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Theological Reflection
Part of being "church together" is understanding our differences and respecting the bound-conscience of the other. Several Lutheran theologians, including Dr. David Yeago (Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary) and Dr. Timothy J. Wengert (The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia) share their personal and theological reflections on being a united church despite our differences.
Timothy J. Wengert - Reflections on the ELCA Churchwide Assembly and the Bible
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By Timothy J. Wengert
[1] If there is one rule we need to follow in the wake of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, it is this: Do not break the eighth commandment (against false witness) in order to defend the sixth (against adultery and other sexual sins). Both those who supported the changes in policy and those who did not need to remember this. We must speak what we know and not cast aspersions on those who disagreed with us. Luther’s comments on the eighth commandment in the Large Catechism are helpful here. Even when forced by one’s office to speak out, one must not lie or distort the truth.
On Heresy and Humility: From the Gettysburg Seminary President's Office
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by Michael L. Cooper-White
When teaching about conflict, I advise folks to expect some rhetorical excesses when individuals or communities are anxious and engaged in a heavy duty struggle. So while it’s no surprise that some things appearing in speeches and print following the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly are “over the top,” I would feel remiss without challenging one of the most blatant—the accusation that by its decisions in adopting a social statement on human sexuality and changing ministry policies the Evangelical Lutheran Church has “fallen into heresy.”
Faithful Discernment in the ELCA: Further Thoughts by Rev. Dr. Brian Peterson
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I’m still not sure why some see the Churchwide Assembly’s actions as heresy. Partly, I suppose, I’m just not convinced by the reasons I have heard. The accusations are often general claims, made as though the specifics are obvious and need not be argued, but we should not let vague rhetoric go unchallenged.
David Yeago - In the Aftermath
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IN THE AFTERMATH
Reflections Following the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
HOW DO WE LIVE NOW?
I’m writing for those who share with me the conviction that the actions taken by the Assembly on human sexuality constitute a theological, ethical, ecclesiological, and ecumenical disaster of immense proportions. I’m not going to make the case for viewing those actions in that way; that has been done repeatedly and very capably by others in the debates that preceded the Assembly. I am writing for those who are already convinced, whom I will call traditionalists.
