It is a sad day for our Synod. Yesterday, our Synod voted to deprive Word and Sacrament Ministry to many of our brothers and sisters in congregations unable to afford or call a full time pastor. This act weakens the Office of the Holy Ministry, not strengthens it. More importantly, it makes it more difficult to share God's forgiving Word with the people who most need to hear it. I would not want to be those leaders who have to give an account to Christ and explain to Him on why they chose to restrict the Gospel and Word and Sacrament Ministry.