Editorial, assembly coverage draw fire

I find the tone of your editorial more patronizing than healing (October, page 58). Be aware that attempts at being positive too prematurely may be viewed as glossing over rather than seeking resolve for the Denver decision. When you and others visit with those pockets of cranky Lutherans out there that you think are few and far between, live predominantly in Minnesota, and just need to be heard and they'll eventually come around, you may be surprised to find instead passionately faithful and eloquent Christians who can speak about what's dear to their faith quite clearly. They also feel the core beliefs of their faith have been seriously compromised by the passing of Called to Common Mission. Jon J. Lindekugel

Hutchinson, Minn.

Edgar Trexler's inexcusable, punitive approach to Jurisson's courageous opposition is a clear example of abuse of power. Jurisson's career as a professor in the ELCA has clearly been damaged because she will not buckle under. My only prayer can be, "Father, forgive him for he knows exactly what he's doing." Mike Lubas

Rochester N. Y

Jurisson was bloodied and bruised by the male panelists, moderator and resource people, all pro-CCM, in an unbelievably, unfairly stacked panel at an assembly forum. So you mustered your courage and went up and hit her in the stomach. If [Presiding Bishop] H. George Anderson doesn't demand a quick, public apology from you, then he is a man of small stature indeed. James D. Engh

Missoula, Mont.

Now that CCM has passed (October, page 8), my prayers are that the many ministries performed by the laity of the church aren't stifled by this new separation between clergy and laity. The ELCA has depended too much on the clergy; we're now casting that in stone. The "priesthood of all believers" is becoming the "priesthood and all believers." I have never been against full communion the Episcopal Church. It should have happened long ago. However, this was not the right vehicle. This proposal was about church politics and power. The spin was mission.

Kimble Osteroos

Evergreen, Colo.

Your [October] cover photo is just great, even surpassing 1997. However, you printed it without a caption. I have written the one that I will attach to my copy: "My God, my God, why have we forsaken you and done this terrible deed?" Carroll Anderson

Madison, Wis.

Fragile farms

I appreciated your article on America's farm crisis (September, page 38), but I was dismayed by the passive nature of your sidebar suggestions. Lutherans have long tended to avoid activism with respect to social concerns, believing they have done their part by praying and holding a benefit bake sale. The farm issue, like many others, demands large-scale activism that 5 million ELCA members could provide if they were appropriately informed, motivated and mobilized. Further, consumers should be willing to pay the true and fair price of a product at the checkstand. James L Peterson

Tacoma, Wash.

Jesus, our center

Please accept my unrestrained appreciation for Walt Wangerin's article, "Jesus, our true center" (September, page 6). Informed with this superb articulation of the profound truth of Christianity, no church organization ever needs to ponder political appeasements or the composition of its mission statement.

Dottie Chapman

Oak Harbor, Wash.

More study on gay clergy

How will our children respond to the issue of gay and lesbian pastors (October, page 13)? Will they learn indifference, encouragement or rebellion to the church? I am both disappointed and amused this issue receives so much attention in your publication. My family experiences some tension because of this choice of lifestyle. Painfully, our family's answer has been isolation, which is peaceful but means great loss. Gus Witzel

Warminster Pa.

Sour notes

"Spirituality goes pop" (October, page 18) hit some sour notes with me and seems a shallow and offensive approach to what I perceive as a refreshing addition

Wangerin is one of the gifted storytellers of our time. I usually benefit from reading his monthly message. But he needs to look in the mirror before criticizing other pastors for not making Jesus the central message of their preaching. Rarely does he base his preaching on a biblical text, and rarely do his wonderful stories "arise from Christ." Usually they are about himself, his family, his ministry and his life experiences. Doug Gunkelman

Beatrice, Neb.

I fully agree with Wangerin that "if a church presents any other thing besides Jesus as its primary preachment, that church is no longer Christian." However, P.K. McCary's article, Pain Fire, in the same issue (page 18) is anti-Christian and has no place in our magzine. It appears to be one of several rituals that are the mainstay of programs at ELCA-sponsored Camp EWALU. This ritual appears to make fire the way of forgiveness, not Christ. I am amazed you permitted such an article. The ELCA should look into the programs at this camp.

Uel C. Ramey

Eagle Rack Mo to traditional institutional Christianity. Christianity and "things Eastern" can walk side by side in a way enriching to both. Betty Booker