Clint Schnekloth, a well-known ELCA pastor, author, writer, speaker and administrator of a couple ELCA Facebook pages wrote a blog this March titled “Queering Christianity” where he writes, “Because the truth is, I don't think being queer is a sin. I think your orientation and gender identity is part of who you are, created in the image of God, and God says of God's creation, this is very good.”
And, “This is to say, we don't just tolerate queer people in our community. Nor do we live as progressive Christians and fully welcome them. No, we are being transformed by the virtues they share with us. Our Christianity is queer…it is traditional Christianity that has been conformed to the binary, oppressive understandings of sexuality, race, and many other things, and needs to be transformed by the queerness of Christ.” (see here) On Twitter, ELCA pastor Schnekloth writes,
With all the craziness happening in our world, it should be no surprise that “Christian” denominations, like the ELCA, have leaders talking about the “queerness of Christ,” that True Christianity is ‘queer,’ that homosexuality is not a sin and that God makes people queer. Then we have a recent letter by Bishop Rick Jaech of the ELCA’s Southwestern Washington Synod, saying, “I have heard again and again from LGBTQ friends that their pain and shock comes not only from the 49 lives lost, but also from a sense of violation that the shooting occurred at a gay club. What they explained to me is that an LGBTQ club is the one place where they have felt safe and welcomed. Surrounded by LGBTQ friends, it is often the only place where they can be fully and openly themselves. Within the sanctuary of that place, they don’t have to hide from being who God made them to be, but can actually dance and celebrate their identity.” (see here) God did not ‘make’ people gay. God did not form certain individuals to be attracted to the same-sex. A strong Biblical case can be made that God did NOT create or instill same-sex attraction into some people. And dwelling upon and engaging in same-sex behavior is sinful. Read more about ELCA pastor Clint Schnekloth here. Exposed Blog about Interim Dean and Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at the ELCA's Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and her "Queer Jesus" blog. (see here)
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It is a good thing we have ELCA leadership (the whitest denomination in the United States, see here) around to enlighten its membership on how racists they are. The Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) posted a list on their Facebook page describing the "10 Ways You Can Actively Reject Your White Privilege." Number 10 on the list tells white people, "Recognize that you're still racist. No matter what." The Gulf Coast Synod's Facebook post received hundreds of comments, many of them were critical of the list, but they have miraculously disappeared. (see the list on the Synod's FB page here) The United Church of Christ, who also posted this list received over 2000 comments. Here are a few: - "To consider just white people as racist is in fact itself racist." - "#10, in my opinion, is designed to cause whites to be ashamed and feel guilt for who they are and what their ancestors allegedly did. Of course, no one else is asked to account for their own ancestors' misdeeds. I also don't think anyone needs to 'actively reject their white privilege', for the reasons I outline below. White Americans made a country that millions of 'POCs' have thrived in. Some groups are still behind in various areas. I don't believe that is because of 'white privilege', and the theory that it IS responsible is not helping anyone or anything. I am a so-called 'POC.' I reject this list." If you have time, you can read some more of the comments to the UCC here. Here is an article about the list/infographic that the United Church of Christ posted. If that wasn't enough, a blog affiliated with the ELCA's Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago posted a 'White Privilege' speech by the Rev. Dr. Ray Tiemann Bishop, Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Here is some of what Bishop Tiemann had to say: “I’m certainly not an expert on the complexity of white privilege, but one thing I have learned is that white privilege and racial discrimination are opposite sides of the same coin. One does not exist without the other. So, as much as I may be tempted to deny it exists, both white privilege and racial discrimination are a part of my life and yours as well.” “I am part of a system that gives me advantage because of the color of my skin.” “I have to stop being afraid and remaining silent. In wanting to avoid conflict, too often I don’t speak up when God gives me the opportunity. This sin of omission can be as great as a sin of commission, because when I don’t speak up, others assume I am agreeing with them. So, the nasty, loud voices continue unchecked. As I said earlier, learning to address my white privilege is a life-long process.” (see here)
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Last Sunday a Muslim terrorist killed more than four dozen innocent people in Orlando, Florida and injured 54 others. Rightfully, many ELCA leaders respond to the attack with sorrow and prayers, but some of what they said should infuriate you. ELCA pastor Heidi Neumark writes the following:
Pastor Tom Brock (of pastorsstudy.org) shared his thoughts on pastor Neumark’s comments saying, “If I understand her right, this ELCA Lutheran pastor is saying that we better say homosexual behavior is OK, or you are helping murder people. The opposite is true. By telling people homosexual behavior is OK, we are helping them go to a tragic eternity (I Corinthians 6:9-11).”
