ELCA's new health plan policies will reflect the doctrine of the apostates. They have been paying for abortions under the plan, showing the real nature of their compassion. Now they will add same-sex clergy spouses. They have invented a lot of new church worker categories, so those spouses will be covered too. Nobody told ELCA that same-sex health coverage is an exception in the big corporations - not for lack of coverage. The rules make it difficult for people to qualify. They have to show they are together for more than a brief fling and they have to apply for it.
Nevertheless, ELCA is hastening to remind its fleeing congregations why they are hitting the exit doors as fast as they can. The new rules and health plan are a matter of pure justice, in synodical minds, so there is no reason to listen to any other position.
Ralph Bohlmann's daughter must be rejoicing, because she is now a UCC minister and living with her female partner and adopted children. Bohlmann was the Otten choice for LCMS Synod President.
We should judge synods by their policies and actions, not by their claims. The late Father Richard J. Neuhaus labeled himself "confessional Lutheran" until the moment he became a Roman Catholic priest.
In spite of what WELS claims about its doctrinal stance, this is what its practice and policies show:
- Women pastors are legitimate and there is nothing in the New Testament against this trend, which is routinely accepted by members, pastors, and Doctrinal Pussycats.
- Open communion is good, but should be "Don't ask, don't tell" open communion.
- The liturgy is bad. So is the name Lutheran. And "church."
- Rock music and entertainment are much better than the liturgy and hymns.
- The Book of Concord is obsolete and irrelevant.
- Synod leaders should attend as many non-Lutheran worship gatherings as possible, because those people know how to do real evangelism.
- The worst false teachers make the best leaders at the synodical schools.
- Doctrinal discipline is for those who appeal to the Scriptures and the Confessions.
- Pastors should be divorced and remarried, because they make better ministers, just as they claim. But the facts should be hidden, lest the weak in faith be offended.
- When a rich man divorces and marries his mistress, it is a "Scriptural divorce."
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Former LCA Bishop James Crumley on his disagreement with ELCA and PB Hanson. Interestingly, I had lunch with Crumley after I left the LCA, at the Ad Fontes conference where I met Neuhaus. Crumley glanced at my nametag and knew I was in WELS already.
Remember how rad I was for saying things like this about the LCA? Now Crumley is saying as much. Remember that, WELSians and ELsians, when you trash-talk this blog. I was 22 years ahead of the boss then, too. I still am, and people are catching up.
