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Lutheran Denomination Apologizes After Reprimanding Reverend for Interfaith Prayer at Sandy Vigil

Feb. 12, 2013 3:01pm Billy Hallowell

Lutheran Church Missouri Synod President Matthew Harrison Apologizes Over Sandy Hook Rebuke | Rev. Rob Morris

Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod President Matthew Harrison (Photo Credit: YouTube)

After sparking intense debate, the president of a conservative Lutheran group is apologizing for his handling of a conflict within the denomination over a Newtown, Conn., pastor’s participation in an interfaith prayer vigil.

After initially demanding a redress from the Rev. Rob Morris, a faith leader who participated in the event, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod President Matthew Harrison has now posted a video apology of his own on the synod website.

The trouble started after Morris offered the benediction at a Dec. 16 service with other religious leaders who gathered on behalf of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod constitution bars clergy from praying with representatives from other religions, which is what led Harrison to request an apology from the faith leader. Participation in the event was originally seen as leaving an opening for “false teaching,” as Morris served along with members of other faiths — individuals with which his denomination has grand theological disagreements.

Following the initial request from Harrison, Morris complied and did end up apologizing (read his letter here). While he didn’t directly say he was sorry for his participation, he did express regret for offending members of the Lutheran denomination. Now, Harrison is backtracking, claiming his reprimand of Morris not only led to criticism of the synod but created more hardship for Morris and his Christ the King Lutheran Church congregation.

In the end, it was Harrison who many people took issue with, as they accused the group’s president of being insensitive in the wake of tragedy. Considering the emotions that were flowing in the wake of the horrific shooting, some felt that the request for an apology was inappropriate.

“In retrospect, I look back and see that I could’ve done things differently,” Harrison said in a video apology posted on Feb. 10. “My deepest desire was to bring unity, or at least to avoid greater division in the Synod over this issue.”

Watch the video, below:

In a letter describing the motivations for his actions he explained, in part:

I, along with New England District President Yeadon, asked Pastor Morris for an apology for participation in the Newtown prayer service, hoping to avoid deeper internal controversy and division in the Missouri Synod, which, in the past, has struggled with this issue to the very breaking point. I naively thought an apology for offense in the church would allow us to move quickly beyond internal controversy and toward a less emotional process of working through our differences, well out of the public spotlight. That plan failed miserably. Pastor Morris graciously apologized where offense was taken as a humble act to help maintain our often fragile unity in the church (1 Corinthians 8). He did not apologize for participating, even as he carefully provided his reasoning for participating due to deep concern for his flock and the people of his horrified community. I immediately accepted his apology, looking forward to continued conversation toward greater unity in the church. I had hoped to veil him and his congregation from unhealthy criticism within the church. I urged and still urge that anyone contemplating action in the church courts not do so. I desire nothing more than to keep our church body from deeper division so we can continue to work through our challenges with less heat and more light. Unfortunately, only a small portion of the two letters that we each provided to the church was picked up by the media, who distorted the facts of an admittedly nuanced situation that is very difficult for most people, even within the Missouri Synod, to understand. I kindly refer you to my letter and Pastor Morris’ letter for further clarification.

Morris says that while the topic is a difficult one, all parties have reconciled.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Comments (48)

HappyBloodhound
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 8:30am
I am not a Lutheran but it appears that the pastor broke a rule of his church regarding interfaith prayers but, God gave us common sense and it seems to me that it is better to pray for murder victims than to abide by rules that imit prayer. Goodness, it does not appear very Christian to me.

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- JGraham III
  Posted on February 13, 2013 at 10:01am
  when is the Church going to stop listening to the doctrines and commandments of men and listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit? I don’t claim any denominational connection because once you put yourself under their ‘authority” you have limited your ability and capacity to act on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Word says to submit yourselves one to another but says nothing about a hierarchy of denominational rules and regulations. The minister who prayed contrary to the Lutheran directives he agreed to uphold is by his own words liable for breaking them; the Missouri Synod may well be in violation of the leading of the Spirit by substituting man’s rules in place of God’s. What is far more important is being salt an light to a dying world. It appears that the praying pastor was trying to be just that.
  
