COP Letter - A Failure of Pastoral Leadership

This letter was issued by the Council of Presidents (COP) "without dissenting vote."  This means either that the dissenters abstained or they were not present.  Practically, this letter utilizes the 4th and 8th commandments as a shield to protect elected synodical officials from criticism over their public actions and as a club to stifle any further district actions expressing disapproval and dissent.  Pastorally, this letter fails to address the harm the abrupt cancellation of Issues, Etc. caused to its many listeners and to the mission and ministry of the LCMS.  This letter makes it clear that the COP is a council of bureaucrats and not a group of shepherds (bishops).

We are fully aware of pain in our Synod over the discontinuation of the KFUO Radio program “Issues, Etc.” When one member of the Body of Christ hurts—for whatever reason—we all hurt. We are very concerned about how this pain has affected the church as it carries Christ’s gifts to the world. Only the devil would rejoice over this disruption!

Comment:  Being "fully aware" of the pain of the decision, the COP proceeds to use the 4th and 8th commandments to silence any discussion.  This is to use the Law on those who are hurting and to place the responsibility on the hurting.

Comment:  "Only the devil would rejoice over this disruption." Such a statement is a theology of glory.  It denies the fact that God works His good under all things (Romans 8).  When a church body is veering from the truth of the Gospel, one would expect God to stir up trouble, as He did in OT Israel.  This also implies that those who are protesting this decision are motivated by the devil!

We encourage the whole church prayerfully to reflect and ponder on a few matters. We realize that in our understanding and application of the 4th commandment, this matter is not the responsibility of the Council of Presidents. The Synod has given the authority for oversight and implementation of KFUO and its programming decisions to the Board for Communication Services (BCS). We must regard with Christian charity and trust the judgment of our duly elected brothers and sisters in Christ on the BCS, along with its Executive Director, Mr. David Strand.

Comment:  Assuming that the 4th commandment actually applies to synodical structures, this application of the 4th commandment would make all criticism of the official actions of public officials anywhere a sin.  According to the small catechism's interpretation of the 4th commandment, we are to love, honor, serve, and obey our parents and other authorities.  This does not include trust.  "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save." (Psalm 146:3)

Comment:  The BCS was not party to the decision to cancel Issues, Etc., but was informed after the fact.  The letter seems to indicate that this was an action of the BCS along with Mr. Strand.

We regret the timing of this decision, which was implemented during Holy Week, one of the most important times of the church year. In response to the concern that the manner in which this decision was implemented lacked Christian compassion, it is important to note our belief that such was not the case. These matters are also addressed in the statement on this topic by the President of our Synod, attached hereto, which we commend to you.

Comment:  Simple denial does not constitute the truth.  What "regret" does the COP have?  That the liturgical calendar wasn't consulted?  Would the offense have been any less had the show been canceled abruptly and without warning and the web site ordered down on Tuesday in the second week of Easter?

The COP may corporately (and without dissent) "believe" that this action lacked Christian compassion, but the facts speak to the contrary.

The manner in which the church addresses, discusses, and resolves disagreements is as important as the disagreement itself. In this regard, the 8th commandment’s focus on upholding the reputation of brothers and sisters in Christ is most important. We are all the baptized of Christ, washed in His blood, and we possess His image of blamelessness. Where there have been communications that have violated the integrity of a brother or sister in Christ, Christ calls us to repentance. Here, too, the devil would delight in divisiveness resulting from matters such as this. Let us walk with integrity, honesty, and humility, giving glory to Jesus Christ, “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:13).

Comment:  We agree that the manner of disagreement is as important as the disagreement itself.  The question remains, "How then are we to disagree?  And how can we disagree when those responsible refuse to answer legitimate questions their actions have raised?"  The 8th commandment does not forbid the respectful criticism of and disagreement with public actions by public officials.  Nor would it forbid a call for impeachment or resignation of a public official who violated the stewardship of his office.  The 8th commandment requires that these actions be done with all due respect and honor for the office and the reputation of the person.

Comment:  "Where there have been communications that have violated the integrity of a brother or sister in Christ...."  This would hopefully apply to the attempts by district presidents and others to slander the reputation of Ms. Mollie Z. Hemingway who broke this scandal to the Wall Street Journal.  Those involved would set a fine example of pastoral leadership by apologizing publicly and in writing to Ms. Hemingway.

This would hopefully also apply to Pr. Todd Wilken and Mr. Jeff Schwarz, who names and reputations have been tarnished by the scandalous way in which their show, a "mission and ministry" of the LCMS, was terminated, by the secrecy that has enshrouded this decision, and by the attempted gag order attached to their severance package.

