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Letters


Youth Gathering serves, highlights Christ Articles on sex abuse, training, attire, protest, creeds earn comments


One of our youth became sick dur- ing closing worship of the Youth Gathering (page 16). Waiting outside the medical area, two women who work at the Ford Center asked if they could pray with me. At the end, one said, “I have worked in this place for over 10 years and I have never felt the presence of God until this week.” Is there anything else that has to be said about why we host these gatherings? It isn’t about us only—it is about all those who surrounded us with their love, care and compassion. All the high fives, smiles, honking horns and thank yous from the people of Detroit will never be forgotten. Our calling is not one of comfort or ease but rather about the church being called out to serve and be the image of Christ in the world. The Rev. Jack R. Palzer Apollo Beach, Fla.


48 www.thelutheran.org


Breaking power, control A thousand thanks for Pam Marolla’s “On forgiveness and childhood sex abuse” (August, page 26). The dam- age done by sexual, physical and emotional abuse is deep and long- lasting. Healing can take decades, happens in many different ways and comes in waves. As a church, we must work to systemically break the power and control that lead to the abuse of people of all ages and life circum- stances. The isolation, minimization, intimidation and blaming that is inflicted on survivors is overwhelm- ing. We must not only recognize but combat these factors. The most important words each of us can say to a survivor are: “I believe you, I’m sorry this happened to you, it is not your fault, you are not alone, you are so brave and thank you for sharing your story.” Ann McGlynn Davenport, Iowa


Nature of forgiveness Marolla misunderstands the nature of forgiveness. Christ forgiving his murderers did not legitimize their actions. Instead, forgiveness is an impossibly challenging mandate from God that allows us to seek heal- ing in a fallen world. It does not pre- vent pursuing charges through the criminal justice system, but it does offer a path toward a better future. Andrew Breza Washington, D.C.


About time It is good to see in “Live together virtually” (August, page 14) that our seminaries are paying attention to the role of media and the Internet


in our culture. When I suggested such attention 15 years ago, another (now retired) professor at one of these same seminaries told me such courses would be a waste of time. Ironically, this discussion took place on Ecunet, the ELCA’s Internet pres- ence of the day. Is it a wonder that the very next article is the cover story (page 16) on redefining mission and ministry with fewer members in our congregations? Mark D. Johns Decorah, Iowa


If the shoe fits … While Bishop Thomas Tobin of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Provi- dence (R.I.) might be puzzled at how he ended up in The Lutheran, I applaud his “rant” about church attire (August, page 9). We who are clothed in the righteousness of Christ would do well to dress accordingly. The Rev. Dennis D. Kiesling Cranston, R.I.


Tread carefully Why did Bishop Wayne Miller partic- ipate in the “Moral Monday” demon- stration (August, page 9) at the head- quarters of Sam Zell’s investment firm, which had nothing to do with “Moral Monday”? To classify Zell as the rich man as mentioned in Mat- thew 29 is completely out of order. Since when is it sinful to be rich? Clyde Muske Houston


Creeds define faith The creeds belong to the whole Chris- tian community. When we confess the creeds, we identify ourselves as part of this Christian community. If


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