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shorelineliz
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 7:28am
Lutheran pastor in Newtown, Conn., has apologized after being reprimanded for participating in an interfaith vigil following the shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
The Rev. Rob Morris, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church, prayed at the vigil the Sunday following the Dec. 14, 2012, shootings alongside other Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Baha’i clergy.
Morris’ church is a member of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), and the denomination’s constitution prohibits ministers from participating in services with members of different faiths.
It’s not the first time a Missouri Synod pastor has been reprimanded for joining an interfaith prayer service; a New York pastor also was suspended for participating in an interfaith service after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
LCMS president Matthew Harrison wrote in a letter to the Synod that “the presence of prayers and religious readings” made the Newtown vigil joint worship—and therefore off-limits to Missouri Synod ministers. Harrison said Morris’ participation also offended members of the denomination.
“After consultation with my supervisors and others, I made my own decision,” Morris wrote in his apology letter. (Yup. Rogue Pastor strikes again).

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shorelineliz
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 7:27am
SHASTA
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 4:18pm
I don’t care what denomination a religious leader is. If they are giving a heartfelt prayer to God in the name of Jesus Christ. I am bowing my head in reverence and will say Amen at the conclusion.

SHASTA: What if it Isn’t in the name of Jesus but in the name of Islam or the Bahai Faith? Are you going to say “Amen” at that conclusion?

From Christianity Today:

The Rev. Rob Morris, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church, prayed at the vigil the Sunday following the Dec. 14, 2012, shootings alongside other Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Baha’i clergy.

Morris’ church is a member of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), and the denomination’s constitution prohibits ministers from participating in services with members of different faiths.
It’s not the first time a Missouri Synod pastor has been reprimanded for joining an interfaith prayer service; a New York pastor also was suspended for participating in an interfaith service after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

LCMS president Matthew Harrison wrote in a letter to the Synod that “the presence of prayers and religious readings” made the Newtown vigil joint worship—and therefore off-limits to Missouri Synod ministers. Harrison said Morris’ participation also offended members of the denomination.

“After consultation with my supervisors and others, I made my own decision,” Morris wrote in his apology letter. (Yup. Rogue pastor strikes again!)

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shorelineliz
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 6:52am
FYI Naysayers: I have a few clergy among my friends who faithfully adhere to the doctrinal statements they sign and have wonderful relationships with their bishops. They would NEVER think about going back on their WORDS and signed statements and they would never think about causing the Unity in their denomination to be disrupted. They CARE about their UNITY as I care about mine. I don’t go into their church to pray and they don’t come into mine. We have theological differences that matter to each of us. We don’t argue about any of it. They don’t attend InterFaith Meetings and neither do I. WE are both too busy with our own people! WE don’t have time to run around like this.

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- shorelineliz
  Posted on February 13, 2013 at 6:57am
  FYI: The dialogue on this blog is exactly WHY i don’t attend InterFaith Meetings. This entire dialogue and exercise just PROVES my point! InterFaith Dialogue is divisive, quarrelsome and amounts to nothing good! I have my own UNITY to preserve within my own group and therefore I CHOOSE to spend no more wasted time discussing InterFaith Dialogue because this blog is proving my point over and over. Adieu for good!
  
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- Locked
  Posted on February 13, 2013 at 8:52am
  “This entire dialogue and exercise just PROVES my point!”
  
  … that when you think it’s somehow holy to shun other Christians and force your pastors to apologize for praying for the souls of murdered children and their stricken families?
  
  The LC-MS joined several other denominations and religions in filing a joint amicus brief in support of Proposition 8 in California (banning gay marriage). I’m assuming you’re also against this action?
  
  Report this comment
shorelineliz
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 6:06am
NORM D. PLUME
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 10:55pm
This has to be the most un-Christlike nonsense I’ve ever heard. What the Hell are you, the Taliban?

PLUME: This is a completely ridiculous reply and you know it. There are plenty of denominations in which you sign doctrinal statements to become members and you agree to adhere to the “historical tenants” of the Church and to various bylaws. Especially for clergy. They sign all kinds of agreements. If the Missouri Synod has in their bylaws NO InterFaith Events or meetings the clergy need to obey that or face discipline. You remember discipline don’t you? Clergy have very HIGH standards. Since you are NOT clergy you probably don’t know that. So let the Bishop do what he is supposed to do. We have clergy running rampant in denominations. I could post more on this but the article up ahead really explains all the details for the Missouri Lutheran Synod and IF you don’t want to adhere to your OWN signed Doctrinal STatements or Bylaws have the Honesty and DECENCY to tell your Bishop you are not going to follow them so he can let you go and be an Episcopalian! You can be a Bishop who lives with another man and has all the sex you want! Don’t have to sign anything!

