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The Resolution of Revenge

5/13/2011

2 Comments

 
The Resolution of Revenge
By Rev. Cary G. Larson

In spite of numerous scriptural support from the Old and New Testaments for Christians to not to seek vengeance or revenge, as this is a matter for God and God alone, members of the ELCA’s Southeastern Minnesota (SEMN) Synod apparently believe that God needs some assistance.

On May 7th, the SEMN Synod’s assembly, entertained and voted on a resolution benignly titled “Resolution 2011-01:
ELCA Health and Benefits Program”. This resolution of revenge sought to recommend to the ELCA Church Council to seriously consider and adopt a policy of “removing from the Health and Benefits Program of the ELCA, clergy who have left the ELCA or encouraged their congregations or laity to do so.”

In the original form the Resolution of Revenge was recorded as follows:

WHEREAS, both the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) and Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) are encouraging congregations, clergy, and laity to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); and
WHEREAS, some clergy have violated the governing documents of the ELCA by encouraging their congregations to leave the ELCA;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2011 Southeastern Minnesota Synod in assembly request that the ELCA Church Council consider removing from the Health and Benefits Program of the ELCA, clergy who have left the ELCA or encouraged their congregations or laity to do so.

The “whereas” paragraphs seemed problematic as according to the Synod’s own report, “During the discussion, multiple amendments to the resolution were brought to the floor, ranging from modifying phrases to revising language to striking all of lines 1-11. As discussion continued, Bishop Usgaard brought the discussion to a close in order that parliamentarian study could take place.” Lines 1-11 are the words prior to the “Therefore”.

According to one source that was present, during the lengthy preliminary discussion Rev. Sandy Rothschiller of the ELCA Board of Pensions (BOP) was granted the floor and advised against such measures as it hurts the BOP in the long run. Apparently this wisdom was ignored.

“Later in the afternoon, Bishop Usgaard was seen at the podium holding a copy of Robert’s Rules for Dummies, helping to lighten the mood, and he made a promise to the assembly that “We’re going to finish this.” Each proposal to amend the resolution was discussed, voted, and defeated, bringing the assembly back to the resolution as a whole. The debate continued. The resolution eventually passed as amended with a vote of 239 for, 129 against.” continues the synod’s report.

The resolution of revenge passed significantly after striking the words, “or encouraged their congregations or laity to do so”, of the original resolution.

It is interesting to note that while the wellness of dependents of clergy, including infants and children, could be grossly affected by this resolution, Bishop Usgaard took it upon himself to “lighten the mood” as the assembled synod delegates addressed this most serious issue.

The resolution of revenge as passed by the SEMN Synod of the ELCA clearly demonstrates that the patience within the ELCA is waning towards those, especially clergy, who disagree with the apostasies voted into play at the CWA09. Instead of practicing tolerance and grace, which the ELCA boasts as their cherished virtues, the proposed and adopted resolution clearly illustrates intolerance towards clergy who stand on the authority of Holy Scripture alone.
2 Comments
Dean L Swenson
5/14/2011 02:44:44 am

The financial reserves from which pensions and benefits are paid do not belong to the Church. They belong to the individual pastors and others who have invested in the B.O.P. either personally or by contributions from their congregations or boards on their behalf as part of their official compensation contracts.Years ago,in controversy over Pension Funds being invested in South Africa, a National ELCA Assembly voted to divest pension funds invested in So. Africa, costing the B.O.P. hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some pastors sued the ELCA over this, and at length, won their case.The Courts declared that the ELCA was illegal in doing this, as the ELCA Pension Fund (to which the Health and Benefits Plan belongs)is a separate corporation from the ELCA and the ELCA has no authority over it. The Board of Pensions has officially declared that pastors' status in the Pension Funds is not affected by whether they are ELCA or not. As many non-ordained workers for various parts of the Church have their pensions and insurance benefits in the Board of Pensions, one does not have to be a pastor at all to have pension and benefits in the Fund.

Reply
Dean L Swenson
5/15/2011 06:52:29 am

The insurance, as is the pension, is paid for by the individual B.O.P. members, or partially by those who hire them. It is not paid for by the "group" (i.e.ELCA). Except for those who may be directly hired by the E.L.C.A. per se, as I was for just a couple years as a mission developer when my paycheck came from ELCA Division of Outreach in Chicago.


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  • Home
  • ELCA Exposed News
    • on The Bible
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    • on Abortion
    • on Social Media (ELCA Wolves Blog)
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    • on Social Justice
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    • on Other Critical Issues
  • Responses to ELCA
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