable. pic.twitter.com/BfJVeFsn8U
— Rev.Khader El-Yateem (@KhaderElyateem) August 22, 2017

- This ELCA leaders stands with LGBTQ community and displays some fine name-calling skills.

Disgusted by @POTUS transphobia. I stand with the #LGBTQ community against this unabashed bigotry and hatred. You deserve so much better.
— Rev.Khader El-Yateem (@KhaderElyateem) July 26, 2017

- And again, happy pride and #LoveIsLove posted by the ELCA leader.

Happy #Pride2017! The Pride parade demonstrates what can be accomplished by fighting for what's right together. #LoveIsLove
— Rev.Khader El-Yateem (@KhaderElyateem) June 25, 2017

This is the leader being lifted up by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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ELCA Top Bishop Says 'Human Sexuality and Gender Identity is a Beautiful Mystery'

10/24/2018

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Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) made a statement today that is very indicative of where the ELCA is now, how they have swallowed the lies of the world and departed from the Word of God. Presiding Bishop Eaton declared,

"No human institution decides who is human, who is visible, who is valued. Human sexuality and gender identity is a beautiful mystery. Trans people, like all people, are beloved by God."

Here is Bishop Eaton's Twitter post -

No human institution decides who is human, who is visible, who is valued. Human sexuality and gender identity is a beautiful mystery. Trans people, like all people, are beloved by God.
— Bishop Eaton (@ELCABishopEaton) October 24, 2018

Presiding Bishop Eaton's statement is one of support for transgender persons. It was apparently made in response to a recent statement made by President Trump "that his administration is 'seriously' considering changing the way it treats transgender people under the law, confirming what administration officials describe as a debate about whether to define a person’s sex as a biological fact determined at birth." (see here)

There was at least one request for a statement by Bishop Eaton about this:

It's time @ELCABishopEaton @ELCA to make a statement affirming trans people, God's love, and a commitment that trans loves #WontBeErased. The Church and God are waiting for you to proclaim the gospel.
— Kevin Beebe (@kevbeebe) October 23, 2018

God does love all people. But that does not mean He loves everything we do, everything we say, everything we "are" or all of our actions. Bishop Eaton, by her statement, is affirming homosexuality, bisexuality, transgenderism and all the claimed gender identities as "beautiful," that they are good, that they are not sin.

This is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Harming people by encouraging sin. Standing against our holy and loving God. Why would anyone be part of this denomination, this evil work of the devil that emerges in proclamations and statements such as this?

Also, notice how the Presiding Bishop says "No human institution decides who is human, who is visible, who is valued." Yet, the ELCA supports the killing of unborn humans and actually pays for employee abortions in their health care insurance. Many who are pro-abortion love to claim that the unborn children are not humans to justify their position. You can't have it both ways, Bishop Eaton.

Below you will find tweets of praise which Bishop Eaton received for making this statement. (Her statement has been shared on Facebook almost 2700 times and over 400 times on Twitter.)

Thank you, bishop!
— Rev Kevin Strickland (@PrKevinELCA) October 24, 2018

Wanna know why I love my church? Right here. □□
Bishop Eaton leads Lutherans worldwide through a mess of social injustices. #ELCA #love #vote https://t.co/plrlcInW1i
— Phil Quinn (@philquinn1) October 24, 2018

proud to be a member of an ELCA church https://t.co/npot6ZAFHN
— Julie S (@JulieSturza) October 24, 2018

wow i love the ELCA https://t.co/wcIdFZbiGp
— Kaila Lynn (@LiveLoveKaila) October 24, 2018

The @ELCA is committed to "attend to the need for equal
protection, equal opportunities, and equal responsibilities under the law, and
just treatment for those with varied sexual orientation and gender
identity." Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust p. 33 https://t.co/eJT8InVm3Z https://t.co/AHqMCClXJu
— Amy Reumann (@AmyELCAadvo) October 24, 2018

When bishops get it right. Proud of the @ELCA and @ELCABishopEaton. #WontBeErased https://t.co/zctEOyJUMh
— Emily E. Ewing (@rev_ewing) October 24, 2018

Thank you, @ELCABishopEaton! ❤️□□□□□ #elca #cordmn #TransRightsAreHumanRights https://t.co/yKtlI7RBAL
— Concordia Safe Space (@CordSafeSpace) October 24, 2018

