I am bringing this update on behalf of Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, Iowa. This congregation and these pastors are walking through deep water with their synod. Their first vote to leave was rejected by the elca on a technicality. Their second first vote won easily at 80+%. Their first second vote, lost by 2--they needed 319 and got 317--the people figured it was a done deal, but the bishop of that synod has actively marshaled the opposition.
They are now facing their second, second vote--there is nothing in the constitution that says that if the second vote fails, that you have to start over, the bishop has already said that he will reject their second, second vote, even though there is no reason to do so.
The congregation is wondering if there is any other church who has gone through this (a second, second vote). If so, could you please contact them directly. Their website is: www.zionclearlake.org.
And add them to your prayer lists as well for this weekend! Their pastors names are Pr. Dean Hess and Pastor Derik Yarian.
Mark Vander Tuig
Services Coordinator, LCMC
2 comments:
It's so great and peaceful to live on the other side of this struggle, having gone through all of it a year ago. It's time for all faithful Lutherans to pray for this brave remnant of Christians.
And I see that the ELCA is now changing their procedures, and attempting to impose these new procedures on congregations wanting to leave the synod! Your guess: are they making it easier or more difficult to leave?
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