Letters to the editor


Embracing honesty can be transformative God language, first calls, cover art, reporting prompt comments


10trends to watch


Churches need to take note, keep up 20


Plus study guide 26


empowerment. The Rev. Paul L. Michaelson San Carlos, Calif.


® JUNE 2011


www.thelutheran.org $2.50


Plain, white card for Father’s Day 14


Wangerin: Falling into faith 28


It’s about grace for prolific pastor 30


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Saying “the truth in love” has always gone over well, even in difficult, conflict- oriented situations.


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Thank you for the introductory column and cover story (June, pages 4 and 20). I especially resonate to the emphasis on “reality” in honestly dealing with situ- ations, both positive and negative, and addressing possibilities. I have served some 22 congregations as an interim pastor (trainer and consultant for our synod). Saying “the truth in love” has always gone over well, even in diffi- cult, conflict-oriented situations. In the midst of reality we are challenged to go forward strengthened by the power of the Spirit, even when it may mean closing a congregation, letting staff members leave, or expressing love in divorce or separation situations. Resis- tance comes when people don’t address reality. It represents a lack of faith that we aren’t equipped to deal with “what is.” When we embrace honesty, there can be transformation—through God’s


48 The Lutheran • www.thelutheran.org


Nothing but the facts Barbara Jurgensen misrepresents those of us who are concerned that the Com- mission for a New Lutheran Church nearly voted to remove “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” from the ELCA’s con- fession of faith (June, page 49). We have done nothing more than report the facts: that the commission nearly voted to remove God’s name—the name in which we baptize—from the ELCA confession of faith. I would ask that she not miscon- strue those of us who are concerned for


the ELCA’s doctrinal integrity. The Rev. Paul C. Koch Wannaska, Minn.


Getting it straight The theology, doctrine and structure of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints aren’t easy to describe. An article titled “Mormons delaying mar- riage” (June, page 12) described the General Conference of the LDS church as all male. The reporter apparently confused the regular all-male priest- hood meeting (an important part of the General Conference) with the General


Conference itself, which is open to all. Barry Saunders Salt Lake City, Utah


Anti-Semitism repudiated A letter writer expressed shock and dis- may upon learning of Martin Luther’s writings against the Jews that were later used by the Nazis in their persecution of the Jewish people (June, page 49). He should know that his experience has been shared by many of us in the ELCA. It is for that reason the ELCA


in 1994 issued an apology to the Jew- ish community and repudiated Luther’s anti-Jewish polemic. In the same decla- ration, the ELCA pledged itself to efforts at greater understanding and cooperation with the Jewish community. The action was met with appreciation by Jewish leaders. Another result was the report of the ELCA’s action in the trailer to the film on the history of anti-Semitism that runs continuously at the Holocaust


Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. The Rev. Richard E. Koenig Cromwell, Conn.


Baffling report


After reading “Church Council approves genetics proposal” (June, page 8), I went back and read the comments a second time. The article is simply gob- bledygook. My wife could not tell what the article was about either. May I sug- gest your commentaries be less politi-


cally correct and more direct. Tony Weissgarber San Antonio, Texas


Covers come up short I remember when the covers of The Lutheran were always colorful and spiritually artistic. Nowadays who knows what might appear on the front. What gives? Enjoy the enlightening


articles but miss former things. M. Smith Madison, Tenn.


Open to first calls


I appreciate the attention given to the first-call process in the May issue (page 20). I went through the first-call process two years ago. The article mentioned that “203 of the 1,200 to 1,400 vacant ELCA congregations have indicated an interest in a new graduate.” Why didn’t


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