ELCA pastor Ángel Marrero blames Christians and Jews in an article he wrote for the Huffington Post saying, “this isn’t simply ‘extremist Islam’, as some would like to paint it. This comes out of centuries of many religious traditions systematically demonizing and dehumanizing LGBTQ individuals. This hatred isn’t out of nowhere. It is in parts of Islam, yes, but it is within parts of Christianity and Judaism, as well. Facing such a reality, I feel I must apologize for the complicity and silence of the Church. I am sorry for the pain our sinful indifference and self-righteousness has caused, and continues to cause, throughout the world." (see here) Bishop Jim Hazelwood of the ELCA's New England Synod wrote a letter in response to the massacre going into great detail of his desire for gun control. He also writes about his concern for "our Muslim brothers and sisters." (see here) He then jumps the shark with this accusation:
Much like the liberal media many ELCA leaders are: 1. calling for stricter gun control in America and 2. can't seem to understand the connection almost all the terrorism happening in the world has with the religion of Islam. Bishop David B. Zellmer of the ELCA's South Dakota Synod said, “There is no place among us for words and actions that disparage the Islamic faith…This act of terror and actions like it are carried out by people who have taken a world religion and perverted it to their own evil purposes – not unlike others have done with Christianity in past centuries.” (see here) Bishop Robert G. Schaefer of the ELCA's Florida-Bahamas Synod writes, “There are deeper issues here. Church, it’s time to be clear about honoring and speaking up for...reasonable gun control in this country.” (see here) The ELCA's Southwest California Synod sent out an email saying, "I would also invite you to rechannel whatever anger and frustration you might be feeling into positive action. Such violence effects everyone, and motivations include terrorism, hatred of various groups, and mental health issues, all of which are often interrelated. But along with our task force, I am devoted to putting a stop to this carnage by the advocacy of stricter, common sense gun laws. If you feel called to share in this endeavor, we recommend that you get involved with a movement (such as Everytown for Gun Safety, Women Against Gun Violence, The Brady Campaign, or our own joint task force). Meanwhile, know that the SWCA Synod Gun Violence Prevention Task Force will be reconvening this week with a renewed commitment to end the kind of tragedy we saw in Orlando so that we all might live in safety and in peace." (see here) Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Elizabeth A. Eaton tweeted this:
ELCA Bishop Timothy Smith of the North Carolina Synod posted this on his Facebook page (be sure to read his comments at the end): The ELCA's Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod (SEPA) shared a prayer on their Facebook page that included this: "We pray for renewed action and perseverance in reforming our American gun laws, especially the sale of automatic weapons." (see here) Dr. Samuel Torvend, Professor of Religion at the ELCA's Pacific Lutheran University writes, "The massacre of innocents in Orlando prompts us to pray for those who grieve, to resist homophobia and Islamophobia, and to work diligently for an end to the easy purchase of deadly weapons." - Quote posted on PLU's Facebook page. (see here) Bishop Patricia Lull of the ELCA's Saint Paul Area Synod comments "I invite your prayers for the family and friends of those killed or injured, for the Muslim community, which repudiates this act of hatred and violence, and for all who work to curtail gun violence. We also pray for colleagues in the Florida-Bahamas Synod, ELCA, who are offering pastoral care to those involved in this tragedy. (see here) My, my. The opportunists are out in full force.
The ELCA has jumped aboard the "trans" train and is going full steam ahead. ELCA publications are publishing articles "normalizing" transgenderism. ELCA leaders are making public calls to allow transgender individuals in the bathroom, locker room and shower of their choosing. The denomination ordains persons who desire to be the opposite sex of which they were born. ELCA seminaries indoctrinate their students in the cause. The denomination's health coverage pays for transgender surgery. (Check out these links to see many of the trans-happenings in the ELCA - here and scroll down this page) The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is turning into the Trans Lutheran Church in America.