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- shorelineliz
  Posted on February 13, 2013 at 7:02am
  PLUME: UnChristlike according to whose definition? Only yours? There are billions of Christians in the world with all kinds of ways of talking about Jesus in their own cultures. Some use stories. Some are straightforward. Some say this. Some say that. I don’t think either you or I are the final measure of what constitutes Christlikeness and I am sure there are people who think what I am saying is just fine with them.
  
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shorelineliz
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 5:59am
WORRIEDBOOMER:
Shorelineliz: The Catholic Church is full of sinners and I don’t think anyone would argue with that. However I don’t understand what you think that the Pope could have done, or what a future Pope could do, to “Purge” the Church? I’m curious about your thinking on this. I speak as a Catholic, but I can guarantee that every Church has its share of sinners. Aren’t churches designed to save sinners? What would be left if they purged them?
Read: “Goodbye Good Men” by Michael Rose. If you cannot figure out how the Catholic Church got so full of child molesters then this book will tell you how. The Christian Brothers in IRELAND are in a class action lawsuit right now with 14,000 plaintiffs over a period from 1940 onward in which child RAPE by these Priests has resulted in tens of thousands of devastated lives. If you cannot figure OUT how Caroline kennedy can stand up as a Catholic and ALSO be pro abortion, how NAncy Pelosi and JOe Biden can do the same and NOT be refused the Sacraments like they are supposed to, if you cannot figure out why and how such POLLUTION should be PURGED from the Catholic Church then I don’t know how else to explain what is OBVIOUS to MOST Catholics who know the American Catholic Church SHOULD have been PURGED long ago of these child molesters and rapists long ago. Rome KNEW about these clergy and MOVED them around from parish to parish. The Catholic Church in IRELAND is DEAD because of child rape. Look it up.

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shorelineliz
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 5:52am
I Peter 2:13 & 16- Submit yourselves for the Lord’s Sake to EVERY authority instituted among men. Do not use your FREEDOM as a COVER UP for EVIL (to satisfy your own carnal lusts and desires). Your EGO is NOTHING!

I Timothy 6:3- 3 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth.

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shorelineliz
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 5:29am
@FreedomLover_US:

Now you are showing your true colors. Freedom is not a license to sin. Yet what you are proposing up above is SINFUL because it is full of disobedience. What exactly would “repressive societies” mean in your book? A society which asks people to adhere to their own doctrinal statements and to faithfully live them out? A religion which asks people to NOT do things that tear apart the denomination or cause people to fall away from the faith? What do you KNOW about what these InterFaith meetings are doing to the Missouri Lutheran Synod? I can TELL YOu that many of these InterFaith Meetings are with people who “say” they are Christians but have no belief in anything that makes you a Christian at all and they are full of non Christians religions, Islam among them, in which Lutheran clergy cowtow to the Imams, apologize for everything “Christian” under the sun and it is such a sickening display of Arse Kissing and Political Correctness that when I read the ACTUAL DIALOGUE between a Lutheran/Episcopal/Imam I wanted to VOMIT! The Lutheran and Episcopalian apologized incessantly while the Imam relished the opportunity to tell them how SUPERIOR his religion was and in the end the Lutheran and Episcopalian AGREED with him! I have NEVER in all my days seen so much Apostasy and Heresy and FAITHLESS NESS in all my days and it is rampant through the clergy! I support this BISHOP to reign in this disobedient clergyman and all others or kick them out!

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shorelineliz
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 5:10am
@Locked:

Reread the Article: The Missouri Synod does NOT approve InterFaith Events. For any reason. If you are a clergyman you NEED to adhere to what your Bishop wants. There are plenty of people to go pray for Sandy or any other “tragedy.” These InterFaith events are tearing the Missouri Synod apart. The Bishop as the overseer has an obligation to keep his ministers in line. I know about these InterFaith events. What don’t YOU get about “huge theological disagreements?” We have too many rogue clergymen and women. The Lord put Bishops in the Church to govern. Follow your leaders and stick to your doctrinal statements and adhere to the bylaws. They are there for a reason. If you want to go “rogue” at least tell your Bishop you are going to just go and do whatever you want when you feel like it and to Hell with what he wants or the denomination wants. Throw in a “the HOly Spirit” led me and then you can keep believing that as a clergyman you have no obligation to your Bishop or your denomination or to any agreements you signed. Then YOU and the HOLY SPIRIT can live happily ever after as you float around from one InterFaith Meeting after another causing your denomination more division. Keep snubbing your Bishop. And the bylaws. And the rule book. Better yet just throw them all out and run naked threw the street cause you “heard” the “Holy Spirit” tell you too. Then never keep your word. Then cause others to follow in your disobedience and keep tearing the Church

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- shorelineliz
  Posted on February 13, 2013 at 7:21am
  Source: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/february-web-only/lutheran-pastor-apologizes-for-praying-at-newtown-vigil.html
  
  A Lutheran pastor in Newtown, Conn., has apologized after being reprimanded for participating in an interfaith vigil following the shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
  The Rev. Rob Morris, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church, prayed at the vigil the Sunday following the Dec. 14, 2012, shootings alongside other Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Baha’i clergy.
  
