(RNS) — More than two dozen Christian conservatives are trying to put theological debates about presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s Mormonism to rest by focusing on the policies outlined in the Republican Party’s new national platform. In a letter delivered Sept. 7…
Bishops blast Coptic Christians behind anti-Muslim film
(RNS) — Coptic Christian leaders in the United States distanced themselves from an anti-Muslim film that has sparked protests in more than 24 countries, and denounced the Copts who reportedly produced and promoted the film. “We reject any allegation that the…
Pressure Points (October 2012)
With Dr. Bruce Hartung Over the last months I have received a number of communications from column readers concerning vocational change. Successful changes — although not without some struggle and heartache — have been reported by teachers (who have left…
Board's OK allows loan agreement for Hanoi school campus
By Joe Isenhower Jr. ST. LOUIS — Concordia International School Hanoi now has the LCMS Board of Directors’ approval to enter a loan agreement allowing the school to purchase land rights to a 6.5-acre park-like site in Hanoi and develop…
'YM 13' event to explore youth ministry across generations
“Youth Ministry 2013” (YM 13) — a Jan. 7-8 symposium for all “who are serious about youth ministry” in the Synod — will explore how effective youth ministry “cuts across generational lines,” says the Rev. Dr. Terry Dittmer, director of LCMS Youth…
Pat Bohlmann, former LCMS president's wife, dies
Patricia “Pat” Anne (McCleary) Bohlmann, married for 53 years to LCMS President Emeritus Rev. Dr. Ralph A. Bohlmann, died Sept. 14 after a two-and-a-half year battle with cancer. Bohlmann, 78, died at her home in Des Peres, Mo., a suburb…
'Lutheran Witness' available via digital platforms
By Adriane Dorr The Lutheran Witness is older than time … Time magazine, that is. Published prior even to the creation of National Geographic, the first issue of the Synod’s official publication was produced in May 1882. Then, the magazine’s…
CPH publishes first Lutheran English edition of 'Apocrypha'
The Apocrypha — 14 books of writings produced in the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments — is now available for the first time in English with Lutheran notes.For centuries, every Lutheran’s Bible (Martin Luther’s German translation) included…
New video details LCMS work with military, families
A new Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod video pays tribute to the men and women of the U.S. military and those who minister to them, including LCMS chaplains. The 15-minute video, titled “Those Who Serve,” highlights LCMS chaplains and the troops with…
Black pastors move to counter new voter ID laws
(RNS) — African-American clergy are joining forces with civil-rights groups to push for increased voter registration ahead of the November election, spurred on by new voter laws they say restrict opportunities for minorities to enter the voting booth. “We must…
Synod leaders spotlight goals to strengthen Hispanic ministry
By Kim Plummer Krull LCMS leaders from Hispanic ministries and the president’s office took a step toward their mutual goal of strengthening ministry to and with Latinos in the United States when they began work on a mission statement and…
LCMS awards $15,000 for Gulf Coast 'Isaac' relief
By Sarah Schafer For five days after Hurricane Isaac, the Rev. Jerome Terry and his wife, Nora, were stuck inside their LaPlace, La., home without power or running water, and with three inches of floodwater soaking into the carpet and…
Amish bishop describes beard-cutting attack
CLEVELAND (RNS) — Law officers testified Sept. 5 about the chaotic and bizarre scene they discovered the night of Oct. 4, 2011, when they arrived at the Holmes County, Ohio, home of Raymond Hershberger, a 79-year-old Amish bishop. The officers…
'Luther Rose' approved for national-cemetery markers
Thanks to the initiative of Deborah Henry from Imperial, Mo., the “Luther Rose” (also known as “Martin Luther’s seal”) is now approved for inscription on headstones of veterans’ grave markers in U.S. national cemeteries. Henry is a member of Hope Lutheran…
LCMS continues Isaac aid, reaches out to Philippine partners
By Sarah Schafer Even as the remnant of Hurricane Isaac brought heavy rainfall and strong wind to the East Coast late Tuesday, Sept. 4, the LCMS continued to take stock of its damages and reach out with mercy to those affected. At…
Free webinars provide support for rural pastors
By Adriane Dorr “The fields are ripe for the harvest,” says the Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan, director of LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission, who believes that the LCMS is uniquely poised to reach out to Christians and non-Christians alike in…