Thank you, Bishop, for your proclamation.
— John Sipf (@Pr_JT_Sipf) October 24, 2018

Thank you for your support!
— Nicole M. Garcia (@nicoleg152) October 24, 2018

Beautiful! I was proud to retweet this personally and on my church page. Thank you.
— Laura Hall-Schordje (@PastorLauraHS) October 24, 2018

Thank you, Bishop!
— Rev Mrs Emmy Kegler (@emmykegler) October 24, 2018

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ELCA Wants the United States to Pay Palestinian Bills to the Lutheran World Federation (LWF)

10/4/2018

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Yesterday the ELCA Conference of Bishops issued a statement (see here) that coincides with the statement last month, by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, asking for the United States to pay $25 million in expenditures to 6 hospitals that treat Palestinians. One of those hospitals, the Augusta Victoria Hospital, is run by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), of which the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a member.

The “U.S. government has provided over many years tens of millions of dollars in aid” to these hospitals. But that has stopped as the United States leadership has decided that the Palestinian government is acting in bad faith (over many decades), so aid to them is being cut. The Palestinian government incites violence, pays terrorists for their vile acts, directs large segments of money to terrorist activities and has no interest in making peace with the State of Israel.

The ELCA and LWF are very sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and antagonistic to Israel. And they want U.S. taxpayer money to compensate them, because the Palestinian people and their government are not paying the bills that they accumulate at the hospital.

The terrorist Palestinian state is manipulating the system, and the ELCA and LWF are willing participants who, up until this year, were passing the bill on to the United States.

The ELCA and LWF need to pay their own bills or demand the Palestinian government pay for their services received.

The United States has helped this terrorist, Jew-hating entity enough. The United States has given over $700 million alone to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in 2016 and 2017. (see here) It is time to stop paying their and the ELCA/LWF’s expenses. Doing so enables evil behavior.

Read more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s evil actions against the Israel here.

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ELCA Advocacy: Making Jesus a liberal democrat "revolutionary"

9/4/2018

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(The following article was written by Rev. Tom Brock of pastorsstudy.org. You can follow Pastor Brock on Facebook - here and Twitter - here.)

If you go to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Advocacy blog (blogs.elca.org) you will get posting after posting of politics from the left of center. Here is how the ELCA's Rev. Dustin G. Wright of Messiah Lutheran Church in Schenectady, New York describes Jesus:

"Jesus was a refugee, a day laborer, after all, lynched in the manner of a political revolutionary by one of the most powerful empires the world has ever known specifically because he sought to challenge and change that system. While he talked about getting into heaven, for sure, this world, not the next, was the focus of his ministry....Jesus was a poor man. How then could followers of the Way of this poor revolutionary become identified with policing folks’ bedrooms but not saying much of anything about the systemic sins of poverty, racism, militarism and ecological devastation? The “moral narrative” of this country, influenced in part by a false, ahistoric and heretical brand of Christian Nationalism that has almost nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus, has quite simply become distorted."

Wow, who is doing the distorting here? Jesus mainly focused on this world and "sought to challenge and change" Rome? Jesus told Pilate “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world" (John 18:36). And I can't recall Jesus saying anything about "militarism and ecological devastation".

The ELCA claims to be a church based on diversity and inclusivity, a "big tent" where people of all views are welcome. But go to blogs.elca.org and take a look at the ELCA advocacy blog, see if you find any evidence that, say, unborn children should not be aborted or that Christians should promote traditional marriage. No, you won't find that in the ELCA (the ELCA pays for abortion for any reason in its healthcare plan and the ELCA now allows for homosexual "weddings"). Instead of diversity from ELCA headquarters, you will overwhelmingly get one point of view: liberal politics.

In Jesus our Savior,

Pastor Tom Brock

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ELCA Wants More Refugees

8/29/2018

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A letter written to the President of the United States, as reported in the article "More than 750 Faith Leaders and Faith Organizations Decry Low Refugee Arrivals" included the supporting signature of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The ELCA and the other signators want the United States to resettle “at least 75,000 refugees in Fiscal Year 2019” (see here). This is a great cost to the United States and its citizens, which is something the ELCA should realize when one reads the following article, by Ann Corcoran, who reports that the ELCA's Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is "95% funded by you—the taxpayers of America!" She reports that in 2014, LIRS received $55,341,275 in federal grants. (See here)

This seems self-serving. Wanting more refugees, one would think, means more tax money would be coming to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. That is just one of the problems I see with this.