Here are the newest examples: - Rev. Kirby Unti is bishop of the Northwestern Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He wrote an opinion piece for the Seattle Times titled "Maintaining transgender rights aligns with my Christian faith." (see here) And below Bishop Unti is publicly calling to keep the WA state rule requiring businesses to grant bathroom and locker room access on the basis of gender identity.
- Here the ELCA website Living Lutheran has an article titled "Bathroom brouhaha" where the author argues for transgender individuals to use the bathroom of their choice. (see here)
- WELCA is recommending “30 books about 'mighty women' published in 2015." One of the books is “Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family." This is a transgender feel good story. WELCA's link provides this synopsis of the book: "The twin boys that Wayne and Kelly Maines adopted could not have been more different: Jonas loved trucks, sports, and other 'boyish' pursuits, while Wyatt sought out princess dolls and dress-up clothes. By the time the twins were toddlers, Wyatt was insisting he was a girl. In the process of coming to understand Nicole, their daughter, the Maines faced conflict both within and outside the family. It meant rewriting the script at home and the rules at school and in a community that was suddenly forced to confront its prejudices. This inspiring story of a transgirl who stood up for the right to be herself — and the family and friends who stood by her — sheds a new, very personal light on one of the great cultural debate of our time.” (see WELCA Facebook post here) - A recent edition of the ELCA’s The Lutheran has a nice story about a pastor finding out she has Jewish grandparents. Tucked in at the end of the story is this line, “Three rambunctious little boys come in with their parent, who is fine with them calling her 'Dad' even though she is now a woman.” The ELCA is trying to normalize sinful, deviant behavior. (see here) - The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (ELCA) posting a transaffirmative blog saying "In recent years the glorious dynamism of the trans community has been poignantly visible in virtually every media and even – in the case of the next writer – in the halls of LSTC. So please read and enjoy the following reflection upon transgender identity and pay close attention to River’s heartfelt tutorial on trans-identity and respect." (see here) - St. Olaf College, an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America school proudly posting about their class of 2009 transgender student.
- This St. Paul, MN ELCA church writes on their website “Gloria Dei is pleased to offer the blessing of Jesus Christ to couples of all sexual orientations and gender identities.” (see here) Last weekend the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s South Central Synod of Wisconsin held its synod assembly. On the docket to be voted on were three anti-Israel/anti-Semitic resolutions. One resolution asked for an end to U.S. financial aid to Israel until Israel stops building homes, etc. on land that is rightfully Israel’s land. Another asking the ELCA churchwide, the whole denomination, to also call on the U.S. government to stop financial aid to Israel. The last resolution asked the denomination to screen and disinvest from companies that do business in Israel “such as Caterpillar, HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Motorola Solutions, and G4S, until such time as those companies no longer profit from the occupation or cease operations in the illegal settlements.” (see the bottom of this article for more details) All three of these anti-Israel resolutions passed. Conservatives. Bible believers. People with common sense. Why are you funding this wickedness? The ELCA elites, in past German-like fashion, make proclamations and rules against the Jewish people that are based on falsehoods while not saying one word about the violence against Israelis, the intolerance for Israel and the Jew-hatred dominating the Palestinian situation. This is madness. Have you ever seen the video of a guy in California, waving the Israeli flag, and the anger directed at him, but when the same guy is waving an ISIS flag, he gets indifference, support and acceptance? That is what the ELCA is doing, as is the world in general. (below is the video – please check it out) Some more information on the anti-Israel resolutions the ELCA synod passed - South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, 2016 Assembly, Resolution #2 U.S. Aid to State of Israel as a Tool for Peace - “RESOLVED that the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin ELCA Assembly ask the bishop of this synod to urge the members of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation who serve citizens living in our synod to make U.S. financial and military aid for the State of Israel conditional on the halting of settlement building and the halting of the expansion of existing settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and to follow the directives of the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act, which require that a country receiving U.S. financial aid and military arms not engage in human-rights violations of another people; and be it further RESOLVED that South-Central Synod of Wisconsin ELCA Assembly, seeking a just peace for Israel and Palestine, encourage this synod’s congregations and members to pray for Israelis and Palestinians, to learn about the current situation in the Holy Land, to read the 'Kairos Palestine' document, and to advocate the aforementioned conditions on U.S. aid to Israel to their Congressional representatives.” South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, 2016 Assembly, Resolution #3 Memorial to the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Regarding U.S. Aid to the State of Israel - “RESOLVED that the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin ELCA Assembly memorialize the 2016 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to ask