Letter: ELCA articles contains misstatements, Bishop says

Letter: ELCA articles contains misstatements, Bishop says

Posted Online: Nov. 08, 2009, 12:00 am
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As one of the 65 bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), I feel it is necessary to clear up some of the misstatements made in recent articles regarding Faith Lutheran Church and the ELCA.

Among many incorrect accusations,. Bruce Dalfonso accused the ELCA of "quietly" updating its Web site claiming the ELCA had made a "change in salvation and hell, and the virgin birth issues."

This item: http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/New-or-Returning-to-Church/Dig-Deeper/Salvation.aspx was part of the "Telling the Lutheran Story" project that was developed years ago. That document was not recently added, does not represent a change in ELCA doctrine, nor does it endorse "deny[ing] Jesus" or "satan worship[ing]."

The ELCA clearly states its beliefs on its Web site and in its Constitution. This church confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. This church accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life.

The ELCA's story is both ancient and timely. It's a story of a powerful and patient God who has boundless love for all people of the world, who brings justice for the oppressed. It's a story of Jesus Christ, changing lives. It's a story that brings comfort and strength to people who today live in modern, often unsettling times.

In Christ's peace,

Bishop Gary Wollersheim

Northern Illinois Synod,

ELCA