Gnesio “It is the nature of all hypocrites and false prophets to create a conscience where there is none, and to cause conscience to disappear where it does exist.” - Martin Luther
One thing cannot be tolerated, as the post below reveals:
ALPB Forum:
I recently shared a post about actions I heard that was being made in our synod's. I apologize that I was emotionally responding to something I heard. To those I misrepresented I apologize to the bishop and the dean. I pray that before we post on these web sites we take time to clarify what we heard and keep our emotions in check. I am sorry to those I offended. Hence, I removed the original post. I contacted the dean to ask for clarity on what actually was said. He graciously sent me an email of his report. I would like to share what was actually written.
"Concerning the relationship to clergy who have left the ELCA - Such conversations have already been taking place in conferences. It was agreed that deaneries and clusters are for ELCA rostered leaders and synodically authorized ministers only. In other settings, like local ministerial associations or lectionary study groups, relationships may be similar to those of other denominations, which are part of that group. We trust that those who have left the ELCA will find collegiality with partners in their church body.
Concerning clergy (Retired, On Leave from Call, Specialized Ministry) who may be asked to provide Sunday supply for a congregation which has left the ELCA - Please remember that such congregations have decided to join a new Lutheran church body and should find such persons in that body for Sunday supply. It is not appropriate for ELCA clergy to serve in such circumstances. If there are specific instances you feel require conversation, please contact the bishop.
Concerning persons who interfere in the life of a neighboring congregation - It is inappropriate at an ELCA event (congregational or conference) to distribute information from other church bodies (e.g., LCMC/NALC/etc.) and encourage members to pursue leaving the ELCA. This has happened mostly by laypersons who have attended a Bible study, fellowship event, etc., and who have brought written information to share. The local pastor is encouraged to speak privately with such person/s to prevent such interference and invite such person/s to leave the event if the interference continues.
Again here is what actually was shared. Thank you for reading this post.
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GJ - Does anyone else see the hilarity of this information? ELCA is in fellowship with Rome (joint parish), all the Reformed sects, the liberal Baptists, and in a de facto merger with the Episcopal Church USA. Someone in the far out all religions lead to God UCC sect can also have a call in ELCA and vice versa. BUT - they are not in fellowship with anyone who has left ELCA. Those dreadful people have no business being anywhere near an ELCA gather of any type. Nor should they expect mercy for they deserve none.
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Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "ELCA Practices Fellowship":
Pastor Jackson, I believe you are pointing out the hypocrisy in the fellowship actions of the ELCA and are not implying that fellowship should continue where confession of doctrine has divided them.
Correct me if I'm making the wrong assumption.
Doctrine has divided them and that division needs to be maintained fully while their confession of doctrine is opposed. Scripture isn't man's doctrine but God's. Certainly for ELCA it is merely removing the fly legs from the soup and leaving the rotting carcass basting. Nonetheless it's something to be considered by every member of the Lutheran [sic] denominations.
So far there hasn't been any WELS spittle the ELS wouldn't lick or imitate.
Just sayin'...
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GJ - Yes, ELCA is hypocritical, but they do have standards. ELCA works with Missouri, WELS, and the ELS, too, but only on ELCA's terms. ELCA's problem is with those who have left, which proves that they really do care that so many are leaving, so much money is disappearing, and the come-outters are urging their ELCA brethren to join them.
I have read hints that a number of ELCA seminaries are in deep financial stress.
