(RNS) — When seventh-grader Raymond Hosier was suspended for wearing rosary beads to school late in May 2010, civil rights groups rushed to his defense. “Without question, the continuing action taken by the school district in punishing Raymond for wearing a…
Episcopalians booted over gay bishops
(RNS) — The Episcopal Church has been removed from Anglican committees that engage in dialogue with other Christians and consider doctrinal issues, the latest fallout from the church’s consecration of a lesbian bishop in May 2010. The Rev. Kenneth Kearon,…
Oswald A. Waech dies – first Synod evangelism secretary
Dr. Oswald A. Waech, The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod’s first evangelism secretary (from 1954 to 1962), died June 1 at a Chino, Calif., hospital. Dr. Waech, who was 98, had been in declining health for a number of years. He and his…
Church aid groups deny Afghan charge of proselytizing
GENEVA (RNS/ENInews) — Afghan officials have ordered two international church-backed humanitarian groups to suspend operations while they investigate allegations of illegal proselytizing, which the groups strongly deny. Afghanistan has suspended the activities of Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and the U.S.-based…
National Cathedral mulls selling treasures
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Facing a reduced budget and a third round of layoffs, officials at Washington National Cathedral are considering disposing of priceless treasures — including a trove of rare books — that are no longer considered part of its…
House rejects amendment on chaplains' prayers
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The House on May 27 rejected a proposed amendment that would have allowed military chaplains to close public events with faith-specific prayers. The amendment, offered by Tea Party favorite Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., to the Military Construction…
Judge rules against graduation in a church
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A federal judge ruled May 31 that a Connecticut school board’s decision to hold graduation ceremonies inside a megachurch was unconstitutional. Commencements for two schools in Enfield, Conn. — Enfield High School and Enrico Enfermi High School,…
Churches scramble to meet FCC rules on wireless mics
Related Story: Advisory concerns wireless microphones WASHINGTON (RNS) — American churches have a little more than a week left before they have to change their wireless microphone equipment or face more than $100,000 in fines. In January, the Federal…
Bunkowskes honored by Lutheran Bible Translators
Dr. Eugene and Bernice Bunkowske, pioneering missionaries in West African Bible translation and in mission service around the world, have been honored with the “Lutheran Bible Translators [LBT] Lifetime Achievement Award.” The award was presented to them in recognition of…
Seminaries offer summer workshops for clergy, laity
Registration is open for a number of off-campus continuing-education workshops both Synod seminaries are offering around the country this summer. The cost for each of the 15 Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, workshops is $125 (with the exception of the three…
Gym is Laborer’s 12th project, first prom
By Kim Plummer Krull Helping Saint Paul Lutheran High School remodel the gym marks Norm Hoppmann’s 12th project for churches and schools – but his first prom. “I ended up with the dubious name of ‘Grandpa Prom,” said Hoppmann, who…
Thrivent vote nets $304,437 for LCMS work
Two Synod ministries –- LCMS World Relief and Human Care (WR-HC) and LCMS World Mission — are receiving a total $304,437 in funds resulting from the vote of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members on where to distribute $1 million for charity. The…
President's office nominees address issues in Synod
As in previous LCMS convention years, Reporter and The Lutheran Witness asked the five nominees for Synod president this year to answer in writing four questions related to issues in the Synod — some of which will be addressed during…
Judge allows clergy housing tax case to proceed
(RNS) A federal judge has rejected a motion filed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to dismiss a California lawsuit that challenges tax breaks ministers can receive on housing. Section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code allows housing-related tax…
Arizona tax-tuition program goes to Supreme Court
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The U.S. Supreme Court will review the constitutionality of an Arizona program that provides state tax breaks for donations to private school scholarship programs. As part of the 13-year-old tax-tuition program, taxpayers receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction in…
OFFICIAL NOTICE — Convention Workbook Errata
The following errors in the Convention Workbook mailed to all delegates and church workers at the end of April are brought to the attention of the Synod. Please note the corrections: On page 31 of the Biographical Synopses & Statements…