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ELCA Lutheran Obsession with Advocating for the LGBT Movement....Five Articles in One Month Promoting Transgenderism and Homosexuality

8/2/2018

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(The following article was written by Rev. Tom Brock of pastorsstudy.org. You can follow Pastor Brock on Facebook - here and Twitter - here.)

If you go to the Advocacy Facebook page of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America you will see how obsessed the ELCA has become with the LGBTQIA+ movement. Within one month five different LGBT Lutheran leaders have been highlighted in articles like the below of a transgender clergy candidate. Of course, not one article features someone who upholds the traditional, Biblical viewpoint on these issues. In 2009 when the ELCA voted to ordain practicing homosexuals it was agreed that all views on homosexuality would be respected in the ELCA, but they are not. No view but the liberal one is mentioned anymore. One by One Ministry, a conservative group which helps people out of homosexuality and of which I am a part, inquired about buying an ad in Living Lutheran but was refused.

The rest of the ELCA Advocacy Facebook page is devoted to article after article on liberal politics. Sadly, preaching Christ for the salvation of the lost is conspicuously absent.

Sincerely in Christ,

Pastor Tom Brock

https://www.facebook.com/elcaadvocacy/photos/a.10150091631749513.272721.132358089512/10156416380554513/?type=3

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Time For A Mass Exodus From the ELCA

7/22/2018

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What will cause the naive, the scared, the delusional or those in denial to finally leave the ELCA and stand up for God and His Word, which the ELCA has been demonically trying to destroy? What is the final straw that will break the camel's back?

I believe, for many, it will be the ELCA's words and decisions at the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering that will cause Bible-believing ELCA members, churches and pastors to finally leave. (Please read about the speakers and what happened at the youth gathering here, here, here, here, here, here and here)

Content ranged from foul-hearted keynote speakers placed in front of the teenagers, to extremely liberal messages delivered, to transgenderism lifted up, to far-left social causes presented, and pro-LGBT mantras being communicated.

The Director and President of Lutheran CORE, Pr. Dennis D. Nelson, wrote this following the ELCA Youth Gathering, "The ELCA is guilty of a massive breach of trust. The ELCA cannot be trusted. We realize that those are very strong statements, but they are confirmed by the presentation given by one of the keynote speakers at the recent ELCA Youth Gathering." (see page one of his article here)

Generations Radio presented a program called "The ELCA Lutheran Church Dies" that was centered on the actions of the ELCA at the 2018 Youth Gathering. (listen here)

And Ken Ham, founder of Answers in Genesis, the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter, shared an article from Exposing the ELCA about the ELCA Youth Gathering with his hundreds of thousands of followers on Facebook:

I have heard of people leaving their ELCA churches because of what happened at the ELCA Youth Gathering. So will this be a wake-up call for a great exodus of churches and members from the ELCA? Will the evil and false teachings displayed and given to the most vulnerable ELCA membership, the youth, be enough for places such as Lutheran Church of Hope and its satellite ELCA locations in the Des Moines, Iowa area, Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and similar churches throughout the United States to finally stand up for God's Word, for Truth, and break ties to this faith-destroying denomination?

I pray so. But shame on them if they remain.

Here are some additional examples of what was said and the happenings at the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering, to go along with the many articles Exposing the ELCA has already written. These come from the ELCA, ELCA pastors and those attending (again, please read the linked articles above to see the craziness of it all):

Tonight’s brave affirmation of transgender and queer people was made possible by God’s liberating grace—and the Lutheran LGBTQ+ leaders over the last 40+ years. Thanks be to God, @ReconcilingWrks & @ExtraLuthMin #ELCAYG2018
— Michael Wilker (@RevWilker) July 1, 2018

Grace means I’ll be seated at the heavenly banquet between Harvey Weinstein and some racist cop. #elcayg2018
— ELCA Youth Gathering (@elcagathering) June 30, 2018

Tonight, 30,000 Christians that have been worshipping together, gave standing ovations for an 11yo transgender girl and a bisexual woman who has dedicated her life to fighting food insecurity. If that isn’t a great way to end Pride Month then I don’t know what is! □ #ELCAYG2018
— Bails (@BaileyCarroll16) July 1, 2018

The ELCA magazine, Living Lutheran reports, “Last week at the ELCA Youth Gathering, many leaders spoke boldly about family separation and detention. In the AMMPARO/Lutheran Disaster Response space at the Gathering’s interactive center, youth were invited to sign advocacy cards, which will be sent to their representatives.” (See here)

Below are some more notable Youth Gathering social media posts. Notice, the gay affirming rainbow colors were prevalent at the ELCA youth event.

