Second, thank you for defining #defundthepolice, and #defundchurchwide. As an OWG (Old White Guy, 59 yo ELCA Pastor WTS class of 1987) I am so far out of the loop and all of the insider language is totally confusing to me. I have spent months arguing with other OWGs, etc. defending my support of BLM. But I have been very ineffectual because of my ignorance. Googling these #s does very little good as when they go viral it is almost impossible to discern the truth from the fake news. And hard to keep up with it all. My head is swimming and my heart is breaking.
I want to do something.
That is why I led a book study with 18 extremely white Norwegian Lutherans between the ages of 25 and 75 on your book, "Dear Church."
That is why we are adding a gallery of pictures of Jesus on the wall in our fellowship hall, none of which will be white, blonde, and blue-eyed.
That is why I subscribed to "United States of Grace" when I read your BLOG for the first time today, and why I have quoted your book in my sermons.
No, I don't want a pat on the back or an "Atta boy." Just wanted to give a shout out from rural Iowa where we have repeatedly elected Steve King to the House of Representatives.
Inspired and convicted by your writing and your passion. Thank you.
You are a gift of God to the future of the Lutheran movement in the US. I have recommended your book to many in Germany, and I pray for you continually.
Brach Jennings
Doctoral student, Systematic Theology, University of Tübingen
Hello, I am wondering about specifically where you think the money for the endowment fund of 32 million for reparations should come from out of the current churchwide budget?
After reading this article I am curious, you mentioned they gifted a scholarship for Mdiv, how long of a time commitment is this involve and what is being taught?
But I think FFL desires new leaders and does that work of cultivating them well. Recently a “peer” mentioned my scholarship, and my apparent lack of gratitude for it. should I just take it and keep my mouth shut? Is that a fulfillment of my ordination vows ?
Does the ELCA have a lot of work to do and so many wrongs to right? Yes! But our church is one of the leading voices and actors in the fight for equality and pursuit of justice. I was there with you Lenny at the FFL. I too am black. But this church has given me so many opportunities to progress and follow God's call. I would rather be a pastor in this church than anywhere else
So because we are closer than most we don’t push towards the Kin-dom of God because it ruffles our siblings. Word. Fam I don’t know you but what strikes you about this whole thing that tells you I don’t love this church ????
First of all, thank you.
Second, thank you for defining #defundthepolice, and #defundchurchwide. As an OWG (Old White Guy, 59 yo ELCA Pastor WTS class of 1987) I am so far out of the loop and all of the insider language is totally confusing to me. I have spent months arguing with other OWGs, etc. defending my support of BLM. But I have been very ineffectual because of my ignorance. Googling these #s does very little good as when they go viral it is almost impossible to discern the truth from the fake news. And hard to keep up with it all. My head is swimming and my heart is breaking.
I want to do something.
That is why I led a book study with 18 extremely white Norwegian Lutherans between the ages of 25 and 75 on your book, "Dear Church."
That is why we are adding a gallery of pictures of Jesus on the wall in our fellowship hall, none of which will be white, blonde, and blue-eyed.
That is why I subscribed to "United States of Grace" when I read your BLOG for the first time today, and why I have quoted your book in my sermons.
No, I don't want a pat on the back or an "Atta boy." Just wanted to give a shout out from rural Iowa where we have repeatedly elected Steve King to the House of Representatives.
Inspired and convicted by your writing and your passion. Thank you.
Pastor Scot McCluskey
Dear Pastor Lenny,
You are a gift of God to the future of the Lutheran movement in the US. I have recommended your book to many in Germany, and I pray for you continually.
Brach Jennings
Doctoral student, Systematic Theology, University of Tübingen
Hello, I am wondering about specifically where you think the money for the endowment fund of 32 million for reparations should come from out of the current churchwide budget?
Everything you say is true. I have seen it.
Would love to talk more anonymously set up an email account and message me through my website.
After reading this article I am curious, you mentioned they gifted a scholarship for Mdiv, how long of a time commitment is this involve and what is being taught?
But I think FFL desires new leaders and does that work of cultivating them well. Recently a “peer” mentioned my scholarship, and my apparent lack of gratitude for it. should I just take it and keep my mouth shut? Is that a fulfillment of my ordination vows ?
Typically 4 years. I did an accelerated program so 5-6 classes a semester and an internship 30 hours a week, was able to finish my Masters in 3.
Does the ELCA have a lot of work to do and so many wrongs to right? Yes! But our church is one of the leading voices and actors in the fight for equality and pursuit of justice. I was there with you Lenny at the FFL. I too am black. But this church has given me so many opportunities to progress and follow God's call. I would rather be a pastor in this church than anywhere else
So because we are closer than most we don’t push towards the Kin-dom of God because it ruffles our siblings. Word. Fam I don’t know you but what strikes you about this whole thing that tells you I don’t love this church ????
Also if you want to talk could you please state your name for the record. Anyone can claim to be anyone on this platform.
I'll DM you on Facebook
Hey y’all I know this person we are friends and just disagree. See how easy that is ✊🏽.