the United States Congress to follow the directives of the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act, which require that a country receiving U.S. financial aid and military arms not engage in human-rights violations of another people and to urge congressional action requiring that, to continue receiving U.S. financial and military aid, Israel must stop settlement building and the expansion of existing settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.” South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, 2016 Assembly, Resolution #4 Justice for the Holy Land through Responsible Investment - “RESOLVED that the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin ELCA Assembly request that the Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America direct the Corporate Social Responsibility Team to develop guidelines that will screen out investments in companies profiting from, or complicit in, human rights violations arising from the occupation, , and provide a report with possible recommendations to the November 2016 meeting of the ELCA Church Council, and forward the guidelines to the separately incorporated ministries, agencies, and institutions of the ELCA for implementation as appropriate; and be it further RESOLVED that the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin ELCA Assembly encourage its members and congregations to learn about their own investments and to intentionally invest in ways that are consistent with their faith and goals, including examining divestment from companies profiting from, or complicit in, human rights violations arising from the occupation, such as Caterpillar, HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Motorola Solutions, and G4S, until such time as those companies no longer profit from the occupation or cease operations in the illegal settlements.” (see here) (The following article was written by Rev. Tom Brock of pastorsstudy.org. You can follow Pastor Brock on Facebook - here and twitter - here.)
James Hazelwood is bishop of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He recently wrote in his blog…: “… (Earlier in life)…I took time to study the various biblical passages that had typically been used to support a case against homosexuality. What I found were a few passages in Leviticus and a passage in Romans. I did some reading and research, and I’ll admit it was not a thorough dive into all the scripture, but it was enough to give me a solid perspective.” My response: When we look at all of the relevant verses on homosexuality. When we do that we discover that every mention of homosexuality is negative. There is not one positive passage on homosexuality in the Bible. I encourage people to go to pastorsstudy.org and read my article “What Does the Bible Teach About Homosexuality?” which goes through all ten Scripture passages. The Bishop continues: “ There were a range of responses from those who held up these passages as clear evidence of God’s condemnation of homosexuality. There were also clear bodies of scholarly work that pointed out these passages were not to be understood as legislative rulings…. I concluded that while there are passages in the Bible that speak to this matter, there were also passages in those same parts of the scriptures that we choose to ignore. For instance, it’s clear that the Biblical concept of Jubilee, in which all debts were wiped clean was never practiced in ancient times, and certainly we don’t practice that today.” My response: Some of the Old Testament laws were given to the Jews only. Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial and dietary laws God gave to the Jews and we are no longer bound to keep them. We don’t need to kill lambs when we sin (the book of Hebrews), and we can eat pork (Mark 7:19). The Jubilee was not given to New Testament Christians. However, the moral law of the Old Testament stands. For instance, in addition to homosexuality, Leviticus also forbids rape, incest and beastiality (Leviticus 18). Are we free to embrace these behaviors? The Bishop writes: “In addition, our understanding of human sexuality has evolved over time.” My response: It appears the Bishop is teaching that if you hold a liberal view of homosexuality, you have “evolved.” Martin Luther called homosexual behavior “an invention of the devil.” Gratefully, Luther and virtually all Christians for 2000 years have not “evolved” on this issue. They have held to the truth of Scripture. Lastly the Bishop writes: “ … I want to emphasize this point. THESE ARE GIFTED PEOPLE AND GIFTED PASTORS. In many cases the congregations they serve are thriving. They are thriving because they are being served by gifted people, who happen to be gay.” My response: If these pastors are living a life of impenitent sin, engaging in homosexual behavior, they are not going to heaven (I Corinthians 6:9-11). Are these “gifted people” who should be preaching to others? One last thought: I have personally struggled with same sex attraction most of my life. But—for the sake of Christ and my eternal soul—I say “No” to these temptations (see “My struggle with same sex attraction” at pastorsstudy.org). It grieves me that liberal bishops and pastors are telling people to go ahead and engage in a behavior that is destructive in this life and the next. May the Lord have mercy on His Church. And may the above be another example of why people should leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church in America, the Presbyterian Church USA and the Disciples of Christ—all churches which have “evolved” into approving a behavior which God condemns. In Jesus our Savior, Pastor Tom Brock pastorsstudy.org (here is a link to the ELCA bishop's blog) Whether you like Donald Trump or not, the statements and planned actions of Timothy Marcus Smith, Bishop of North Carolina Synod, ELCA are disgraceful. He is rallying people and going to a planned speaking engagement to protest against Donald Trump. It will be at Lenoir-Rhyne University, an ELCA school that has invited Mr. Trump to speak.