You can be part of the Women of the ELCA exhibit at the ELCA Youth Gathering June 27-July 1. Give now. Find out how at https://t.co/Cybxf989JZ. pic.twitter.com/zS36P9cs11
— Women of the ELCA (@WomenoftheELCA) May 30, 2018

And here is an example of the type of pastors the ELCA is ordaining. Rev. Chesnut is talking about ELCA Pastor Tuhina Verma Rasche, his co-author of a vile "devotional," who was a keynote speaker at the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering.

And she didn’t say #FuckThisShit on the stage like all those cowards who railed to others about her assumed she would.

No shit, dumbasses — it’s called context. And knowing it.
— Jason Chesnut-no-t-in-the-middle (@crazypastor) June 28, 2018

And here the ELCA Youth Gathering is lifting up Ramadan, a celebration of the "first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad." This, of course, is not an event that Christians should be celebration or lifting-up.

Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim siblings. #Ramadan2018 #RamadanMubarak
— ELCA Youth Gathering (@elcagathering) May 15, 2018

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11-Year-Old Transgender “Girl” Speaks to 31,000 ELCA Lutheran Youth

7/9/2018

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(The following article was written by Rev. Tom Brock of pastorsstudy.org. You can follow Pastor Brock on Facebook - here and Twitter - here.)

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America last week had 31,000 teenagers gather for its teen assembly. One of the speakers was an ELCA pastor’s wife who told the teens that her child, who is biologically a boy, “deeply knows herself to be a girl”. The mother said “she wasn’t a boy, we just didn’t know that yet.” Her congregation held a renaming ceremony at her son’s tenth anniversary of baptism, and they renamed him “Rebekah”. This “girl” is now an “out and proud” transgender person and an activist for transgender and non-binary people…all at age 11.

Then Rebekah came out on the stage to speak to the teens:

“Transgender is being who God made me to be…God does not make mistakes…Its difficult to be in a world that is trying to make you… be someone else. My mission is to make things better for transgender kids, to speak hope. I may only be 11 years old, but I talk to legislators to make better laws for kids like me…Transgender kids are just like other kids…By being who God has called me to be, hearts and minds are changed, I can change the world…I hope that the Church is a place where everyone can bravely be themselves in all their uniqueness…Paint a giant rainbow flag out front (of your church)."

This is tragic beyond belief. No, ELCA, God does not create little boys to be little girls. Studies show that if one leaves children with gender dysphoria alone, most of them grow out of it. But instead of that, the ELCA and this pastor’s wife are affirming this child in the wrong sex, and are publicly celebrating and advocating for it. What if in a few years the child changes his mind and wants to identify with his biological sex? It happens often, but I doubt it will in this case since his parents and denomination are praising him for being an “activist.” One can only think of Jesus’ words in Mark 9:42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” I believe the ELCA has a millstone around its neck.

Not only were the speeches tragic, but it was tragic how often the speeches were interrupted by loud cheering by the teenagers. It appears the ELCA has succeeded in getting teenagers to applaud the LGBT agenda. You can watch it all in the video below.

May God have mercy.

In Jesus our Savior,

Pastor Tom Brock

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ELCA Calls for Policy that Would Destroy Israel

5/11/2018

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The ELCA is wrong on many things, and their continued badgering and condemnation of Israel is one of them. The ELCA has chosen to side with people who have a vile hatred for Jews.

A few weeks ago the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America signed a statement condemning Israel for some imagined violation against the “Palestinians.” It is almost always a fabricated, biased, or deceptive claim. The ELCA holds Israel to standards that they hold no other nation. One must question their motivations. The ELCA has a history of disgusting anti-Semitism that dates back to Martin Luther.

In this latest statement of demands and condemnation of Israel, the ELCA has even taken up the cause called the “Right of return” saying, “Palestinian refugees have the right to return to their homes, and to compensation for loss of property, as laid out in UN General Assembly resolution 194.” (see here) So the ELCA is calling for anyone claiming to have been in Israel, just before 1948, and all of their offspring, to be able to go and dwell in Israel.