  Morris’ church is a member of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), and the denomination’s constitution prohibits ministers from participating in services with members of different faiths.
  It’s not the first time a Missouri Synod pastor has been reprimanded for joining an interfaith prayer service; a New York pastor also was suspended for participating in an interfaith service after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
  LCMS president Matthew Harrison wrote in a letter to the Synod that “the presence of prayers and religious readings” made the Newtown vigil joint worship—and therefore off-limits to Missouri Synod ministers. Harrison said Morris’ participation also offended members of the denomination.
  
  “After consultation with my supervisors and others, I made my own decision,” Morris wrote in his apology letter. “I believed my participation to be, not an act of joint worship, but an act of community chaplaincy.
  
  Report this comment
- Locked
  Posted on February 13, 2013 at 9:09am
  So again, I ask: do you think that Jesus will decide your random denomination has the sole truth and that you were right in keeping it solely to yourself, or do you think he’ll call you a Pharisee for acting holier than other Christians and publicly shaming your ministers?
  
  No offense, but if you don’t think your faith can withstand even being near those with different beliefs, why do you have any confidence in it at all?
  
  Report this comment
shorelineliz
Posted on February 13, 2013 at 5:01am
@FreedomLover_US:

Your “freedom” is not a license to sin with others. Many of these InterFaith Dialogue meetings are nothing more than Christians bowing to Islam and others. Why would I do that? I don’t pray to Allah or anyone else. I don’t invoke the name of Mohammed and I never will and I have NO MORAL Obligation to stand around with people who do. Who trounce my faith and my Lord. I don’t have to apologize for 2000+years of the Lordship of Christ and I certainly know the UNHOLY history of Islam, the Arab Conquests and the Current History of Islam to know that a religion which prefers “male” to “male” sexual contact over women who are seen as less than nothing is a religion I want nothing to do with nor their woman demeaning and mutilating clerics. If you think for one minute I am going to pray with Muslim clerics who bury women in the sand up to their necks and “stone ” them, or mutilate prepubescent female genitals, or gang rape women who then have no “witnesses” to stand up for them, or shoot in the head females “caught in adultery” in empty soccer stadiums then you are out of your freaking mind! MY religions is HOLIER than that and we prefer that one man marry one woman and have children and make a home and we deny men any perverted interpretation of SCripture that says they can have other men or goats!

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Leveraction3030
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 11:10pm
I am an Old Testament man myself. Organized Religion in most cases has become a sham. It is shameful how you have people wanting the giant churches, TV sermons, and money money money.
My family has taken our worship back in house and handle things ourselves. We may hold church under a tree in the yard or up on a mountain. We feel wherever we are God is there also. Christ died for us, and that we all must know and believe, if we want to go to the great beyond.
It is so simple but it seems today everyone wants to make it difficult to practice religion in a social setting with a congregation. It always in my experience over the last fifty years has turned into politics, a who’s who in the church, and who can outdo who. Changing churches and even denominations proved it is across the board and they are all the same anymore.
The other thing that really gets to me is how liberal all churches have become. No longer are sins sins. We are to bring all kinds of people into our arms and treat them as their sin is no problem for example.
Sorry but like I said I am more an Old Testament man. I feel sorry for the sinners and we pray for them and their situation. But to welcome them and pretend what they do is not wrong; to me is just a false front and a bunch of crap. I like all men have sinned and probably will again but that is why God forgives. God can forgive them but I will not sit with them and play games and politics with them while worshipping the Lord.

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- shorelineliz
  Posted on February 13, 2013 at 4:53am
  Your faith sounds very organized and it is very organized according to the New Testament and good for you! You need not bash everyone else because they prefer what they prefer. Everyone has a system. Even you! Everyone has organization around their beliefs. So do you! You actually are involved in your own organized religion from your explanation. Because who wants disorganized religion? No one. You don’t need to be so arrogant and snarky. To each his own! Yours is no better or worse than ours. Try eating some humble pie once in awhile okay? Snarky!
  
