Brandon Booth
MollieWyoming in the house
The Wyoming District Pastoral Conference took action on the cancellation of Issues, Etc. In their resolution, they posed questions of the President of Synod, the Board for Communication Services, and the Council of Presidents. I look forward to seeing their timely responses.
Questions Regarding “Issues, Etc.”
Whereas, the radio program “Issues, Etc.” on KFUO AM was a blessing to many residents of the Wyoming District LC-MS and other listeners within the range of KFUO and of the other stations which carried this program in syndication, and on the worldwide web, keeping us abreast of current issues at the intersection of theology and American culture, and helping us to respond to these issues in a truly biblical, evangelical, and Lutheran way; and
Whereas, “Issues, Etc.” has been an uncommonly excellent vehicle for broadcasting some of the best teaching that our synod has to offer to the world; and
Whereas, the Executive Director of the Board for Communication Services without consulting his supervising board, canceled the program “Issues, Etc.”, and terminated its host, the Reverend Todd Wilken, and its Producer, Mr. Jeff Schwarz; and
Whereas, this decision has caused much “anxiety, worry, and consternation…in the Synod” (Statement from LCMS President – April 21, 2008) as evidenced by an online petition of over 7000 signatures; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Wyoming District Pastor’s Conference, gathered at Rock Springs, Wyoming, in order to help resolve the ongoing controversy in our Synod, submits the following questions to the President of Synod, the Board for Communication Services (BCS), and the Council of Presidents:
1. The Council of Presidents and Executive Director of the BCS both released statements which claim that the terminations were handled in a Christian and Compassionate manner. How is it an exercise in Christian Compassion to terminate two individuals who had served in this capacity for nearly a decade, on such short notice, and during Holy Week?
2. How does summarily firing a man who was not simply an “at will employee” but also one who had a Divine Call reflect a confessional understanding of the Office of the Holy Ministry?
3. If this decision was made, as has been stated, for purely stewardship and programmatic reasons, why was the Treasurer of Synod (stewardship) and the full BCS (programmatic) not consulted?
4. Given concerns for the 8th Commandment as we deal with issues such as these, why was the decision to discontinue “Issues, Etc.” and the consequent firing of Rev. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz no immediately followed by a statement which clearly indicated that such termination was in no way related to their job performance or any other personal issues with these faithful men?
5. In light of the admitted “anxiety, worry, and consternation” which this decision has caused, and in light of synodical bylaw 1.5.1.3 that “all staff of corporate Synod and every agency of the Synod shall be sensitive in their activities to taking or giving offense, giving the appearance or impropriety, (or) causing confusion in the Synod…” what actions has Dr. Kieschnick taken or does he plan to take to remedy this situation by reversing actions of Synod staff which have broken this bylaw according to his mandate in bylaw 3.3.1.2.c, “He shall call up for review any action by an individual officer, executive, or agency that, in his view, may be in violation of the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod.”?
Adopted May 7, 2008
Good questions.
Filed under: Updates
“Way to go Wyo!” I know first hand what a great bunch the Wyoming District pastors are… confessional, thoughtful, intellegent, caring, true pastors and gentlemen. They are never afraid to pound the questions to the door. Thanks guys!
It is my hope that they would answer our questions…but I’m not holding my breath.
“It is my hope that they would answer our questions…but I’m not holding my breath.”
Good idea. But in case they do, you may want to wear your hipwaders.
According to what I’ve been reading, it seems that since the BOC exists to serve the Synod and proclaim its mission, we can no longer expect them to serve the congregational interests. It also explains why KFUO has abandoned the gospel in favor of pursuing K’s agenda. It also explains why KFUO’s overhead went through the roof when the Synod decided to pad the program with what I believe are probably some phony administration expenses that belong to the synod and not to KFUO.
Non-profits are notorious for padding programs with administrative and fund-raising expenses in order to make their financial statements look good. LCMS had managed to proclaim that their administrative costs are now only 13% Such a bunch of bunk!
The following is from the 2007/2008 Program Budget Summary and also includes the financials showing the 13% figure:
http://www.lcms.org/graphics/assets/media/Board_Of_Directors/Program%20Budget%20summary%2008.pdf
Communications – The Board for Communication Services exists to interpret, subject to the approval of the applicable officers and boards, the Synod’s purpose and programs to its members and to promote an increased understanding on the part of the church’s publics of the mission of the Synod.
