The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod will continue to reach out with mercy even in the wake of the church body’s restructuring, said LCMS President-elect Rev. Matthew C. Harrison at a July 21 meeting with LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC)…
Dr. Erwin J. Kolb dies; former evangelism exec
Dr. Erwin J. Kolb, executive director of the Synod’s Board for Evangelism Services from 1972 until his retirement in 1989, died July 26 in Milwaukee after several years of declining health. A memorial service took place July 30 at Luther Manor retirement…
Polls find shifts on gay marriage ban
WASHINGTON (RNS) — New polls in California indicate public opinion on same-sex marriage may be changing toward acceptance, and religion continues to play a large role in the change. A poll released July 21 by Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI)…
ELCA's Hanson pleads for unity
STUTTGART, Germany (RNS/ENInews) — A U.S. Lutheran bishop on July 21 appealed to members of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) to hold together and avoid splits in the face of differences over issues of sexuality. “It is not the time…
10 minutes with … Matthew Harrison
(RNS) — Rev. Matthew Harrison defeated a three-term incumbent to become president of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) on July 13, fueled by the support of his denomination’s more conservative wing. Harrison, 48, will lead a 2.4-million member denomination with…
Youth Gathering generates $42 million in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS–“We Believe,” the 11th triennial National LCMS Youth Gathering, will contribute some $42 million to local revenues here, according to figures released by the city’s convention and visitors bureau. The Gathering, which is the Synod’s single largest event, brings…
Harrison names top assistants
Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, president-elect of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), has named the following to new positions, effective Sept. 1: Rev. Jon D. Vieker, senior assistant to the president. Vieker currently serves as assistant director of the LCMS Commission on Worship.…
LCMS delegates adopt worship, reformation study and compensation resolutions
HOUSTON—Delegates to the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) adopted resolutions regarding a document on worship for Synod congregations, study of the Lutheran Confessions for Reformation observances and compensation for professional church workers. The LCMS convention is…
Almstedt elected to International Mission board
HOUSTON—In the last election of the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, delegates voted July 17 to place Kermit W. Almstedt of Weeki Wachee, Fla., as the layperson to represent the East Region on the Board for International…
Delegates vote to appoint Hispanic ministry strategist
HOUSTON–Delegates to the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod here July 17 adopted Resolution 1-11, affirming the need “for faithful and effective outreach to Hispanic people [and] for an individual for strategic development of Hispanic ministries to guide…
Delegates adopt six resolutions on theology and church relations
HOUSTON–On July 17, the last day of business, delegates adopted Resolution 3-04 from the Floor Committee on Theology and Church Relations (Committee 3) to amend the Synod’s bylaws regarding recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship with “small, formative or emerging…
Delegates authorize audits of outgoing boards
HOUSTON–Delegates to the national convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod called for a final financial audit of all outgoing boards and administration, a result of structure and governance changes adopted this week, and they expressed appreciation to those who worked…
Convention supports 'pastoral formation'
HOUSTON–Delegates to the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod here July 17 adopted Resolution 5-05A, introduced by the Floor Committee on Seminary and University Education (Committee 5), “to support pastoral formation.” In adopting the resolution, the convention affirmed…
Convention addresses omnibus resolutions
HOUSTON–Delegates to the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod here July 17 adopted two “omnibus” resolutions: Resolution B declines to take action on 15 overtures that previous LCMS conventions already addressed. In the resolution, those overtures refer to…
Kieschnick closes convention
HOUSTON–In his final comments to the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick related a story told to him by a leader in the Gutnius Lutheran Church in Papua New Guinea, who described how his…
Delegates OK call for 'time limitations' study
HOUSTON—Delegates to the Missouri Synod convention here adopted two more resolutions offered by the Floor Committee on Ecclesial Matters (Committee 7) July 16. Those actions call for a study of time limitations—or specific spans of time—that might apply in the…