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Remember_Benghazi
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 10:48pm
A ceremony that was supposed to honor the victims of a horrific tragedy is turned into an interfaith squabble, with one faith claiming superiority over all others. I’d expect nothing less from organized religion.

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Larry E
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 5:57pm
When I heard about this I thought is was pretty silly, and see that it was. Got pretty much no use for bishops or anyone else telling me what to believe and how to believe it. There’s already enough silliness in the world.

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curmudgeon60
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 4:42pm
I was confirmed and attended mo synod Lutheran church and school my children attended mo synod school . Our family is now non denominational. They would not even pray at sport events with Wisconsin synod Lutherans. I believe the Wisconsin synod was more strict with this. I always wondered what synod Martin Luther would have been! I did not make a good Lutheran, I do better with non denom.

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Bootlegger97
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 4:25pm
The Pastor understood the rules of his denomination. Those he promised to uphold. He deliberately broke them. I think he got off easy. And for people who are not members of this denomination, its really not their business.

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- JRook
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 4:34pm
  There really isn’t anything more arrogant or ignorant than a domination or its members believing that they are the chosen by god, are closer to god, understand the word of god or carry out his will better than any other faith. The absurd amount of religious denominations within the christian faith is a testimony to the arrogance of people and the belief they can interpret the bible differently from what is actually said. Let’s keep in mind that the Old Testament is actually the religious book of another religion. One who believes they are the chosen people.
  
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- rEt_fiELdoP
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 6:30pm
  @ JROOK… you posted “Let’s keep in mind that the Old Testament is actually the religious book of another religion. One who believes they are the chosen people.”
  
  Hate to rain on your parade but the Jewish kinship is the chosen people (for specific reason(s)). To further your thought process, the “followers of the way” or more recently applicable, the “christians” are heirs to adoption into the Kingdom of God. To understand it any other way is to remove the entire context of the OT and what Paul refers to in Romans 9-11.
  
  God still has plans for the remnants of Israel.
  
  Who knows, perhaps with all the tension between the current state of Israel and those whom want to destroy her from “the face of the earth” (ie. Iran in this particular case), God will fulfill his choice.
  
  Or you can reread the intent of why the story line runs through Israel (as a chosen people from which the Savior will come)…. Just saying.
  
  Report this comment
- Freedomlover_US
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 7:33pm
  RET_FIELDOP – It’s a stretch, to say the least, that the almighty deity that created the universe has a favorite piece of real estate in the desert. But to say that this deity has a favorite race of people is, well, pretty damn ridiculous. It might be the stupidest thing I ever heard, were it not for “and if you don’t believe in this deity, you will be tortured for all eternity”
  
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- Greenwood
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 9:19pm
  RET_…………Romans9:6 “For not all who [spring] from Israel are really Israel.”
  Matthew 23:37,38 Look! Your house is abandonded to you.”
  Matthew 21:42,43 This is why I say to you, The kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits.”
  Galatians 6:15,16 speaks of a new creation “the Israel of God”
  Galatians 3:26-29 “Abraham’s seed” Those who belong to Christ and who are spirit-begotten sons of God
  1 Corinthians 11:25 “the new covenant
  Romans 11:25,26 “He is not a Jew who is one on the outside upon the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one on the inside.
  When they killed God’s son ans said “We have no king but Caesar” The aposles first preached to the Jews then turned to the nations.
  Acts 15:14 ……..God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name.
  When God made a covenant with Israel He said if you obey and listen to my voice. When they obeyed they were blessed but we know that many times they did not. A new nation began at Pentecost 33ce “Spiritual Israel” or “the Israel of God”
  
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Dismayed Veteran
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 4:20pm
I am a Catholic who graduated from Pacific Lutheran University. As a student, I was required to take religion courses each semester. During my freshman and sophomore years, I was required to attend chapel four days a week and convocation one day per week. I was not required to attend Trinity Lutheran Church on Sunday.

Based on my experience, I suspect one of the other ministers was a Catholic Priest. The Missouri Synod formally believes and teaches that the Pope is the anti-christ. With the less than amiable relationship between the Catholic and Lutheran Church synods, I can understand why President Harrison was concerned about a joint service. It is unfortunate that Christians can’t at least be civil with each other given that Islam intends to destroy us collectively.

A tragedy like Sandy Hook should bring us together at least in mourning.

