One of our youth became sick during 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.
Breaking power, control
A thousand thanks for Pam Marolla’s “On forgiveness and childhood sex abuse” (August, page 26). The damage 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 circumstances. The isolation, minimization, intimidation and blaming that is inflicted on survivors is overwhelming. 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 healing in a fallen world. It does not prevent 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 presence 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 Providence (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 participate in the “Moral Monday” demonstration (August, page 9) at the headquarters of Sam Zell’s investment firm, which had nothing to do with “Moral Monday”? To classify Zell as the rich man as mentioned in Matthew 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 Christian community. When we confess the creeds, we identify ourselves as part of this Christian community. If we reject or unilaterally revise them (July, page 49), we would be saying that we no longer share faith with other Christians. This would be the most church-dividing action Lutherans have ever taken — a direct repudiation of shared faith. This is not, I think, something usefully dealt with in letters to the editor.
The Rev. Allan E. Johnson
Marquette, Mich.
Nothing but the facts
I urge the ELCA to use care when issuing statements like the one on climate change (July, page 9) when there are significant questions about the impact human activity has in such matters. It is a concern that the ELCA would support something to cause God’s people and the world’s nations financial hardship based on outdated science and political efforts. We have a responsibility to care for God’s creation, but in our zeal let’s not lose sight of our responsibility to support only valid causes.
James Wolf
Fort Wayne, Ind.
Disappointing move
It was disappointing to read of the discontinuance of The Little Lutheran (July, page 4). When we talk about the need to keep the younger generation involved in the church, it seems counterproductive to discontinue one of the products that encourages the youngest to begin that involvement.
Dianne Rencsok
Christiansburg, Va.
Sorrowful note
I read the notice of the end of The Little Lutheran with sorrow, while I commend you on what was eight years of high-quality ministry to children. The magazine will be missed. Perhaps The Lutheran could find room for a children’s page with just a few ministry moments in each issue.
D. Engle
St. Louis
