We have all read that in the history of Christianity congregations and even denominations have come and gone. When this is just a discussion about history that’s fine. But when it is about my congregation I don’t want to hear pious, calm discussion about history. Whether I am the person in the pew or the […]
Archives for 2016
Leaders for Tomorrow
When the planners of a recent Metro Chicago Synod professional leaders conference advertised their intentions, they included a line: “Our first recourse is to God, who promises to be with us and lead us.” If we really believe that, we are on course. Such a confession does not solve everything, but it clears the air […]
Let’s Share Our Concerns and Visions
I am appreciative of the planning and interest expressed by the Editorial Council of Let’s Talk and the writers of this first issue. I have been involved since the original conversations and heartily affirm this journal in the life of Metro Chicago Synod and its leaders. This is a vehicle to share our concerns and […]
The Future is not Our Enemy
“We have no need to fear the future.” So said bishop-elect H. George Anderson at a news conference immediately following his election as bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. “[The future] belongs to God, untouched by human hands.” At the beginning of a new ministry of leadership and pastoral oversight, such words from […]
Working in a Multicultural Parish
St. Andrew Lutheran Church’s engagement in cross-cultural ministry began in 1999 when members and the pastor talked about what mission and ministry should look like for them as they endeavored to faithfully proclaim the gospel in the context of West Chicago. This far west suburb of Chicago in DuPage county is just over half Hispanic/Latino. […]
Bodies and Worlds: Coates and Francis
And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.—Mark 13:37 Ask a Christian to tell you God’s greatest commandment, and she’ll likely say, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your strength and all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” Ask her if she knows God’s […]
Reparations?…Jubilee!
“The idea that you are reborn anew, without your history, without being dogged by your past, without who you were haunting you and you having to deal with that, is uniquely American. In America, we have difficulty with acknowledging the fact that where we are in a particular moment is irrevocably tied to our past. […]
Can the ELCA be Multicultural? I’m Glad You Asked.
I always chuckle a little bit whenever someone asks me the question – often with furrowed-brow and misplaced intensity: “Can the ELCA be multicultural?” It’s a tough answer. Internal estimates place the whiteness of our denomination at 94.7%. This summer’s sobering PEW research study of ethnic diversity in US religious communities has us at 96% […]
Breaking Free
Like many in our Church, I am deeply grateful to our Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, for raising the challenge to re-engage on questions of race and privilege in our society. This is work in which I have been personally involved for many years , and frankly, one that continues to challenge and sometimes to frustrate […]
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