By Joe Isenhower Jr. NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Participants say they have a new sense of “oneness” and are better equipped for faith-sharing after the Lutheran Church Extension Fund’s 2010 Fall Leadership Conference here Nov. 19-21. “That all of them may…

By Roland Lovstad While print editions of Reporter and The Lutheran Witness continue to be their main sources, a recent survey of active LCMS pastors indicates nearly as many prefer using Internet connections for gathering news and information about the…

(RNS) — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas — earlier and earlier every year. The evergreens at Rockefeller Center and the White House were decorated in November, radio stations started playing carols after Halloween, and stores have been…

(RNS) — Close friendships among congregants — rather than theology — seem to be the key to happiness among religious people, according to a new study. One-third of Americans who attend religious services weekly and have three to five close…

FRANKFURT, Germany (RNS) — After police barged into the Busekros family home in Bavaria, the family’s 15-year-old daughter, Melissa, was placed in a psychiatric facility, and later long-term foster care. The police, the girl said, told her she had been…

The LCMS Foundation thanks those who have supported LCMS ministries this year and offers these tips for making end-of-year, tax-deductible gifts to the Synod: Stock certificate or cash gifts that are mailed should have a U.S. Postal Service postmark of…

LCMS President Rev. Matthew C. Harrison is among a rare coalition of more than two dozen religious leaders who signed a public letter promoting marriage as “the faithful union of one man and one woman.” Leaders of Catholic, evangelical, Orthodox…

“The Joy of Christmas,” a new set of Mustard Seed devotions that focus on the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany seasons, is now available free via e-mail subscription from the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. The new Mustard Seed collection, which debuted…

Theologians, scholars and laypeople are invited to attend the 2011 Symposia Series sponsored by Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. The theme for the 26th Annual Symposium on Exegetical Theology, Jan. 18-19, is “Israel and the New Israel: Learning about Church…

In a Dec. 3 e-mail to LCMS employees, Rev. David Birner, director of international mission for LCMS World Mission, announced staff changes in LCMS World Mission. In the e-mail, Birner announced that: Rev. Theodore “Ted” Krey, LCMS missionary and church…

Kevin M. Dunning of Las Vegas has accepted an appointment to serve as head of school for Hong Kong International School (HKIS), beginning in July.  Owned and operated by the LCMS, HKIS offers an American, Christian education to students in…

By Joe Isenhower Jr.  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Members of the Task Force on Synodical Harmony and representatives of the Synod president’s office will meet to discuss the task force’s final report, including possible ways to mesh recommended strategies for harmony…

(RNS) — What do nurses, soldiers, pharmacists, elementary school teachers, doctors and police officers have in common? Americans say they are all more ethical and honest than members of the clergy, according to a Gallup survey released Dec. 3. Slightly…

WASHINGTON (RNS) — With three weeks left before the 111th Congress adjourns, faith groups are mounting a full-court press on Capitol Hill on a number of bills, including a nuclear treaty with Russia and an immigration bill. Advocates are pressing…

In response to Resolution 4-03, which was adopted by the 2010 national convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, the vice-president — finance/treasurer has prepared a brief statement explaining the financial condition of the church body. To read the statement, click…

LONDON (RNS) — Former Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey has slammed attempts to “air-brush” Christianity out of society — a trend he said is gaining speed as Christmas nears. Carey claimed Britain’s “rich legacy” of Christian culture is “under…