This is an outrageous demand that would destroy Israel. Advocating this position shows that the ELCA leadership does not know history and again, is an example of how the ELCA holds Israel to different standards than they do the rest of the world. For instance, the ELCA is not making these same demands for all displaced persons of war who have been allies with losing aggressors, such as the Palestinians, demanding that they be able to return to that land and be compensated. In the case of Israel, the land was won in battle 70 years ago.

In 1948, Israel, a brand new nation who just wanted to live in peace, was attacked by their Arab neighbors. Around that time, “the Jews of Palestine urged Arab inhabitants to remain in the area and become part of the nascent state. Despite these pleas, however, the majority of Arabs fled, many heeding their own leaders' promises that they could return after the Jews were driven into the sea.” (see here) The 150,000 that did stay became Israeli citizens after Israel defeated the coalition of Arab countries. But now the ELCA and many others are demanding that Israel import around 5 million “Palestinian refugees,” most who hate Jews, insisting they be given land, money and housing. It would destroy Israel, a land that has a current population of just over 8 million people.

Learn more about the current situation happening in Israel that inspired this latest, bias, hateful ELCA statement - March of Return nothing more than terrorists’ plaything

And,

Below is a Facebook post by the ELCA's, Metropolitan Chicago Synod containing a link to the recent ELCA statement.

See the documentation of the ELCA's evil anti-Israel crusade here and here)

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ELCA Bishops, the Second Amendment and the March for Our Lives

3/22/2018

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Guns. They are a hot topic of conversation and debate these days. The ELCA Conference of Bishops jumped into the fray with a news release stating their support of the gun focused March for Our Lives. The Bishop’s statement was clear:

“The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in solidarity with our children and youth…offer our support, partnership and prayers for the March for Our Lives, its satellite city events, and our children and youth who are leading us forward as peacemakers.” (see here)

The ELCA's presiding bishop and 62 synod bishops signed the statement.

The March for Our Lives calls for

- "A law to ban the sale of assault weapons..."

- "Prohibiting the sale of high-capacity magazines..."

- "Closing the loophole in our background check law that allows dangerous people...(to) buy guns online or at gun shows." (see here)

Some of you may agree with that stance, some of you may not. I present this information for those ELCA members who disagree with the March for Our Lives' demands. They have a right to know what their denomination is supporting.

An recent email by ELCA Advocacy gives further details of what the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America wants to happen regarding guns, at least for the time being:

"We have resolved as a church to work for the passage and strict enforcement of laws that control the manufacture and sale of weapons not used for hunting and sport, or for use other than law enforcement and military purposes." (See here)

Below are some more gun related thoughts of ELCA leaders and entities,

- ELCA Pastor Sue Seiffert writes this about the NRA,

- The tweet below is from the ELCA's Southeastern Minnesota Synod,

Statement released today by National Council of Churches: https://t.co/ckJRL7b0Vq pic.twitter.com/dF6UYss9CE
— SEMN Synod, ELCA (@semnsynod) February 15, 2018

- Clergy and faith leaders in Oklahoma, including 5 from the ELCA, signed a letter that said,

"we raise our voices again today, to call once more for change and to make the moral claim that our dedication to guns and to violence is, in religious terms, idolatry. We appear to be willing to sacrifice even our own children to this warped ideology, wrapped in the second amendment as if it were Holy Scripture."

These "Christian" pastors even say prayers are "...meaningless if they do not change us and our actions." Seriously? They should be defrocked if they think prayers are meaningless. (see here)

- WELCA wades into the gun debate,

- The Rocky Mountain Synod posted this on their Facebook page,

- And here is Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA Bishop Jim Gonia marching,

The Three Bishops #umc #elca #episcopal #marchforourlives pic.twitter.com/Nh8CVLER7t
— Bishop Karen Oliveto (@BishopOliveto) March 24, 2018

- Finally, ELCA Advocacy and the ELCA's Metro D.C. synod will participate in the March For Our Lives -

Read more about the ELCA's stance on guns here (scroll to the bottom of the page).

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The ELCA is Just an Extreme Social Policy and Political Organization that Cloaks Itself in Religion

12/19/2017

7 Comments

God's Word in Matthew 4:17 tells us that Jesus preached the message, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

You will not hear ELCA leadership preach repentance of sin (unless it has to do with "Global Warming" or lack of being inclusive). They must believe Jesus was naive to think that people needed to repent or that hell awaited those that reject Christ as their Savior. Instead ELCA leaders succumbed to Satan's directives and are preaching their liberal social and political policies. Here are some examples:

- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America stands against the Congressional tax cut being voted on this month. They are spewing leftist propaganda saying it is a bill that "benefits corporations and the wealthy over lower and middle-income families." (See here and below.)

