Over the last number of months I've received numerous requests from from friends (laity) and other laity within The Michigan District, to discuss or explain the similarities and differences between The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The questions have arisen mostly, it seems, out of conversations between our LCMS members and their ELCA friends who are questioning the outcomes of their Synod's August, 2009, convention.
What caused the most consternation and inquiry by the ELCA members was the passage of ELCA statement on "Human Sexuality." President Kieschnick's response to the passage of that statement/resolution at the ELCA Convention would be well worth the read (or listen) and can be found here at this WEBPAGE on the LCMS Website. (underline is a hyperlink)
Getting back to the main question above: "What are the similarities and difference between the LCMS and the ELCA?", a great place for information, both for one's self as well for others to refer to, is found at this WEBPAGE on the LCMS Website. (underline is a hyperlink)We must, of course, remember the Apostle Paul's admonition in Ephesians 4:15 where, knowing the truth, we are encouraged to keep on speaking the truth, but to do so in love, and thus to continually grow up in Christ. (The wider context of Ephesians 4:1-32 is noteworthy to this discussion: We are to remain faithful to the Word and God will help us all grow up as children of light and know how best to relate to one another.)My prayer for all of us is that we would let our light shine, live our lives in such a way, that we are
- continually asked about the hope that is in us,
- and, therefore, continually asked questions by those who observe us about what we believe and why.