To All. May God’s Perpetual Light Shine Upon You.

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- Bootlegger97
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 4:29pm
  I think the main problem was the islamic cleric. A similar situation happened after 9/11. Missouri Lutheran pastors cannot participate if its an “interfaith” service because they do not see the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob and the Lord Jesus Christ as being the same diety that they Muslims worship.
  
  Makes sense to me.
  
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- shorelineliz
  Posted on February 13, 2013 at 4:50am
  The main problem has been islamic clerics in these inter faith events. Who knows what else. I mean there are so many people “pretending” that we can all just get along as Christians with people who deny the Lordship of Christ, His Divinity, the Bible as the Inspired Word of God, it’s inerrancy, the Virgin Birth, Original Sin and so many other Christian doctrines that I think it is about time that those Christians who do sign doctrinal statements, including clergy, be held accountable to those statements and obey them. If you aren’t going to stand behind YOUR WORD and YOUR SIGNATURE then don’t ask the Lord to fulfill HIS WORD to you. I have never seen so many people PRETEND to be Christians in all my born days! The Accommodation with other religions that are so against our own! This InterFaith Dialogue stuff is a sham! We don’t all believe the same. That is why they are called denominations because like money they come in 5s, 10s, 20s, 50s, and 100s. Is a 5 the same as a 20? Or a 50 like a 100? NO! A 20 is more valuable than a 5! It is worth MORE! A 100 is more valuable than a 50! It is worth more! Your denomination is worth MORE to you than mine and so be it! My denomination is worth MORE to me than yours! We do NOT have to get along or agree or pray together. To each his own! But whoever is within MY denomination and signs the doctrinal statements needs to adhere to them or face censure and discipline especially if they are clergy. A person’s word is their bond!
  
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- LostnotConfused
  Posted on February 13, 2013 at 2:37pm
  Simple clarification…the Lutheran church does not teach that the Pope is the anti-christ. It does teach that the position of the Pope is anti-christ…..notice the lack of “the”.
  
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shasta
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 4:18pm
I don’t care what denomination a religious leader is. If they are giving a heartfelt prayer to God in the name of Jesus Christ. I am bowing my head in reverence and will say Amen at the conclusion.

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- shorelineliz
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 5:23pm
  Well. This is the problem isn’t it? You don’t care? Well many of us do. The Bishop up above cares. He doesn’t want his ministers praying with people who do not believe like he does. Why is that so hard for you to see? These InterFaith prayer events have people in them who not only don’t believe in Jesus Christ as Lord but preach to their own people AGAINST jesus Christ as Lord. AS someone up above said they actively “preach” in Islam against Christians who are infidels and worthy of death or dimmitude. Why would anyone send their ministers to such an InterFaith meeting or prayer event? To pray with heretics? apostates? Unbelievers? What do belief and unbelief have in common? What do light and dark have in common? ZERO. I support, even though I am not a Lutheran, I support the Bishop to reign in this clergyman and reprimand him. The Bishop does not need to apologize. The Clergyman needs to APOLOGIZE to his Bishop, obey his Bishop, obey the doctrinal statements of Faith he signed and stop being disobedient and rogue. Or leave the denomination and join the Episcopal Church USA. You can believe anything you want in that denomination. Or believe nothing at all that constitutes Christian Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy. Denominations have Bishops (overseers) for such a situation as this. If you aren’t going to obey your Bishop go do something else.
  
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- Locked
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 9:33pm
  @Shore
  
  “Well. This is the problem isn’t it? You don’t care? Well many of us do.”
  
  Refusing to pray with folks who don’t believe exactly like you do doesn’t make you somehow holier. It makes you an elitist *****. I wonder, if Jesus came back today, which of these he would say?
  
  “Thank you for your devotion, random denomination of Christianity number 10,231. If you had prayed with those OTHER faithful folks, it would have lent them the illusion of being correct! It was much better to force one of your ministers to publicly apologize for praying for the souls of murdered children. That’s what I’m all about!”
  
  … or something like…
  
  “You publicly humiliate one of your own ministers for the coming together with the community to pray for innocent murdered children, and you somehow think I would approve? But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me.”
  
  Glad you’re happy with the bed you’ve made for yourself. God is to be shared with the populace, not kept to yourself like you’re some sort of hot-shot. If you can’t pray for the souls of murdered children, for whom DO you pray?
  
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- Norm D. Plume
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 10:51pm
  Why not turn their hearts to Christ, by praying with them and for them?
  
