Voices of faith Letters
Our Lutheran identity I’m sure I’m not the only reader to notice the contrast between the articles “What’s in a name?” (February, page 34) on Lutheran institutions re-branding themselves and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s message (February, page 50) about the ELCA hiding our light under a bushel. She notes: “The Lutheran witness to the gospel has something important and distinctive about it that is valued by other Christians and religious traditions, and by the secular world as well.” Yet, we see Lutheran institutions dropping their Lutheran identity in favor of generic, made-up names. Is it really worth disposing of our identity simply “to be current” or for
“garnering new revenue sources?” The Rev. Barry M. Ridge Gratz, Pa.
Defining sexism In “Women clergy thankful for gains, frustrated by leadership gap” (March, page 30), you offer a definition of sexism (that which promotes male privilege) which is, in itself, sexist and thus wrong. A better definition would be “sexism refers to that which promotes privilege based on gender.” While it would be incorrect to claim the privileges haven’t skewed to males in many instances historically, sexism can (and has, for me at least)
also affected men by extending privileges to women in preference to men. Either is wrong, and blaming one gender for the issue simply perpetuates bias and the
problems inherent in sexism. Jeff Wedge Port Orange, Fla.
A lexicon of faith I am pleased for Peter Marty that he is now publisher of The Christian Century magazine, but I am so sorry that he will not be writing “A lexicon of faith” (March, page 3) for Living Lutheran. He always had a way of speaking to me as I continue on my faith journey. His writing and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s column on page 50 contained the rest of the magazine very well. I think there are many others who hope with me
that he will be back with us soon. Karen Boots Cortez, Colo.
Church clutter Your January issue was a great hit with folks at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missoula, Mont. “Cleaning church clutter” (January, page 16) was turned into three adult classes plus a work project. Your study guide gave us opportunities to evaluate our own as well as
our church building’s clutter. Gary A. Sorenson Missoula, Mont.
Becoming diverse The ELCA has become very diversified and multicultural with strong women leaders and a huge emphasis on refugees and continued
missionary support in Africa. Dave Gray Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Prayer for officers I feel I must respond to a letter, “Seeking clarity” (March, page 49). First, I must explain that I am white, male and a law enforcement officer for nearly 44 years. Marilyn Melvin most likely sums up what most in the ELCA believe: “I don’t understand why white police officers are always gunning down or directly murdering black children.” I am writing this because letters of this nature simply throw gasoline on an already large fire. It seems the church, government and the media are deliberately fomenting racial angst with every unfortunate taking of life. I resent the vilification of all law enforcement officers by those who have no idea what it is like to come face to face
with life-threatening situations. Gene W. Ziegenhagen Eagle Bend, Minn.
See Ziegenhagen’s full letter and additional “Letters” at
LivingLutheran.org. Submit a letter to
livinglutheran@elca.org.
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.
Don’t be fooled ... by the new name and look. Subscribers to The Lutheran, this is your new magazine, now called Living Lutheran.
6 APRIL 2016
• 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.
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