In vol. 74, number 1-2 of the January/April 2010 Concordia Theological Quarterly the Rev. Mark C. Chavez of the ELCA had the following article: Biblical Authority in the ELCA Today. Of all the worldview issues which have led the ELCA into a worldly organization and away from Christ, one jumps out as a great warning to us; that is the idolatry of church unity. The author states,
“There is one form of idolatry evident in the ELCA: church unity, both at the church-wide level and at the congregational level. Idolatry at the church-wide level was evident in the first of the recommendations from the sexuality task force approved by the 2005 church-wide assembly:
Because the God-given mission and communion we share is at least as important as the issues about which faithful conscience-bound Lutherans find themselves so decisively at odds, the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality recommends that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of our disagreements.
The constant mantra in the ELCA is that we can agree to disagree, but still be one in Christ and have unity in the ELCA. When the unity of the denomination takes precedence over confession of the truth of God’s word, we have turned the denomination into an idol.
The congregational form of idolatry is also evident. Most ELCA congregations did not participate in any substantial way in the process that led to the 2009 church wide assembly decisions. Many did not know about the decisions until after the assembly. Some pastors (and church councils who did know about the decisions) were reluctant to start a discussion in their congregations because of concern that it would threaten the unity of the congregation. Many congregations are still reluctant to deal with the crisis in the ELCA for the same reason. My guess is that making the unity of the local congregation the ultimate priority is a form of idolatry that is not unique in the ELCA. Either way, when denominational unity or congregational unity takes precedence, God, Christ, and biblical authority get shoved aside. Lord, save us from ourselves!”
This article by the Rev. Mark C. Chavez speaks to President Harrison’s stated goal of solidifying fellowship within the LCMS. This is a worthy goal and it will require enormous effort and dedication. However, we must be very diligent that we do not fall into the trap into which ELCA fell; that of putting church-wide unity above God’s Word. Thus, the stated purpose of the LMA:
The Lutheran Mission Alliance (LMA) is dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of the forgiveness of sins and righteousness by faith in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, through confessional Lutheran evangelical outreach and mission starts. The guiding principle of this effort shall be in accord with orthodox Lutheran theology as contained in the Old and New Testaments, the three Ecumenical Creeds, and as expressed by the Lutheran Confessions of the Book of Concord.
Moreover, the LMA is dedicated to upholding, preserving, and defending Lutheran Congregations who, in word and practice, uphold and support orthodox Lutheran theology as contained in the Old and New Testaments, the three Ecumenical Creeds, and all the articles of the Lutheran Confessions as contained in the Book of Concord. Furthermore, the LMA promotes, upholds, preserves, and defends the rich liturgical heritage of Word and Sacrament ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church against encroaching worldly methods.
is amplified in what appears to be a new environment of a desire to return to orthodoxy.
I for one pledge my support to the efforts of President Harrison and the Praesidium to right the ship of the LCMS, returning us to an orthodox, confessional, and liturgical church, but I am not fooled into believing all share my enthusiasm or commitment. Undoubtedly, those within the LCMS who hold to the idolatry of let us agree to disagree are still among us. Confusion of law and gospel, no law, distorted gospel, open communion, rejection of the liturgy, rejection of traditional chancel furnishings, etc. etc., are signs and results of this idolatry. Moreover, those who worship adhering to these practices will not give them up willingly and therein lies the problem, as it always has.
Therefore, I urge our readers to become active in their support of the LMA helping in the establishment of orthodox missions and congregations while supporting all existing orthodox congregations and pastors.
Rev. Toby Byrd
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