Here is a part of what the bishop said last Friday: "My position: This candidate, in my opinion not only as a private citizen but as a bishop in this Church, is a farce, an embarrassment, and a danger to nearly everything I hold dear. That he this late in the game is still leading one of our major political parties with his rhetoric fueled by fear and anger is diametrically opposed to any reckoning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ I can imagine. Even leading 'Evangelicals' have said as much. My plan: Assuming he indeed shows up, I plan to be there, clerical collar and bishop's cross on, to protest NOT the fact that he's there but his platform that would deny refugees access, that would invoke violence at every turn, and that would stir up bigotry and hatred. I could go on, but you get the point. I would be deeply honored to be the one escorted out or even punched out as the heckler that Trump so condescendingly points out at each rally. But I won't try to drive out hate with more hate and anger. I will stand there, pray, sing, march, chant, wave signs, whatever I need to do and with whatever consequence to say, 'This is not who we are, America. This is not who we are, North Carolina. This is not who we are, Church.' And I hope the reporters and the cameras are there, and I hope they might care what I/we have to say in the name of Jesus." (see here or the screenshots below) ELCA bishop Timothy Marcus Smith has asked for others to join him and from the looks of the comments he is getting on Facebook, there will be a bunch of ELCA pastors and members doing just that. The bishop's Facebook post has garnered nearly 900 "likes." The bishop's statement is another example of the typical rhetoric of the ELCA and liberals --to brand anyone who disagrees with them on certain policies a "hater" or "racist." They have done so to Bible-believing Lutherans for at least the last 6 years. And is trying to silence someone and disrupt someone's speech really a Godly action? The ELCA is controlled by radical liberals who support their political causes while twisting Scripture to make it sound like they are on Christ's side. Name me one ELCA bishop that has gone to Washington D.C. to March for Life? Or how about an ELCA bishop protesting politicians who advocate killing of unborn children? That is a cause worth standing up for! But there are none. --- Update: Bishop Smith is now saying "After consultation with many, many people, I am for sure not going into the auditorium..." but he and those with him will be getting "as close to PE Monroe (the auditorium where Trump will speak) as the police and Secret Service will let us get." (see here) ELCA Bishop wants TRansgender Students to Be allowed to use opposite sex showers and bathrooms2/25/2016 The South Dakota state legislature recently passed a bill that “require(s) public-school students to use facilities that match their biological sex, according to the Washington Times.” “…Under the bill, 'every restroom, locker room, and shower room located in a public elementary or secondary school that is designated for student use and is accessible by multiple students at the same time shall be designated for and used only by students of the same biological sex.'" (read here) The governor has yet to sign the bill. ELCA South Dakota synod bishop, David Zellmer, does not like this bill and he took to social media to lobby for its defeat saying, “I have contacted South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard and urged him to veto HB 1008 – legislation that would prevent transgender students in public schools from using restrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity.” (see here) The South Dakota Synod, ELCA posted their bishop's message and it received overwhelming approval with 200+ "likes" and over 200 "shares." (see below) What kind of evil and craziness is this, that people actually want to place males in the showers and bathrooms of public school girls? "My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil; they know not how to do good." Jeremiah 4:22 Thank God for Franklin Graham, a watchman on the wall, who said, “This week the South Dakota state legislature passed a bill that requires students in public schools to use the bathroom, shower, and locker room that correspond to their biological sex. Who would’ve thought just a couple of years ago that a law would be needed to enforce something as basic as this? I think it’s a wise step of protection and applaud the state legislature for their boldness. Gay and transgender rights activists are already threatening that this could put the schools at risk of lawsuits. We’re not surprised are we?” (see here)
The ELCA is a homosexual and transsexual-affirming denomination. The ELCA ordains practicing homosexuals as well as people who call themselves transsexuals. It's one thing to love all people, but it's another to affirm, celebrate and elevate their sinful decisions. Sadly the ELCA enthusiastically hails their approval of these sinful lifestyles. Those who have been paying attention know this to be true, but many ELCA members insulate themselves within their ELCA churches and ignore the LGBT clamoring made by the denomination. For those people, Exposing the ELCA continues to provide material evidence in hopes their eyes will be opened to see how far the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has fallen.
