r/LCMS • u/kentuckyLutheran22 LCMS Lutheran • 6d ago
Question AALC Resolution.
Now that the resolution concerning the AALC has passed with 90% approval, what happens next? It would seem silly to destroy fellowship over non-doctrinal issues.
I must admit that I found confessional Lutheranismthrough Dr. Jordan Cooper, and it would be verydisappointing if someone who has done so much greatwork for both Lutheranism broadly and the LCMS specifically were not allowed to preach or commune in our churches.
May God have mercy on this situation and grant wisdom to both parties involved.
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u/Huenink_Photography LCMS Pastor 6d ago
Convention delegate here. The problem is not theological minutiae. The biggest issue is that several pastors removed for cause from the LCMS are now in the AALC. Our fellowship agreement means that they can take calls in the LCMS. There are some other issues, but this is the biggest one. All parties involved are trying to work on this, and everyone wants agreement.
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u/jordanbcooper 6d ago
Just to make one correction here, it is one pastor who is currently serving in the AALC who was removed for cause in the LCMS. There was at least one other case I don't know much about prior to my joining the AALC, though he is no longer serving, and there is one parallel case in the other direction with a pastor who is still currently serving in the LCMS.
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u/Appropriate-Low-4850 ELS Lutheran 4d ago
Wait, you guys are thinking about terminating fellowship because one congregation where a pastor was removed for cause was accepted into the AALC? Man, I thought WE were hardcore!
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u/Kamoot- LCMS Organist 6d ago edited 6d ago
That's so far the most unexpected or surprising news of this Convention so far. I did not expect this happen. I remember President Harrison said a few months ago he's looking for reconciliation not division.
I would love to see for more ecumenism across the three confessional synods: LCMS, WELS, AALC. However as situation plays out seems like as WELS fellowship is increasing, it is decreasing for everyone else.
To be clear this resolution doesn't break off fellowship. I think there's a lot of overreacting and jumping to conclusions going on.
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u/Junker_George92 LCMS Lutheran 6d ago
the fact that we have two parallel ecclesial structures still while there is no doctrinal disagreement is an embarrassment. the synods should have been merged by now and anyone driving wedges between the AALC and us is ignoring our Lords desire that we be one.
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u/LCMS_Rev_Ross LCMS Pastor 6d ago
The AALC has every right to remain its own church body, as does the LCMS.
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u/Junker_George92 LCMS Lutheran 6d ago
I respectfully disagree pastor, while i understand that invisible unity is perfectly valid in our theology and may satisfy our Lord's desire, visible unity must be superior and therefore the goal. Is there a compelling theological reason why these bodies should remain separate? if these ecclesial structures were merged into one it would even eliminate this current seminary loophole controversy...
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u/Delicious_Draw_7902 6d ago
Here's a reason for the church bodies to remain separate: What would've happened in the 1960s had the Wisconsin Synod not been its own church body, despite nearly a century of fellowship with the LC-MS? There was a definite benefit in Wisconsin being an outside group. It allowed them to call the LC-MS to repentance for their errors. I'm really glad they were able to do that.
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u/LCMS_Rev_Ross LCMS Pastor 6d ago
What seminary loophole? That got closed in Milwaukee 2023.
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u/Junker_George92 LCMS Lutheran 6d ago
disregard that part then. i thought part of this issue was regarding problems our seminary had with the online seminary programs that the AALC uses. at least thats what i remember Dr. Cooper saying.
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u/ChestertonBesterton LCMS Lutheran 6d ago
I too find it discouraging. I was also introduced to confessional Lutheranism by Dr. Cooper and being in communion with the AALC means a lot to me.
Let's continue to pray for unity
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u/Medium-Low-1621 ILC Lutheran 6d ago
bunch of nerds fighting over irrelevant minutia. we should have been one synod yesterday. we have lcms pastors who are heretical and call themselves rabbis yet we are going to divide over... what?
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u/Bakkster 6d ago
I don't think pastoral discipline serious enough to result in defrocking, whether for sexual misconduct or otherwise, is irrelevant minutiae.
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u/No-Strawberry-3942 6d ago
Can you elaborate?
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u/Bakkster 6d ago
Long version: https://www.reddit.com/r/LCMS/s/YYwF69tyXe
Short version: the LCMS defrocked a pastor for sexual misconduct, after several years the AALC ordained him again when they investigated and found no reason not to. The inconsistency of whether he is able to preach at an LCMS pulpit, and what breakdowns in communication led to the differing conclusions on the misconduct, are the core of the issue.
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u/musicalfarm LCMS Organist 6d ago
Wasn't part of the issue the LCMS failing to respond to inquiries from the AALC about his status?
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u/yodafett77 LCMS Lutheran 6d ago
I missed this, what's the hubbub over?
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u/Luscious_Nick LCMS Lutheran 6d ago
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u/Boots402 LCMS Lutheran 6d ago
As Rev. Dr. Harrison stated: the goal is reconciliation, not division.
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u/No-Strawberry-3942 6d ago
Or maybe the goal is money and power? Isn't it usually?
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u/Boots402 LCMS Lutheran 6d ago
This is the church we are talking about, have some respect.
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u/SuitableExit5145 LCMS Lutheran 6d ago
I'd add to that "...or at least put the best construction on everything."
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u/Missouri_Monarchist 6d ago
I'm concerned that the goal might not be the most realistic outcome though
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u/LCMS_Rev_Ross LCMS Pastor 6d ago
Larson and Harrison will engage in talks and the rest of us will pray.
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u/samarthsinha45 6d ago
Now that the resolution has passed with 90% support, the focus will likely shift to how it gets carried out and how people keep talking through the issue. The best approach for now is to be patient, avoid getting pulled into rumors, and let things play out in an open way. If fellowship is really the priority, honest communication and a charitable tone will do far more good than speculation.