I am a member of “LutheranCore (COalition for Reform)”, and I was wondering whether Bethlehem and St. Paul want to be congregational members of LutheranCore as well. I believe it is something we should consider.

WHAT IS LUTHERANCORE?

“Lutheran CORE is a coalition of individuals, congregations, and reform movements in the ELCA. Its members and participants represent the vast middle of American Lutheranism, spanning geographical regions, vocations, and political viewpoints. We are united by our common commitment to the authority of Scriptures in the life of the ELCA.” (from LutheranCore’s web site - www.lutherancore.org) LutheranCore consists of pastors, lay-people, and congregations who stand by the traditional and confessional beliefs of the Lutheran Church, especially “sola scriptura”; which means “Scripture is our sole authority”.

To let the world and the church know where we stand, and what we believe in. As Lutherans we should believe in and boldly proclaim the Bible as our authority in all matters of life and faith, as we boldly proclaim Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Joining LutheranCore is one way of identifying ourselves as Lutherans who believe in the Bible and in the saving grace of Jesus.

No, it is not! As LutheranCore states, “we are determined to work within our national denomination and to labor for its reform. We strive to be a voice for the Word of God within the church. Lutheran CORE is a confessional and confessing movement within the ELCA. We have neither the desire nor the intention to leave the ELCA, but to stay within the church to which God has called us. And we are prepared to engage vigorously and confidently, over the long haul, for the reform of our church according to the Word of God.” (from the LutheranCore web site) None of the beliefs or goals of LutheranCore are inconsistent with the ELCA or the ELCA’s constitution. In deed, stressing their commitment to the authority of the Scriptures is completely consistent with the constitution of the ELCA. At the present time, LutheranCore has no intention or plans to leave the ELCA.

To uphold and boldly proclaim the Word of God as seen in the Holy Scripture. Its mission within the ELCA is similar. LutheranCore is loyal to the ELCA. When the ELCA’s decisions and actions conform to the Word of God, we will support them. When the ELCA diverges from the Word of God we will provide criticism and serve as a loyal opposition.

That’s up to you. It would be a decision made at our annual meetings. Over the next six months I will be letting you know more about LutheranCore and what they stand for, so you can make an informed decision, I believe it is something we should consider. But remember, joining LutheranCore doesn’t change our status as a church of the ELCA. It does, however, make a statement to the ELCA and to the world.