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Calling for tolerance The issues raised in the “Meaningful advocacy” letter (January, page 49) should be the front page of the next edition. Thank you, Tom Wenstrand, for your comments. It would seem sometimes those most vocal (fierce advocates of something) in calling for tolerance are the least willing to give it. The “Membership decline” letter (January, page 48) also high- lighted leadership that’s not in tune with members. Mark Habedank Twin Valley, Minn.
Dedicated pastors In “Membership decline,” it dis- tresses me that David Moe and his family have experienced two sig- nificant incidents that left him with such negative opinions regarding Lutheran clergy. I’ll admit that I’m biased because I’m the spouse of a Lutheran pastor who was ordained nearly 45 years ago. My children and I will attest to the fact that not every Lutheran pastor serves their children and family in the way Mr. Moe expe- rienced. I can’t say that every pastor is as dedicated as my husband, but our family has delayed vacations so he could preside at a funeral and returned early so he could be present for a hospitalized member in ICU. It’s my hope that Mr. Moe and his family have been able to find a congregation that they feel has the leadership that fits the needs of their family. Christine La Croix Fort Myers, Fla.
The ‘real presence’ The article “Pope on Lutherans” (January, page 6) states that a crucial
Sowing seeds Dagny May Bankewitz, 10 months old and newly baptized, plays with confetti “seeds of faith
and love” used during worship to illustrate the parable of the sower. Dagny and her parents, Tanya and Lee, are members of Oceanside [N.Y.] Lutheran Church.
condition for Protestants to receive communion is that they genuinely believe in the “real presence” of Christ in the eucharist. Lutherans and some Episcopalians believe in the “real presence,” but most Protes- tant denominations do not. The Rev. Larry Gardner Honolulu, Hawaii
Seeking clarity I look forward to reading The Lutheran each month. Referencing the article “Courageous conversa- tions” (January, page 32), I am Ger- man with some English and have been Lutheran all of my life. I don’t understand why white police offi- cers are always gunning down or directly murdering black children, especially [those who wear] black jackets with hoods up. I was in Flor- ida for the winter, one town away when Trayvon Martin got gunned down for no reason whatsoever. …
A security guard killed him. This makes absolutely no sense to me. Marilyn Melvin Canonsburg, Pa.
God’s children I noticed that a popular feature called “Youngchurch” in The Lutheran was removed. “Youngchurch” was my favorite column growing up. I want to share with you my favorite “Young- church” article. In the late 1990s, I came across children’s drawings on people who they help or something similar. The title of the article was “I walk grandpa.” A young child drew him or her pushing her grandfather who was in a wheelchair. God gave us our young ones, and I thank the authors of “Youngchurch” for show- ing the connection between our Lutheran congregations, church activities and God’s children. Marissa Pitts Brockton, Mass.
March 2016 49
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