Ecumenism at the grassroots is largely biographical. Much of what happens in our communities ecumenically depends not on the mood or progress of denominational dialogues but on who the pastors are of the local congregations. In every community there are pastors and lay leaders who are committed to ecumenical mission and those who are absent […]
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 […]
What happened at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly?
A while back I was watching “Akeelah and the Bee” with four-year-old grandson Reed. Toward the end of the movie he looked up at me and with great concern asked, “Gramma, why are you crying?” With a huge lump in my throat and wet cheeks, I replied, “It touches my heart.” Now at some very […]