Pastors and funerals …

Christian Century, Nov 29, 2003 by David R. Asplin

WHEN I READ John Buchanan's statement, "It can be hard to retain the integrity of our ecclesiastical and theological tradition when the deceased and most of the people in the pews are total strangers to the church," I winced ("Gathered in hope," Oct. 18). The opportunity in one of life's most critical and essential moments to help people connect with a loving God--people who perhaps have never met or known God is incredibly valuable. It is of so great importance that concern for "maintaining the integrity of ecclesiastical and theological tradition" pales in comparison.

Funerals such as Buchanan describes can be life-changing moments for those yet disconnected from Jesus. That is our first and ultimate mandate--to see that crowd of golfers and strangers as people who need to be heard, cared for, loved and "kissed'" in the name of and with the passion of Jesus. That is an attitude worthy of a disciple of his.

David R. Asplin

St. John's Lutheran Church,

Phoenix, Md.