Stop all executions
I read that [Kelly Gissendaner] was executed (“Gissendaner sings while executed”; November, page 10). To kill someone who confessed their sin and was forgiven by our Lord is murder. We must stop all executions. I read (elsewhere) that only two or three innocent ones are executed. Anything our churches can do? As a former chaplain, I can tell you that for many prisoners, if not most, being sentenced to life in prison is a worse judgment.
The Rev. Robert Ove
Aurora, Colo.
New pastors
The article “5 things that happen when you get a new pastor” by Tim Brown will help conversations take place. Having attended some clergy retirement seminars and hearing horror stories about transitions, I would add that when a church gets a new pastor, the (former) pastor doesn’t go away but is an ongoing, often divisive presence undermining the leadership of the new pastor. Among the resources our synod provided was what a departing pastor should not do once she or he has retired or moved on. To have a guideline put into parishioners’ hands is important.
The Rev. Edward R. Schreiber
Saugerties, N.Y.
Feeling comfortable, loved
Keep up the good work on clear, inviting articles. We and Avu, our Greenland husky, really enjoyed the “Furry friend brings laughter, cheer to seniors”. My wife Chris and I take Avu to nursing and assisted living homes. It is great and uplifting to see smiles on residents’ faces. I agree with author Katie Scarvey that dogs can make seniors feel comfortable, loved.
Earl Finkler
Medford, Wis.
Credit union
Hearing about the ELCA credit union disturbed me (“Credit union to open”). How did this plan originate? A friend, who is a lifelong atheist, gave me this perspective: “Didn’t Jesus throw the money changers out of the temple?” How does the ELCA justify this? I thought we had a mission to the unchurched. This isn’t helping.
The Rev. Marsha Swenson
Madison, Wis.
Our theological brand
Kudos to Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton for staying on her fourfold message. But in “What is ‘Lutheran’?”, saying that “what we eat, what hymns we sing, what jokes we tell, what countries we hail from, what color we are, what we wear” isn’t what defines “Lutheran” or binds us together flies in the face of most everyone’s experience of the ELCA today. Saying it out loud and wishing doesn’t make it so. “We are Christian” isn’t a statement of having become “generic” but clearly states we are Christ-centered above all else. If “God’s grace” is what is unique to us, what does this say about our ecumenical partner’s theology? We need to be Lutheran Christians, with a clear noun and adjective distinction. We are living in a post-denominational world. It’s time to clarify our theology by our branding.
The Rev. Kevin Murphy
Walnut Creek, Calif.
Good works
I would like to commend Bishop Eaton for her excellent article “What is ‘Lutheran’?” Her statement — “If culture and cuisine don’t define us, our theology must” — takes us to the very heart of the dilemma posed in this extremely well-written article. I also was impressed by her assertion that “we have a particular way of understanding the Jesus story.” While the bishop certainly is respectful of good works in her interpretation of the transformative relationship that exists between faith and good works, I am inclined to think that faith, so perceived, may at times possibly underestimate the supplementary but inherently valuable role of good works, per se. The apostle John speaks at some length on this issue.
Robert E. Beranek
North Huntingdon, Pa.
A right relationship
Bishop Eaton writes about being Lutheran and suggests we ask people what we must do to be in a right relationship with God. I have been at worship in several ELCA congregations. At the beginning of the service I learned that since I was baptized, I am in a right relationship with God. I joined others in reading the words of confession and heard from the pastor that now I have the entire forgiveness of all my sins, so that must mean I am in a right relationship with God. Later in those services, I learned that I would get even more forgiveness by sharing in the eucharist. Is this how “Lutherans have a particular way of understanding the Jesus story?”
Russell Lee
Albuquerque, N.M.
Being transgender
Thanks for the article “Extending and receiving welcome”. It’s great to hear Pastor Megan Rohrer’s story and be given a few websites for more information and a Q&A on being transgender. My bishop said I was the first in our synod to preside over a same-sex marriage hours after the Supreme Court ruled it legal. It was one of the most profound good news days in my 12 years of ordained ministry. I hope we hear more stories about these issues in the future.
The Rev. Janelle Hooper
Sugar Land, Texas
Best issue
The October issue of The Lutheran is one of the best in years.
Lynn Madsen
Golden Valley, Minn.
A moral responsibility
Kudos to David K. Voigts for his excellent letter, “Facts on climate change”, explaining that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a moral responsibility. Despite criticism from some politicians, that is why it is appropriate for religious leaders to call for action on climate change.
Terry Hansen
Oak Creek, Wis.
An apology
It’s time, as Lutherans, to publicly apologize to all pastors who were asked to leave the ministry because of divorce. By apologizing, we can bring God’s mercy and healing to them and allow them back into the circle of our love.
Tim Freund
Columbus, Ohio
