So, I admit that perhaps I am at time too idealistic…I grew
up in a very small town that was the quintessential New England small town
complete with a General Store. However, I
read last week where a CT Lutheran Pastor was forced to apologize to the
Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) (see http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/07/16882169-lutheran-pastor-apologizes-for-taking-part-in-sandy-hook-service
) for giving the benediction at a prayer service for the shooting victims in
Newtown, CT. Apparently, the LCMS
denomination’s constitution prohibits any of their pastors from participating
in an inter-faith service. The LCMS gives
the reason as that by standing side-by-side with non-Christian clergy in public
religious events they give the impression that Christ is just one path among
many. So, they would
rather not join with their community, those that might be seeking, those that are
trying to make some sense out of a senseless act and situation, and would prefer
to refrain from comforting the community unless they come into the Lutheran
Church.
However, while this is an
example from a Lutheran church, it is not limited to that denomination; it’s
just that may of the others don’t have it written down! Ok, sure, most churches would not have a
problem participating in a vigil for such a tragic act as this, but I find it
amazing that to get Christian churches to rally around a more pedestrian common
cause is virtually impossible. Case in
point: I volunteer with a para-church
organization, Shepherd Project Ministries. This past Christmas season we produced an
event which was a Gingerbread House Contest with entertainment, a craft bazaar,
and other festive family events. Our
goal was to have churches rally together and use the event to tell the true
meaning of Christmas. We gave (read
free) each church that participated a table to advertise their Christmas events
and promote their church. Out of 60+
local churches we had 2 that joined with us!
Only 2—I thought that many Bible-based churches would have jumped at the
chance to reach out to their community, but sadly, we just don’t work together
well. I wonder how much greater impact
Bible believing churches could have if we would find our commonalities and come
together around those, than debate/argue our differences? (and frankly, at least
four churches in our town have doctrinal statements so similar if you stripped
off the names I’m guessing you would be hard pressed to match the statement to
the church)
Until next time….Pondering….
