I am thankful for the faithful stance our Synod has taken in defense of human life and against the evil of abortion.

My only question here is why the need to issue a joint statement with Archbishop Robert Carlson. All that one needs to do is a quick Google search on Carlson's name to find out that he and his diocese are mired in scandal, and there is a lawsuit against them for crimes against children. Carlson has been accused of covering up these crimes as well as witness tampering. Carlson's own deposition is revealing as well: http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/archbishop-carlson-strategic-amnesia-philip-lawler/

Carlson is in a different church than we are, but I believe we should be calling for his repentance, not engaging in any joint ventures with him (1 Cor 5:11). So far he refuses to repent or admit wrongdoing.