[Gerald] Kieschnick wrote to the ELCA bishops about an assembly action which directed the ELCA to change policy to make it possible for Lutherans in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships to serve as ELCA associates in ministry, clergy, deaconesses and diaconal ministers.
“Bishop Hanson and Conference of Bishops, I share this letter with you to confirm what I have already stated, namely, that this is a very serious matter, one that we cannot ignore,” a portion of Kieschnick’s letter said. “To the greatest extent possible, it would be a blessing to our ongoing cooperative relationships if the actions taken at the ELCA Assembly were not implemented, nor given influence, in the context of inter-Lutheran ministries involving the LCMS and the ELCA, so that these relationships would be neither damaged nor destroyed.”
“Out of deep concern for the people who receive ministry from such organizations and for the continuation of those ministries, I share with you this letter and pray that it will be received in the spirit of fraternal, collegial dialogue with which it is sent,” the LCMS president wrote.
The Missouri Synod should end all contacts with the ELCA, The LC-MS shouldn’t have contacts with the ELCA because of woman pastors, homosexual pastors, open communion, communion with the Calvinist Churches.
My son goes to an LCMS high school. They usually have their Christmas concert at the local ELCA church, though, because of its size and parking availability. I’m very curious to see what is going to happen this year. From offhand comments made to me by the principal, I would not be surprised if the venue is changed.