East Coast Missouri Synod leader addresses conflict over Newtown event

For Immediate Release
Contact:    Vicki Biggs, 314-996-1236, 314-556-3829 (cell), @theLCMS

Photo: LCMS New England District President Timothy Yeadon (center) presents Synod President Matthew Harrison (left) with a Boston Red Sox jersey after commenting on his joy in finding a way to “stand together at the cross” after tragic events in New England including Hurricane Sandy, the shootings in Newtown, Conn., and the bombing at the Boston Marathon.
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Photo courtesy: LCMS

LCMS New England District President stands ‘at foot of the cross’ with Synod President

ST. LOUIS, July 21, 2013—At the beginning of his address during today’s business session of the 65th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), LCMS New England District President Rev. Timothy Yeadon unexpectedly took a moment to speak to LCMS President Harrison after what Yeadon described as a “tough year” in New England with Hurricane Sandy, the shooting in Newtown, Conn., and the bombing at the Boston Marathon.

Addressing him as “our dear president,” Yeadon said, “President Harrison, Jesus found a way, at least, I think for you and me and Pastor [Robert] Morris to stand at the foot of the cross. And that’s what makes all the difference in the world.”

Yeadon added, “And then … we scooted over so to Pastor Dutzmann of First Lutheran Church [in Boston] could join us.

Going on, Yeadon referred to the phrase, “Boston Strong,” coined by Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz following the marathon bombing.

“And we are strong in Jesus in the New England District. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Satan showed his true colors in his hatred of God and of all that is good. He tried to divide us. And we may have disagreed. But as you said yesterday, so well, okay, we didn’t always see eye to eye on how to handle every division. We will continue to strive for that unity. But I assure you, and my brother and sisters, Satan has failed to divide us from one another and we will never be divided from Jesus and we will never be divided from each other. The New England District wanted you, President Harrison, to know that we love you in the Lord and we wish you all the best as you lead us in the next three years into what I believe with all my heart will be the finest days of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.”

Delegates responded with rousing applause.

Watch a video of Yeadon’s remarks here: http://www.lcms.org/convention/livestream/day2. To find the clip, scroll to “Sunday, July 21, 2013 – Presentation by District President Timothy Yeadon – Highlight.”

The Synod convention, which included an opening worship service on the evening of July 20 and runs through July 25, serves as the principal legislative assembly for the church body. Meeting under the theme, “Baptized for This Moment,” at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, attendees will consider resolutions and join together for worship and fellowship. Convention participants include 1,174 clergy and lay voting delegates.

To learn more about the Synod convention, visit www.lcms.org/convention. Live streaming video is available at www.lcms.org/convention/live.

About The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is a biblical, confessional, witness-oriented Christian denomination with 2.3 million members – 600,000 households – in 6,200 congregations. Through acts of witness and mercy, the church carries out its mission worldwide to make known the love of Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.lcms.org.

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