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shorelineliz
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 4:00pm
@+JMJ+

We used to have something called “clear boundaries” in the Church and in society. People used to know their place and stay in it. They would never think of crossing those lines. But, we have a social breakdown in authority. We have rampant disobedience. Along many social lines. And in the church. I assisted in churches for many years yet I never took the work of the priest. I am not a priest. I would not do that. This we call “respect” but unfortunately that is being compromised as well. When the Missouri Lutheran Synod bishop wants to reprimand one of his clergyman for participating in an InterFaith Prayer which he is not supposed to do because it is “tearing apart” his people then that clergyman needs to “apologize” to the bishop and the people for doing things within his OWN denomination that cause disunity. It has long been a personal belief of mine that each and every denomination should pursue what helps “unity” within their own ranks. Once again. It is impossible to get unity of Christians in America or worldwide. Pope Benedict is responsible for keeping the unity of Catholics and in my estimation he should have reigned in the Catholic Church in North America long ago. It has fallen to secular Feminist Nuns, homosexual and pedophile priests and the Pontiff should have PURGED the sinful American Catholic Church ages ago. It’s out of control.

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- Freedomlover_US
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 7:37pm
  I’m sorry, but only in the most repressive of societies do people “know their role and stick to it.” Sounds to me you worship a past that never existed.
  
  Your disdain of people who don’t want to “know their role and stick to it” must make you one of the most miserable people to be around.
  
  Free yourself – you’re religious belief is nonsense and is only enslaving you. Why be a slave to a non-existant master when you can simply accept reality and get on with your life?
  
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- Norm D. Plume
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 10:55pm
  This has to be the most un-Christlike nonsense I’ve ever heard. What the Hell are you, the Taliban?
  
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- Worriedboomer
  Posted on February 13, 2013 at 12:43am
  Shorelineliz: The Catholic Church is full of sinners and I don’t think anyone would argue with that. However I don’t understand what you think that the Pope could have done, or what a future Pope could do, to “Purge” the Church? I’m curious about your thinking on this. I speak as a Catholic, but I can guarantee that every Church has its share of sinners. Aren’t churches designed to save sinners? What would be left if they purged them?
  
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shorelineliz
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:55pm
@JOBOWW:

This Lutheran clergyman participated in an InterFaith prayer at a public function for which I can only surmise he was not supposed to because in the article above this type of things is “tearing apart” their denomination. So, what we have here “appears” to be a minister within this denomination that is “rogue” or disobedient. The Roman Catholic church also has “rules” and this is why we have these rules isn’t it? To make clear distinctions about the “work” and who does the “work” when and where and to make sure that when people sign doctrinal statements of faith as “members” which Catholics and Catholic clergy do, that we adhere to what we have signed. A “Benediction” by definition IS the work of the clergy. Of the priest. It is offered throughout the liturgy. I am a Catholic laywoman. I do not overstep my bounds. I do not offer “Benedictions” to anyone. This is really the problem in so many denominations. They constantly over step their boundaries. Prayer is something else. Catholics do not reference “prayer” as Benediction okay? Private prayer in your home for someone is totally up to you. The Catholic term “Benediction” IS a function of the Liturgy and IS to be administered by the clergy. We as layperson are indicated in the “response” section. There is the “work” of the clergy and the “work” of the people. But many are just constantly trying to GRAB for power and this disgusts me in and outside the Catholic Church as well as othe

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- Freedomlover_US
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 7:39pm
  Anyone truly “bothered” by a pastor going to an interfaith event designed to bring some comfort to victims of a horrible crime really needs to get a life.
  
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hauschild
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:12pm
This is precisely why I am no longer a practicing Lutheran. Why can’t men follow rules any longer??? What makes men today so special that they don’t have to follow such obviously simple rules??? Don’t fall into the progressive trap on this one, as ya’ll probably thinking the ends justifies the means. Careful!!!

I mean of all religions, I thought that one had it’s head screwed on straight, up until around the early-to-mid 1990′s. But, the progressive ideology has seeped deeply into that faith as well.

Look at us, people. We all want things back like they “once” were…..uh, but only “certain” things. How can we expect the real losers to turn the corner if 65% of those on “our” side are lost with regards to the big picture as well???

