In reply to GLV.

An ongoing issue with Lutherans is they have forgotten what initially started AAL - set up a fraternal that was consistent with Lutheran theology because of practices of lodges with secret rituals. So you had to subscribe to Wisconsin synod or LCMS theology to be a member and also be a man. The didn't use the church. They were the church. And today Thrivent is still a membership organization that has a democratic process. It is not a theocracy. It is not a commercial company that decided to market Lutherans. We are Thrivent and just like GLV, made up of sinful members who need the Grace of Jesus Christ.