Heartland eNews 14 October 2019

Dear Pastors, LCA Synod delegates, and wider LCA membership,

Since the General Convention of Synod in Sydney last year, the leaders of the LCA at the District and Churchwide levels have been becoming increasingly aware of the complex and seemingly irresolvable dilemmas facing our church, particularly in relation to the question of ordination and the pastorate. Our traditional method of synodical votes have not settled the issue for many people and congregations.

The General Church Board and the College of Bishops have no simple answers for a complex evolving situation. They continue to work with congregations, pastors and people and seek the way forward together under Christ in faithfulness.

As your delegates will have shared with you through the regular GCB Report they receive, the CoB and the GCB are meeting together to discuss matters that continue to trouble members of the LCA following the decision of the 2018 General Synod on the ordination of men only. Delegates and pastors were informed of this special meeting in the June Report.

That meeting will take place on Friday this week. As they meet, the leaders of your Church would appreciate your prayers that the Spirit may lead them and grant them wisdom and insight to follow our Saviour and lead the church in ways of truth, freedom and faithfulness.

Yours in Christ,

John Henderson
Bishop
Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand

Adelaide
14th October 2019