KFUO radio stations were managed by the Board of Directors through June 30, 2005. Effective July 1, 2005, KFUO radio stations are managed by the Board for Communication Services. Convention initiatives and constitutional officers are functions directed by the Synod in convention which include support to veterans of the cross, various ecclesiastical services and commissions, and the Synod constitutional officers. General and administrative expenses include services to other entities which represent expenses incurred by the Synod for the benefit of the Synod and other related entities, which are billed to those entities. Such services include general and administrative functions of the Synod including accounting, audit, legal, insurance, research, electronic media, computer operations, general services, and human resources.
Does the Lutheran Witness and Reporter come under all this?
Yes, the Lutheran Witness and Reporter are under the BOC too. There is more info about it when you click the link I included above.
Communications
Communication Services exists to interpret the Synod’s purpose and program to its members and to promote an increased understanding on the part of the church’s publics of the mission of the Synod as identified in Article III of the Constitution.
The Board for Communication Services provides resources to the various boards, commissions, congregations, and other entities and agencies of the Synod. It provides creative ideas and information along with programs, production facilities, and other assistance for print and electronic media. It assists the appropriate officers of the Synod in their communication responsibilities. It maintains liaison and cooperation with recognized service organizations and other appropriate entities and agencies. It encourages and assists the Synod’s colleges, universities, and seminaries in providing educational opportunities in print and electronic media. It establishes communication policies to guide the staff in organizing and coordinating communications activities at all judicatory levels. The Board for Communication Services serves the public relations needs of the Synod. It shall authorize and supervise the production of the necessary print and broadcast materials for the church and its publics.
The Board for Communication Services is responsible for the official periodicals. The official periodicals of the Synod primary purpose is to: promote growth and strengthen the individual Christian life; include official reports and notices; promote the Synod’s work; provide current synodical news; transmit to the congregations information concerning the Synod’s positions and programs; assist congregational leaders in developing coordinated programs; facilitate the exchange of information concerning successful methods of practical church work; serve as a forum for the responsible exchange of opinion on issues confronting the Synod; and report general church news of interest to the Synod. At present the official periodicals of the Synod are The Lutheran Witness and the Reporter.
Ooo, I like the Wyoming crew. A little fire in them.
Nice job!
Once again . . .
It is fine to have districts to pass resolutions which ask questions.
It is nice to have districts call upon synodical officials and boards to do certain things.
But it will NEVER be enough until some entity, some group of pastors, some circuits, some districts ACTUALLY TAKE OFFICIAL ACTION according to the bylaws.
This statement of the Wyoming Pastors’ Conference comes closest to doing this very thing. I think it is appropriate for them to ask questions first. They are asking the questions publicly and formally in a way that can’t be ignored as easily as when we make individual attempts to get answers.
Now, we shall see when and if the Wyoming District Pastors’ Conference gets answers . . . If the answers are unsatisfactory, will they then pursue formal action with consequences?
Did the Wyoming District Pastors’ Conference pose any questions to its District President, the Rev. Richard Boche, in particular on how he voted (or abstained) on the vote to release the April 22 statement by the Council of Presidents regarding “Issues, Etc.”?
If so, what was Rev. Boche’s answer on how he voted?
As far as I know, nothing officially was asked of him. But from what I understand, the original letter presented to the COP was much, much worse than the one that was approved.
Our DP apologized to our pastors in writing for having signed the current letter. However, he did say that the original letter was “much worse” (quoting revgeorge) than the final version.
“Our DP apologized to our pastors in writing for having signed the current letter.”
He should publicly recant his signing that letter as well.
The Southern Illinois DP also noted that the final version “was better than the first resolution presented”, but did not state why. Did the Wyoming DP provide any infomation about the original version and why he thought it was “much, much worse” (quoting revgeorge) than the final version he voted for?
So far, one DP has apologized because he voted for the final COP statement, and one DP, who did not specifically address the question of how he voted on the COP statement, has apologized for “not rais[ing] an objection” and “failed to slow what became a hurried process to adopt something.”
Has anyone heard from any other DPs or SVPs on how they voted or abstained?
“He should publicly recant his signing that letter as well.”
Shouldn’t a recanting be understood as included in a sincere apology? Or are there varieties, degrees, or nuances of apologies from which corporate synodical officials may select to use in their public statements?
