Letters


In praise of vocation I was stunned. I couldn’t put [the May cover story] down. It was incredibly relevant. Like drinking


refreshing water from an oasis—spiritually hydrating. Dave Nixon Orlando, Fla.


Content too political Martin Zimmann crossed the self-declared line of not endorsing political candidates. I would expect articles like “Beware the Lutherans” (May, page 26) to appear in publications like The New York Times or the Washington Post, not Living Lutheran. Strike one


for the new publication and the editorial staff. Scott Johnson Swanton, Md.


Thanks to Zimmann Thank you for the Clarence Darrow piece. I expect some readers will object, but Zimmann is in great company—including that of Dietrich Bonhoeffer—in following conscience and in speaking out against


fear and hate-mongering. Herb Strentz Urbandale, Iowa


Thankful for ‘Reflection' I enjoyed the article “Touch” by Pastor Tim Brown (May, page 21). I was glad to hear of a dad taking his small child on a pastoral care visit. As a pastor who has also walked the road of parish ministry and is raising two small kids, I’m grateful that other pastors are finding ways to not only integrate our vocations


but see them as resurrection moments of ministry. The Rev. Janelle Rozek Hooper ELCA program director for ministry with children Chicago


Misses The Lutheran Changing the name of the magazine to Living Lutheran smacks of the same genius as New Coke. Perhaps the lesson learned by Coca-Cola will lead


you to abandon your “New Coke” before sales tank. Douglas Bell Berlin, Pa.


Sterile content Your new format has beautiful prose but reads like Newsweek—essentially sterile. With Peter Marty absent, where do we find Christian spirituality, the awesome nature of God and why we should


love Jesus? Jim Pettigrew Broomfield, Colo.


‘We need a few laughs’ What happened to the “Light Side” in the new Living Lutheran? I always read the “Light Side” before reading the serious articles. Please include that page in the magazine. With all the problems in the world we need a few laughs. Other than that omission the


magazine is excellent. Ann Stevens Evanston, Ill.


Good news in Nebraska In 2013 the ELCA Churchwide Assemby approved the social statement “The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries,” calling us to hear the needs of those affected by mass incarceration in the United States. One of the ways Followers of Christ Prison Ministry of the Nebraska Synod carries out this call is to provide 120 subscriptions to Living Lutheran for the men and women in five prisons in Nebraska, as well as encouraging the Nebraska Women of the ELCA to provide Gather magazine for the women’s prison. This is a wonderful way to help the incarcerated stay connected with the church and to provide Bible studies and a much needed message of undeserved love and forgiveness in a law-based environment. The good news we share is like a breath of fresh air for many inmates. Please consider buying subscriptions for those in prison in your areas. It is a wonderful gift. Thank you to the


Living Lutheran staff and writers for your work. The Rev. Robert Bryan Director of Followers of Christ Prison Ministry Lincoln, Neb.


For additional “Letters” visit LivingLutheran.org. Submit a letter to LivingLutheran@elca.org. Include your name, city and state. All letters are subject to editing.


On the cover Two children of the Lutheran Church in Cambodia pose for Y. Franklin Ishida.


Looking for stories from this issue on LivingLutheran.org? Articles from the print issue (as well as other new content) are uploaded daily to the site throughout the month.


6 JULY 2016


Living Lutheran magazine belongs to the people of the ELCA in all our diversity. The magazine:


• Nurtures awareness of Christ’s presence in our lives and the world.


• Shares stories of God’s people living their faith. • Connects us with the global Christian community. • Provides an open forum for discussion. • Challenges us to bring God’s grace and care to all.


VOICES OF FAITH .


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