Comment:  "...the devil would delight in divisiveness..."  This presumes to know the mind of God.  In the OT, God routinely stirs up trouble when Israel is in danger of apostasy.  The implicit charge is that those who dissent this decision are being divisive.  The true division is caused by those who would promote an emergent, seeker-sensitive, purpose-driven Gospel and muzzle all criticism.

Comment:  "...forgive one another..."  This presumes a confession of sin.  Would the district presidents, the synodical president, or Mr. Strand confess their sin, we would certainly be obligated to forgive them.  We have heard no such confession.  Having forgiven them, we must still hold them publicly accountable for their stewardship in office, and where necessary, take the appropriate and lawful action.

Jesus Christ is the Lord of the church. As this church goes forward in reaching unbelievers with the precious Gospel of our Lord, let us be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

Comment:  Certainly, one cannot disagree with this exhortation.  But one must ask:  How does cancellation of a show that was heard worldwide, that proclaimed the Gospel and engaged in Christian apologetics, not go forward "reaching unbelievers."  Exhortation is one thing; action quite another. 

Comment:  "...the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace..."  This is a unity worked by the Holy Spirit through the Word, not a corporate unity achieved by stone-walling explanations and stifling criticism.

The peace of the Lord be with you all!

And also with you.

This letter was issued by the Council of Presidents (COP) "without dissenting vote."  This means either that the dissenters abstained or they were not present.  Practically, this letter utilizes the 4th and 8th commandments as a shield to protect elected synodical officials from criticism over their public actions and as a club to stifle any further district actions expressing disapproval and dissent.  Pastorally, this letter fails to address the harm the abrupt cancellation of Issues, Etc. caused to its many listeners and to the mission and ministry of the LCMS.  This letter makes it clear that the COP is a council of bureaucrats and not a group of shepherds (bishops).

We are fully aware of pain in our Synod over the discontinuation of the KFUO Radio program “Issues, Etc.” When one member of the Body of Christ hurts—for whatever reason—we all hurt. We are very concerned about how this pain has affected the church as it carries Christ’s gifts to the world. Only the devil would rejoice over this disruption!

Comment:  Being "fully aware" of the pain of the decision, the COP proceeds to use the 4th and 8th commandments to silence any discussion.  This is to use the Law on those who are hurting and to place the responsibility on the hurting.

Comment:  "Only the devil would rejoice over this disruption." Such a statement is a theology of glory.  It denies the fact that God works His good under all things (Romans 8).  When a church body is veering from the truth of the Gospel, one would expect God to stir up trouble, as He did in OT Israel.  This also implies that those who are protesting this decision are motivated by the devil!

We encourage the whole church prayerfully to reflect and ponder on a few matters. We realize that in our understanding and application of the 4th commandment, this matter is not the responsibility of the Council of Presidents. The Synod has given the authority for oversight and implementation of KFUO and its programming decisions to the Board for Communication Services (BCS). We must regard with Christian charity and trust the judgment of our duly elected brothers and sisters in Christ on the BCS, along with its Executive Director, Mr. David Strand.

Comment:  Assuming that the 4th commandment actually applies to synodical structures, this application of the 4th commandment would make all criticism of the official actions of public officials anywhere a sin.  According to the small catechism's interpretation of the 4th commandment, we are to love, honor, serve, and obey our parents and other authorities.  This does not include trust.  "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save." (Psalm 146:3)

Comment:  The BCS was not party to the decision to cancel Issues, Etc., but was informed after the fact.  The letter seems to indicate that this was an action of the BCS along with Mr. Strand.

We regret the timing of this decision, which was implemented during Holy Week, one of the most important times of the church year. In response to the concern that the manner in which this decision was implemented lacked Christian compassion, it is important to note our belief that such was not the case. These matters are also addressed in the statement on this topic by the President of our Synod, attached hereto, which we commend to you.

Comment:  Simple denial does not constitute the truth.  What "regret" does the COP have?  That the liturgical calendar wasn't consulted?  Would the offense have been any less had the show been canceled abruptly and without warning and the web site ordered down on Tuesday in the second week of Easter?

The COP may corporately (and without dissent) "believe" that this action lacked Christian compassion, but the facts speak to the contrary.

