Dear
friends,
I
first thought about writing a relatively extensive account
of why I am leaving the ELCIC, but then decided that I would
keep it brief (which is unusual for me).
After
nearly four years of extensive effort to inform members of
this church, sincerely hoping that they would take a stand
against the revisionist theology engulfing the ELCIC, I no
longer have the heart to pursue this. As well, Luther in his
Large Catechism (p. 469, Kolb & Wengert edition of
The Book of Concord) offers the following caution:
"The devil is a furious enemy; when he sees that we resist
him and attack the old creature, and when he cannot rout us
by force, he sneaks and skulks about at every turn, trying
all kinds of tricks, and does not stop until he has finally
worn us out so that we either renounce our faith or lose heart
and become indifferent or impatient".
The
prospect of being worn out by this struggle within the ELCIC
to the point that one loses one's faith is of deep concern.
However, on the other hand, I cannot remain in the ELCIC and
do nothing. Sadly, many choose to do so, other than hoping
to defeat the next National Convention motion, mistakenly
thinking that the problem of two irreconcilable theologies
in the ELCIC can be resolved and that unity can be restored
in this divided church through convention action. For me,
to stay and do nothing would be tantamount to acceptance and
tolerance of false doctrine and teaching. Therefore, I must
leave. The Serenity Prayer comes to mind,
God
grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to challenge the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.
In
closing, I leave you with these words from Scripture - from
Mark 6:11:
And
if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake
the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against
them, and
from
John 10:4-5:
When
he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them,
and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But
they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run
away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice.
My
thoughts and prayers are with you,
Peace,
Ron