Here is a video showing dozens of ELCA congregations proclaiming their support for the homosexual lifestyle: 2016 Reconciling in Christ Sunday Then we have an ELCA bishop "celebrating" a LGBT-approving church, posted on the ELCA synod Facebook page: Posted by Sierra Pacific Synod - ELCA on Monday, November 9, 2015 Next an ELCA synod posting on Facebook an article of an ELCA pastor speaking in support of a LGBT rights bill: Finally, a workshop at Luther Seminary in the Twin Cities, an ELCA school:
Could this ELCA synod be talking about conservative and/or Bible-believing Christians?
They don't like you, but I would bet they will still gladly take your money.
----- The belief in universalism is strong in the ELCA, as you know if you frequent this website. Here is another example - “I believe God is big enough to have many ways to be reached; although I confess Christianity, I also believe there are many other paths to God.” – The Rev. Patt Kauffman on ELCA clergy Uncensored Facebook group. The link goes to the Closed group, which only those in the group may view. (here) ----- An ELCA news story about the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Beirut does not mention the Islamic faith of the terrorists. (see here) I wonder why the ELCA is so free to condemn Israel (falsely, I might add) but they can not state the facts and motivation behind the terrorists actions we are seeing worldwide. ----- Wartburg College, an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) school, shared a video of their “Weekday Interfaith Chapel” (Sept. 30, 2015) in which a Hindu prayer was offered by the guest speaker. (see video here. View the video dated Sept. 30, 3015) The ELCA’s Saint Paul Area Synod held a number of visioning process gatherings asking ELCA members this question: “Where do you sense God calling us to be more deeply present as the ELCA?” What kind of answers do you get from people attending a denomination that has little desire to evangelize and tell people about the good news of salvation in Christ for those that believe? You get responses regarding liberal social policies and very few responses about God.
Here are the answers they received:
This provides a clear picture of the spiritual state of most of the leadership and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. (The following article was written by Rev. Tom Brock of pastorsstudy.org. You can follow Pastor Brock on Facebook - here and twitter - here.)
The Rev. R. Guy Erwin, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Southwest California Synod, has been elected to the executive committee of the Bishop's Conference, which is made up of the ELCA's 65 bishops. He is "married" to his "husband" Rob. Not too many years ago, engaging in homosexual behavior was considered a sin and precluded one from being a pastor in the ELCA. Today, one can engage in this unbiblical behavior and rise to one of the highest positions of the Church. This is one more example why people should take their time, talents and money, leave the ELCA, and join a more biblical denomination. Sincerely in Christ, Pastor Tom Brock pastorsstudy.org
The woman who works for and writes the tweets for the Northern TX-Northern LA Mission Area of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, according to the synod's twitter page (see here), describes herself as an “angry feminist, former teacher, former blogger. Mom to 1 son and 4 cats.” (see here)
This women has written 2 or 3 dozen tweets and retweets this week supporting abortion. Below is one tweet she wrote, in response to someone else who tweeted this, "Abortions aren't 'cool' nor anything to be proud of. I'm disgusted that #ShoutYourAbortion is even a thing. Where is Jesus in our world?" -
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Kristin Berkley-Abbott is a frequent writer for the ELCA's website Living Lutheran - see here. (Exposing the ELCA just posted a blog about one of her articles - see here). The following paragraphs by Berkley-Abbott will give you a little insight into the type person (with terrible theology) the ELCA is comfortable having write for their website. "I don't really want to unpack my pastor's idea this morning--it's a little too close to troubling aspects of atonement theology, with which I don't agree. I think that Jesus died on the cross not to save us from our sins, but because he was a threat to the established social order, and crucifixion was the punishment for people who posed that threat to Empire. Enough of that unpacking. But the idea of reconciliation appeals to me. I agree with theologians like Marcus Borg who says that Jesus came to show us what is possible for a human life. And reconciliation is one of our chief tasks." (read here) --- The Rev. Lamont Wells is in the position of Director for Evangelical Mission/Assistant to the Bishop of the ELCA's Metropolitan New York Synod. If you go to his Twitter page, see here, you will find that every day Rev. Wells tweets his (I assume) horoscope. Most of his Twitter page is filled with these horoscopes. God's Word warns us to stay away from fortune telling and astrology. (see here) Yet here is a high-level leader in the ELCA doing just that.