“Shouldn’t a recanting be understood as included in a sincere apology?”
I don’t necessarily think so - the signer may’ve thought it was a right and proper thing to do at the time, and then reconsider in light of other information later on. Do reasonable people apologize for changing their minds, or coming to a different conclusion after thinking about an issue for a while?
Personally, at the least, I’d expect an explanation for why the person signed in the first place, and what later changed their mind in the issue so that he no longer agreed with their original position.
Just to make it clear, the words “much, much worse” are my impression of what President Boche was trying to say. I don’t recall his exact words, so I’m not trying to put words into his mouth.
As for my own impressions about the letter the COP put out, well, I’d have to reread it again, but just going by memory, I thought it was a cop out & a churchly version of Rodney King’s “can’t we all just get along?”
Mark S. wrote: “Our DP apologized to our pastors in writing for having signed the current letter.”
Does anyone have a copy of the Wyoming DP’s written statement of apology so that we can refer to his exact words?
“Does anyone have a copy of the Wyoming DP’s written statement of apology so that we can refer to his exact words?”
If they do, they probably shouldn’t be sharing it, as it was intended for the pastors in his District.
If you’re looking for a for-general-consumption letter, one should directly ask him for such a piece.
It should be clear that it was not necessarily the WY DP that apologized. Mark S. and Carl Vehse both referenced a DP apologizing, but did not state which one. It would all depend on which district Mark S. is from.
So in the middle of a discussion thread about the Wyoming District Pastors Conference resolution and following emails specifically dealing with the Wyoming DP, someone calling himself “Mark S.” states, “Our DP apologized to our pastors in writing for having signed the current letter. However, he did say that the original letter was ‘much worse’ (quoting revgeorge) than the final version.”
If “Mark S.” was not referring to the Wyoming DP, it would be helpful to know what DP he was referring to, and whether such written apology is available publicly. This would be helpful in comparing what Mark’s DP had to say with the letter from the Southern Illinois DP.
How sweet it is to live in the wonderful Wyoming District! Thank you to all concerned!
To Encourage Action Regarding Issues, Etc.
Whereas, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has clearly expressed its desire to be intentional in engaging our culture with the clear proclamation of the Scriptures; and
Whereas, LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick, in his March 31, 2008 letter to the editor of the Wall Street Journal describe our Synod as “faithful to the Scriptures and Lutheran Confession” and “blessed by unity in our common confession and the articles of our shared faith”; and
Whereas, the KFUO-AM radio program Issues, Etc. clearly articulated that common confession; and
Whereas, Issues, Etc. has ably provided LCMS Christians with a resource that teaches them how to engage the culture with the clear witness of the Holy Scripture and the pure proclamation of the Gospel of Christ; and
Whereas, the Board for Communication Services on April 18, 2005 stated, “The board recognizes the value of [Issues, Etc.] to the Synod for nearly 15 years and is seeking ways to develop more cost-effective, engaging Lutheran apologetic programming for broad distribution”; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Minnesota State Pastoral Conference (Minnesota North District and Minnesota South District) gathered in assembly at Madden’s Resort in Brainerd, MN on May 12-14, 2008 praise God by standing and singing the Common Doxology for the many years during which the program Issues, Etc. aired, and for the faithful service of the Rev. Todd Wilken and Mr. Jeff Schwarz; and be it further
Resolved, that the Minnesota State Pastoral Conference encourage the Board for Communication Services and KFUO-AM to express publicly their appreciation for the many years of faithful service rendered by Rev. Todd Wilken and Mr. Jeff Schwarz in relation to the Issues, Etc. program; and be it further
Resolved, that the Minnesota State Pastoral Conference express its disappointment to the Board of Communication Services for the abrupt cancellation of Issues, Etc.; and be it further
Resolved, that the Minnesota State Pastoral Conference encourage and invite the prayers and support (including financial) of all congregations and individuals of our districts for the Board for Communication Services and KFUO-AM so that existing programming may be abundantly funded, and so that it may be possible to reinstate the former Issues, Etc. program or initiate a program of a similar format; and be it finally
Resolved, that the Minnesota State Pastoral Conference encourage the Board for Communication Services to consider reversing, revisiting, or ameliorating their actions in regard to the cancellation of the Issues, Etc. program.
Action: Passed.