In an earlier post I alluded to the fact that several pastors and congregations have left the ELCIC since our last convention. It seems odd there is no mention made (without judgment or comment) that these brothers and sisters who served faithfully in ministry with us, have seen fit to leave the ELCIC and join other Lutheran bodies in Canada and serve Christ there. Given the stresses and tensions that exist in our church it shouldn't be a surprise the ELCIC has suffered such losses—the divisions and differences in our church are real and have real consequences.
The fact is our church is divided and division causes pain. To ignore (intentionally or otherwise) these absences doesn't make things any easier—if anything it complicates matters. How are we supposed to have a true picture of life in our Synod when this piece of reality isn't mentioned?
How can we have a full understanding of the challenges we are facing and the implications of decisions if we don't acknowledge repercussions that have already happened? What about those still here who grieve the absences of friends and colleagues?
On another note, it would be a gesture of Christian charity to acknowledge those who have left and pray for them God's blessings as they begin service to Christ elsewhere, trusting they are still members with us in the body of Christ.
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We agree. We have a right to know that these congregations have left; and it reduces the level of denial that some are leaving. Let's name names; let's acknowledge their departure--synodically and nationally. Then we can all move on under God's good care.
ReplyDeleteGood comment Brad. I think recognition of these significant changes should have been made.
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