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The ELCA's Trinity Lutheran Seminary will host extreme liberal Brian McLaren. Trinity Seminary's website announced - “This year’s Trinity Days will take place on September 24 and 25. Brian McLaren, named by Time magazine as one of America’s top 25 evangelicals, will be the keynote speaker. Brian McLaren is an author, speaker, pastor and networker among innovative Christian leaders, thinkers, and activists. He will speak on the theme 'Christian Identity and Mission Tomorrow.'” (see here) (The following article was written by Rev. Tom Brock of pastorsstudy.org. You can follow Pastor Brock on Facebook - here and twitter - here.)
The official website of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has listed some “Don’t miss” stories for its readers. The first listed is the story of Bishop Kevin Kanouse, Bishop of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod of the ELCA, who announced his homosexuality to teenagers at the ELCA’s national youth assembly this summer. He has stated that “the Holy Spirit” led him to do this. He told the teens that earlier in his life when he was struggling with God’s call, God said to him “You a**hole, why aren’t you listening to me?” What has happened since his coming out? “The support …and love I have received have been amazing…Perhaps 98% of emails, letters, texts, notes, phone calls, and conversations have been positive. Some have told how their mind has changed as a result of my courage in coming out…” What an indictment of the ELCA, that 98% of those writing him have rejected the Bible’s teaching regarding homosexual behavior to embrace the bishop’s “courage.” No, Bishop Kanouse, it would have been courageous of you to say “I have this temptation, but I believe this behavior is contrary to God’s Word.” But the bishop didn’t say that. Instead he encouraged young people to embrace homosexuality. The bishop writes “the majority of teen suicides are caused by depression and fear over issues around gender identity and rejection.” He cites no study to support this statement, but even if it is true, could not the culprit be not “society’s condemnation” but that there is something inherently depressing and destructive about homosexual acts themselves? Given the liberal climate of the ELCA, it would have been courageous for the bishop to encourage teens to abstain from homosexual behavior, but he didn’t do that. The bishop writes “Among the first comments I heard when I sat down after delivering my sermon at the Youth Gathering where I came out was: “You saved some lives today.” That brought tears.” No, bishop, perhaps your sermon damned some lives that day since I Corinthians 6:9-11 states that those who continue to live in impenitent sin, including the sin of homosexual behavior, will not inherit the Kingdom of God. The bishop continues to share the results of his coming out sermon: “Soon another pastor said: “One of my girls came up to me and asked if I would mind if she talked to our youth group tonight about her own sexuality. She has never told anyone that she is a lesbian.” So the bishop’s message of accepting homosexuality is spreading to ELCA youth groups. The bishop writes of more results of his coming out: “Said one pastor: “…my bible study group (made up mostly of people over 70) spent the entire hour telling stories of people we knew or to whom we were related who were gay or lesbian. We talked about how times have changed. We laughed together and we cried together and in the end they wanted me to tell you (bishop) that you are always welcome to come to our church …”. That kind of heartening response has been repeated over and over again.” Next the bishop writes: “A mother and father pulled me aside… with tears in her eyes (the mother) told me of her daughter…who had come out to her as a lesbian… She said: “I have prayed every night: ‘God change her. God change her.’ Then I read your (bishop’s) letter and subsequent story about your experience and I picked up the phone and called her right away. I apologized to her and reassured her that I love her.” Their daughter had pretty much dropped out of church some years before, perhaps because of this reality in her life, but the following Sunday they were in church, all three of them.” So the point appears to be “Lets get people back in church by telling them their sin is okay.” The truth is that liberal churches which do this are shrinking and conservative churches which uphold the Bible’s teaching are growing. And where is the bishop’s concern for people’s eternal salvation? There are more important things than pleasing people and getting them to attend an heretical church. Lastly, the bishop states “if God can and does love us as we have been created, with all our uniqueness and individuality, how can we as a church reject anyone? Indeed, how can we continue to live with self-hatred, doubt, and rejection? Since God loves us as we are, created in God’s own image, we indeed are freed in Christ to love ourselves unconditionally. That is a new acceptance of grace for me and from me toward others who are LBGT.” My response: Yes, God deeply loves us sinners, but wait a minute, bishop, what about original sin? The Bible (Romans 5:12, 15-19) and the Lutheran Church teach we are born in sin and need to be redeemed from sin. This bishop seems to say we are all born wonderful and have no need to repent of whatever “uniqueness” we have. No, bishop, we are to do what the Apostle Paul writes “If you are living according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13). Tragically it appears the bishop is using his influence to teach that homosexual sin is not really sin, so no need to repent. Again, if I Corinthians 6:9-11 is true, what the bishop is doing is not loving, but damning. I know what this struggle with homosexual temptation is about. I encourage people to read my story entitled “My struggle with same sex attraction” at pastorsstudy.org Also read my article there “What does the Bible teach about homosexuality?” The difference between my position and the bishop’s is the difference between the Bible and the world, truth and falsehood, light and darkness. Sincerely in Christ, Pastor Tom Brock pastorsstudy.org
Rev. Dr. Kevin S. Kanouse, bishop of the ELCA's Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Mission Area, spoke to the youth of his synod while in Detroit for the ELCA's National Youth Gathering and told them he is gay.
ELCA transgender pastor Megan Rohrer tweeted this -
Two gay news websites also reported this A few days later, Bishop Kanouse wrote a letter to his synod explaining what happened. (read here) There are a number of things to be said about this letter: 1) The bishop spoke to 400 youth and adults announcing he was gay, something that was previously unknown. This is what you subject your children to when you remain in a denomination that has denied God's Word regarding homosexuality. 2) The bishop spoke of his homosexuality saying that is how God made him. He wrote, "Being gay is not a sin. My sin was a lifetime of denying that the God who created me, also accepts me and loves me. It was faithlessness." If the bishop means "same-sex attraction" is not a sin, but rather a temptation, when he writes, "(b)eing gay is not a sin," then I agree. But if he means acting on that attraction in thought and deed, then he is 100% wrong. How do you think the youth understood this message from the bishop? 3) The bishop painted a dark picture of the Biblical view of marriage and homosexuality if his letter is any indication. He writes, "the arguments defending those few scriptures condemning gay, lesbian, and bi-sexual persons sounded more and more hollow. It did not sound like the truth of the Gospel I have been preaching." 4) Bishop Kanouse says he and his wife of 40 years, "are both committed to our marriage." I commend him for this decision and pray that they remain committed to their marriage in every way. Then strangely enough Bishop Kanouse wrote this about the same event on his facebook page -
Click the day and date link below to view the post yourself -
Does God speak like that? Who is really speaking to this man? I would be very upset if I had sent my children to the youth gathering and they were indoctrinated toward believing same-sex attraction is from God and that it is good. This man needs us to pray for him, as do all who listened to his non-God-glorifying message. |
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Dan Skogen
Former ELCA seminary student and former ELCA member who is fed up with the ELCA's consistent mockery of God's Word. If you have been helped and blessed by Exposing the ELCA's ministry, please help us continue to proclaim the truth of God's Word to ELCA members who need to hear it.
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Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. - Ephesians 5:11
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