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- shorelineliz
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:27pm
  I am drawn back to an article I read in 2008 between several different denominational ministers who were attempting “InterFaith Dialogue”. One was Lutheran. One was Episcopalian. One was a Muslim Imam. The two Christian ministers were absolutely apologetic about their Christian “faith” and “history” and paraded out all the problems in their Christian denominations past as well as any other failures (Crusades, etc.) while the Imam glorified Islam as the perfect religion to which they all nodded their heads in agreement. It was disgusting. I am absolutely against inter faith dialogue because it is simply a public catalogue of everything wrong in Christianity as if nothing in Christianity is ever right or good. This idea of “unity” in America is a sham for we all cannot be on the same page faith wise or politically. We have opposing beliefs, values, ideals and lives. We have “Christians” who do not even believe Jesus is divine, Born of the Virgin Mary, died a real human death while also being Divine, and resurrected. I wonder what those who “claim” to be Christian like this talk about with others in these “interfaith” dialogues when they do not “believe” in anything that would historically or orthodoxically make you a Christian anymore? This Missouri Lutheran Synod needs to reign in their ministers who sign THEIR doctrinal statements and get them to adhere to them so that they can have UNITY within their OWN denomination. Which is becoming even harder to have a
  
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- shorelineliz
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:33pm
  If ministers or ‘members” of any denomination no longer believe or want to adhere to the doctrinal statements they sign as members or clergy they should have the honesty and integrity to leave and pursue other things. You cannot have it both ways. The overseers are there to ensure that the teachings stay on track and that ministers and parishioners stay on track with what they have signed as faith statements. These churches are way too slack and I heard one commentator on OneNewsNow.com comment that most of what is happening is that the overseers and pastors of churches are doing everything to make people feel “nice” in church so the collection plate can continue to overflow in mucho dinero because the churches have huge mortgages. Seriously? When did you hear a sermon on divorce or abortion or anything political? When did you hear a sermon on the duty of parents to transmit the historic faith to their children and bring them up in the Lord instead of this insane and violent culture of violent video games and movies? When have you heard a sermon on avoiding fornication? Or adultery? Or homosexuality? or stealing? or coveting your neighbors wife? Or cheating on exams at school? or anything else? When? is it NEVER?” I bet it is. Christians in America are extremely sinful. They want “make me feel good sermons” and then the collection plate fills up and up. Ministers just keep apologizing. Make sure you get your money. Sickens me.
  
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- Amos37
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:54pm
  Best to just stay away from all the lukewarm churches…teaching whatever doctrine you need them to teach for a price. Why are all the people so afraid of being unpopular in this world? God says you can either be popular in the world or be popular in heaven; it’s too bad the ministers are leading the masses further and further away from the true God. Better off homeschooling it!
  
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- Locked
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:57pm
  @Hauschild
  
  Am I understanding you correctly, in that you believe the original minister who offered prayers for the shooting victims alongside faith leaders of other religious denominations, was in the wrong and deserved his reprimand and being forced to apologize?
  
  If so, I have another question: the LC-MS joined several other denominations and religions in filing a joint amicus brief in support of Proposition 8 in California (banning gay marriage). Wouldn’t that also be an example of ignoring their constitutional principle banning “missionary activities” done with other religious groups by saying “the ends justifying the means?”
  
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Gonzo
Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:06pm
I’ve seen that guy somewhere before, I know…Mount Rushmore!

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- shorelineliz
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:15pm
  I wish these people would stop apologizing upon another apology. It sickens me how they apologize then back track. Then apologize over their back tracking. This minister should be only concerned with his own denomination and this is why just don’t send his ministers to any inter faith functions if you know this is what is going to go on. Just like Pope Benedict. His task is to create unity for Roman Catholics. That is his job. It is not his job to make sure the Lutherans are all united or anyone else. Stop apologizing and attend to your own people. If this minister was not supposed to be part of any interfaith events then why did he go and pray? If this is causing a “breaking point” in your denomination then why did he go? You should reign in your own ministers and keep your own unity. It is impossible to get unity in the United States along religious or political lines. Don’t even try. Unity among 330 million people is impossible! Just work to get unity in your denomination and forget the rest. You cannot get everyone on the same page. “Everyone does what is right in their own eyes.” And please stop apologizing. It makes you look weak and stupid.
  
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- joboww
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:33pm
  @Shore
  
  Im not sure exactly what the Prayer get together was that this whole situation is a result of but I can see it both ways. As a Catholic we cant have people coming up during the liturgy from other religions and act as a cleric, however if it is just a benediction (blessing, my guess just a prayer get together) I would not have a problem praying with others as long as distinctions are made.
  
  Just my take
  
  +JMJ+
  
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