In reply to Beth.

Beth,

I am sorry about your unfortunate situation and that in an LCMS congregation, no less! There is no excuse for an LCMS pastor to do as you suggest he has done. And yes, I know that kind of thing happens. And yes, there are many problems everywhere, including in the LCMS. We can't ignore that reality. We must not.

But this is not a decision, as you describe it, to admire. Just as no Lutheran should admire an LCMS pastor ransacking Lutheran doctrine and practice in order to gain more members (which I'm sure is why he thinks this is a good thing), so neither should Thrivent alter its positions in order to maintain more financial members. Neither is good. Both are sinful. But while problems are found in the LCMS, this decision is a national one. We have to speak up Beth. We have to speak up for Life. We are compelled by God to do so. Not to do so, is to give our agreement to it.

At some point, we may have to speak up for life by pulling out of Thrivent. But instead, let's hope that Thrivent will reconsider and say, "We know that some of our members will be offended, but after listening to the voices of God's people, we must do the right thing. We cannot be neutral when it comes to LIFE. We are compelled by God to support life from the womb to the tomb."

Pr. Bert Greenway