The manner in which the church addresses, discusses, and resolves disagreements is as important as the disagreement itself. In this regard, the 8th commandment’s focus on upholding the reputation of brothers and sisters in Christ is most important. We are all the baptized of Christ, washed in His blood, and we possess His image of blamelessness. Where there have been communications that have violated the integrity of a brother or sister in Christ, Christ calls us to repentance. Here, too, the devil would delight in divisiveness resulting from matters such as this. Let us walk with integrity, honesty, and humility, giving glory to Jesus Christ, “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:13).

Comment:  We agree that the manner of disagreement is as important as the disagreement itself.  The question remains, "How then are we to disagree?  And how can we disagree when those responsible refuse to answer legitimate questions their actions have raised?"  The 8th commandment does not forbid the respectful criticism of and disagreement with public actions by public officials.  Nor would it forbid a call for impeachment or resignation of a public official who violated the stewardship of his office.  The 8th commandment requires that these actions be done with all due respect and honor for the office and the reputation of the person.

Comment:  "Where there have been communications that have violated the integrity of a brother or sister in Christ...."  This would hopefully apply to the attempts by district presidents and others to slander the reputation of Ms. Mollie Z. Hemingway who broke this scandal to the Wall Street Journal.  Those involved would set a fine example of pastoral leadership by apologizing publicly and in writing to Ms. Hemingway.

This would hopefully also apply to Pr. Todd Wilken and Mr. Jeff Schwarz, who names and reputations have been tarnished by the scandalous way in which their show, a "mission and ministry" of the LCMS, was terminated, by the secrecy that has enshrouded this decision, and by the attempted gag order attached to their severance package.

Comment:  "...the devil would delight in divisiveness..."  This presumes to know the mind of God.  In the OT, God routinely stirs up trouble when Israel is in danger of apostasy.  The implicit charge is that those who dissent this decision are being divisive.  The true division is caused by those who would promote an emergent, seeker-sensitive, purpose-driven Gospel and muzzle all criticism.

Comment:  "...forgive one another..."  This presumes a confession of sin.  Would the district presidents, the synodical president, or Mr. Strand confess their sin, we would certainly be obligated to forgive them.  We have heard no such confession.  Having forgiven them, we must still hold them publicly accountable for their stewardship in office, and where necessary, take the appropriate and lawful action.

Jesus Christ is the Lord of the church. As this church goes forward in reaching unbelievers with the precious Gospel of our Lord, let us be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

Comment:  Certainly, one cannot disagree with this exhortation.  But one must ask:  How does cancellation of a show that was heard worldwide, that proclaimed the Gospel and engaged in Christian apologetics, not go forward "reaching unbelievers."  Exhortation is one thing; action quite another. 

Comment:  "...the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace..."  This is a unity worked by the Holy Spirit through the Word, not a corporate unity achieved by stone-walling explanations and stifling criticism.

The peace of the Lord be with you all!

And also with you.

Comments

[Revfisk]

We sound more like the UMC and ECUSA all the time. It's about different "Issues," (no pun intended.) But it's the same leadership approach to anyone who would raise questions of theology.

[Jehu]

I don't get it....
This screwed up religious. smoke-screen, double-speak nonsense is supposed to be believed?

Why doesn't going to your offended brother to straighten things out fit into their thinking? (Matt 5:23-34)

And as for
"the manner of disagreement is as important as the disagreement itself"
Sometimes, it's not appropriate to be "nice" to religious liars.... Jesus is a prime example of that tactful course.

Personally, I'm feeling more like Jehu on this subject....
2 Kings 9:22
When Joram saw Jehu he asked, "Have you come in peace, Jehu?"
"How can there be peace," Jehu replied, "as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?"

[Revfisk]

Cogency

http://beallwashedup.blogspot.com/2008/04/blog-post_24.html

[Deb]

What else could I say? Hurrah, Chrysostom! Keep writing!

[Barbara Sullivan]

Revfisk:
What work of Luther is your post from?

Here is the excerpt that I find most reassuring:

Pay no attention, even though you are small in number and all alone. ... Remain with the little group which gladly hears and receives my Word and has the steadfast Spirit. Do not be afraid if the other multitude refuses to follow you. ... Be convinced that you have the Holy Spirit, of whom your persecutors are not worthy.

How do you know you have the Holy Spirit? Christ says, because you adhere to Him in faith, and because you love and cherish the Word.

[Susan]

Rev. Fisk,
I wanted to thank you for your link, but your blog said it was busy and would not accept my comment there. Anyway, Wow! and thank-you.

[Stone the crows]

"the manner of disagreement is as important as the disagreement itself"

I wonder what John Hus would have to say about that bit of obfuscate thinking?