- Today the ELCA's Metropolitan New York Synod shared a post from a pro-LGBT organization about the case of the Christian baker from Colorado who was sued by two gay men because the baker would not use his artistic talents to make them a wedding cake. The article features an ELCA pastor condemning the Christian baker's claim of religious freedom (see here and below). In the case of gay men vs. a Bible-believing Christian, it is not a surprise with whom the ELCA synod is siding.

- Next is an article co-written by ELCA bishop William Gohl Jr. of the Delaware-Maryland Synod, ELCA. It condemns "current immigration policies" of the United States and says the "repeal of DACA would be morally reprehensible." He even says, "If we are to truly live out our faith, then we must...advocate that those who (are in the United States)...through DACA be allowed to stay." (See here)

- Gun regulations and laws are a favorite topic of many ELCA leaders. Here is some of what ELCA bishop Steven L. Ullestad of the Northeastern Iowa Synod is using to fill up his Facebook page:

(See here)

- News from the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has them adopting the Israel-inspired (anti-Israel) investment screen that was passed at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in 2016. (read the summer blog here)

They also “declined the request for the ELCA to declare itself a sanctuary denomination, yet supported the spirit of the sanctuary movement by encouraging congregations to serve and support the protection of migrants in their communities.” (see here)

- Finally, I will end this with what is truly one of the most morally reprehensible positions held in the ELCA, the support of abortion. After someone posted this abortion-supporting article on an ELCA Clergy Facebook page, some challenged the thought. Then ELCA pastor Russell L. Meyer wrote the comment below:

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Israel Should Deny ELCA Leaders Entry into their Country

10/15/2017

1 Comment

The State of Israel passed a new law this year. The law denies entry of anti-Israel activists, those who support the boycott, divestment and sanctioning of Israel. The authors of the bill explain its purpose saying, "Over the past few years, calls for boycotts against Israel have grown louder. It seems to have become a new battlefront against Israel and the State has yet to be able to duly counter it. This bill seeks to prevent private individuals or those representing companies, associations or organizations that support boycotting Israel from promoting their agenda on Israeli soil." (see here)

ELCA leaders and even members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) should be very concerned that they will be denied entry into the Jewish State. They are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America which has been actively working to harm Israel. (see here and here)

Last year the ELCA approved two resolutions aimed at Israel. One calls on the United States government to end all aid to Israel until a list of ELCA demands are met. The other resolution is titled “Justice for the Holy Land through Responsible Investment.” The resolution’s main aim is to stop investments in Israel and select companies that do business with Israel. (See here and here)

An article titled “Evangelical Lutherans Divest from Israel over 'Settlement' Activity” speaks to last year’s votes by the ELCA. (see here)

During an interview in 2014, before the 2016 resolutions, the ELCA’s highest bishop outlined the different actions the ELCA had taken concerning Israel. This is what she said:

- “We've urged our government not to engage in grants to the state of Israel while the settlements are going on.”

- “We also support that the blockade of Gaza be lifted.”

- “We also engage in selective purchasing. So we not only try to trade with the Palestinian Authority, but we do not purchase products made in the illegal Israeli settlements.”

- “...We are contacting the Congress, the President and saying that the illegal settlements must stop. We’re hoping that people are listening to us. I'm not sure that the government of Israel is listening to the United States when we ask for these settlements be stopped. But we have to keep trying.” (see here)

In 2017 the ELCA, by way of its top bishop, signed a letter to congress stating its opposition to the "Israel Anti-Boycott Act." It said "we collectively affirm and defend the right of churches and organizations to use economic measures in the specific case of Israel-Palestine." (see letter here) The ELCA, which boycotts (they use the words "selective purchasing") parts of Israel, is defending churches and organizations that boycott Israel. The letter is advocating for the United States Congress to reject the “Israel Anti-Boycott Act” which "prohibit support of international state-sponsored boycotts of Israel by U.S. citizens engaged in interstate or international commerce." (see article here)

As you can see, the ELCA is involved in and supports divestment, boycott and sanctions against Israel. Anyone associated with the ELCA should be prime candidates to be denied entry into the Jewish State. ELCA leadership and bishops should be forbidden entry into Israel. ELCA pastors and missionaries should be denied. And anyone who is an ELCA member should be denied entry to Israel, because they have chosen to be part of an organization that actively seeks to harm Israel.

