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Theological Issues Challenging the ELCA

In an address given on October 14, 2008 to a gathering in Scottsdale, Arizona, Rev. Dr. Carl E. Braaten, a well-known Lutheran Theologian,  traces our present theological woes back to the ancient religion of Gnosticism.
For more insight......more.

CALC’s General Convention

The 2008 General Convention of the Canadian Association of Lutheran Congregations (CALC) will be held November 7-9 in Cochrane, Alberta. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Cochrane is the host congregation…more.

Open letter to Solid Ground Members

On August 24, 2008, Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan held its second vote to ‘sever ties with the ELCIC immediately’. The vote passed with a majority and we now will be looking to align ourselves with another Lutheran organization.  A part of this process will be an examination of our own core values and goals, and a re-examination of our mission as we prayerfully determine where the Lord will lead us. ..more

Resignation from Solid Ground

Resignation letter from Pastor Edward P. Shutshek, President of Solid Gound. ... more

A crisis of faith

A crisis of faith has arisen in our ELCIC; a crisis of authority. A renegade congregation’s act of protest, specifically, their ordination of  a self professed and non-celibate homosexual man, coupled with the response of our  leadership, has many in our church seeking answers to some fundamental questions. Who is in charge?  What is the policy of our church with respect to same gender marriage and the ordination of non-celibate homosexuals?  What is the way forward?" Our President reflects on these questions in his article entitled "A Crisis of Faith in the ELCIC - The Ordination of a Non-celibate  Homosexual Man  “Extra Ordinem” and its Consequences........ read

Eastern Synod Convention Report

The biannual convention of the Eastern Synod of the ELCIC met in London, ON from July 9-13. This was a difficult and disheartening Convention to attend. There are elements to report that threaten the fragile peace which we are attempting to maintain in the ELCIC ....read

By What Authority?

Confronting churches who no longer believe their own message..... read

ABT Synod Convention Review

A review of significant elements of the 2008Alberta and the Territories Convention....more

Saskatchewan Synod Convention Review

Noteworthy items from the 2008 Saskatchewan Synod Convention......more

Breaking the bonds of communion

When is the ELCIC going to break the bonds of communion with the Anglican Church of Canada?  The ACC's policy on same-sex-blessings is in direct violation of the ELCIC's policy on same-sex-blessings.

See Father Raymond J. de Souza's comments in a recent article in the National Post.... read

Calling a Thing What It Is

In an editorial entitled "Calling a Thing What It Is" in the recent (June) issue of The Forum, a publication of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories, Pastor Brad Everett writes.......read

One Member's Reflections on the Recent Extraordinary Ordination

More than one member has tried to ignore and avoid being drawn into the controversy among us surrounding the blessing of same sex unions and ordination of non-celibate homosexuals. The author of this op-ed paper was one of those people. Like many others, though, the issue has confronted him.
In this paper he shares his reflections on the implications of the recent extra-ordinary 'ordination' of Lionel Ketola.....more

Agreeing to disagree?

A response to the Bishop of the Eastern Synod, Michael Pryse's perspective on the matter of same sex blessing/marriage and ordination of non-celibates. more....

It’s Time We Agreed To Disagree

Bishop Pryse's journal article, in which he espresses his view on same sex blessing/marriage and ordination.... read

Living the Question

For a year or more now an adult learning curriculum has been promoted within the ELCIC, sometimes referred to as an alternative to the Alpha Course, called Living the Questions. There are many areas of this material that are a clear departure from the teachings and practice of traditional Christianity. For a review of this curriculum, read......

Newmarket/New Birmingham

The recent "extraordinary ordination" that took place in New Market, ON, on behalf of a congregation in the Eastern Synod, has many people wondering how something that has always been regarded as a doctrinal and moral issue has now transformed into a justice issue. Is New Market the new Birmingham of the North?........more

Defiant Congregation boasts "a different Gospel"

Holy Cross, Newmarket's justification for following through on the ordination of a "married" gay man is that the ELCIC’s policies forbidding such action, “stand in direct contradiction to the Gospel we [that is, the members of that congregation] proclaim”.
The Book of Concord (Kolb & Wengert, p. 42) emphasizes, “For this is enough for the true unity of the Christian church that there the gospel is preached harmoniously according to a pure understanding and the sacraments are administered in conformity with the divine Word”.

So how are we to understand the Gospel? Are we in the ELCIC still in true unity with the whole Christian church? ...among ourselves?.... more

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Newmarket responds to Bishop Pryse's letter of admonition.....
http://www.holycrosslutheran.ca/Docs/ResponsetoBishopPryseMay12-2008.pdf

Eastern Synod Bishop Issues Further Admonition to Clergy Regarding Extraordinary Ordination

Bishop Pryse today sent a second communique to his rostered clergy. Plans to ordain Mr. Lionel Ketola in an irregular liturgy on May 16th in Newmarket are still ongoing. Some clergy are planning to come from across Canada.

Bishop Pryse reminds them that their public participation in an act that our church prohibits will be met with discipline. ....more

Solid Ground's President Reflects on BC's "Welcoming Motions":

The Significance to the Whole ELCIC... more