There is a precedence for this. In 2016, an Israeli government directive resulted in an “Associate General Secretary for the World Council of Churches (WCC)” being “blocked from entering Israel because of her work with the group to malign Israel and damage it through an economic boycott.” (See here) There is also this, “Presbyterian Official Denied Israel Entry Amidst Divestment Tension.” (See here)

Top it all off with the fact that the ELCA sends “missionaries” to “the Holy Land” who take part in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) (see here, here and here) “which brings activists to the Jewish State to create publicity material alleging that Palestinians are oppressed.” (read more about EAPPI here)

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America pushes policies that are harmful to Israel. ELCA employees should no longer be allowed to come to Israel until the denomination rescinds all their anti-Israel policies, actions and rhetoric.

Additional information:

Rev. Khader El-Yateem, an ELCA pastor says, “I support BDS. And I will say this publicly, I say it to everyone.” (See here)

The ELCA's Peace Not Walls program is an initiative of the ELCA to implement their Anti-Israel agenda. (See here)

Here is an excellent response to an article about the two anti-Israel ELCA resolutions:

“How does one distinguish between the ELCA’s actions as being anti-Semitic as opposed to merely anti-Israel? Well, because in presenting and arguing the proposed boycott the major proponent, an organization called Isaiah 58, characterized the history of Israel’s presence in the Middle East as nothing but a land grab. They characterized the history of Israeli-Palestinian relations as nothing but apartheid. They said nothing about why Israel came to exist, i.e. the Holocaust; they said nothing about the fact that Israel has had to defend against four wars from hostile Arab neighbors; they said nothing about the constant threat of terrorism that plagues Israel on a daily basis. They invited no one to speak to the Israeli side of the issue. From an ELCA standpoint, Jewish Lives Don’t Matter. When an organization cherry picks facts in order to support a position of discrimination as the ELCA did in this case, goes out of its way to not hear any evidence or meaningful argument which doesn’t support its agenda; when an organization fails to consider that the BDS movement undoes 50 years of engagement between Lutherans and Jews; and when an organization fails to realize the…BDS movement serves as a justification for hate crimes against Jews everywhere from Portland and Los Angeles to Brussels and Marseilles; that probably qualifies the organization’s actions as unambiguously anti-Semitic.” (See comment section here)

Exposing the ELCA has compiled an enormous amount of information about the ELCA and their harmful work against the Jewish State. (See here and scroll down here)

As you look through these links you will find that the ELCA continually takes the Palestinian position on the conflict, uses the Palestinian talking points, calls for Israel to divide Jerusalem and never condemns the Palestinians for their violence, terrorism and hatred toward Israel.

From Portico Benefit Services, the ELCA’s largest institutional investor we learn that “New SIF Investment Creates Jobs and Housing in the Holy Land.” No, they are not investing in Israel, they are investing in Palestine. (See here)

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<<Previous

ELCA Seminarian Motivated By 'intersectional feminism, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, interfaith dialogue, (and) sex positivity'

Recent Transgender Ruling Prompts ELCA Social Media Post

ELCA Synod Advocating For Refugees, Immigration and an End to Border Militarization

Socialist ELCA Leader's Radical Beliefs Including the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel and the ELCA's Support of BDS

ELCA Top Bishop Says 'Human Sexuality and Gender Identity is a Beautiful Mystery'

ELCA Wants the United States to Pay Palestinian Bills to the Lutheran World Federation (LWF)

ELCA Advocacy: Making Jesus a liberal democrat "revolutionary"

ELCA Wants More Refugees

ELCA Lutheran Obsession with Advocating for the LGBT Movement....Five Articles in One Month Promoting Transgenderism and Homosexuality

Time For A Mass Exodus From the ELCA

11-Year-Old Transgender “Girl” Speaks to 31,000 ELCA Lutheran Youth

ELCA Calls for Policy that Would Destroy Israel

ELCA Bishops, the Second Amendment and the March for Our Lives

The ELCA is Just an Extreme Social Policy and Political Organization that Cloaks Itself in Religion

Israel Should Deny ELCA Leaders Entry into their Country

Dan Skogen

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