Easter

[Belsnickel]

(03-27-2016, 09:50 AM)xxlt Wrote: I actually spoke in a Lutheran Church once on Christmas, which was quite an honor, but had not heard of the ELCA, which per its website is, "one of the largest Christian denominations in the US."

While I am appreciative of you shining a light on a denomination I was unaware of, I wonder if they are in for a name change... If they aren't trying to actively convert can they call themselves "evangelical?" I suppose they can say they are evangelizing by example and not by coercive action but it is kind of interesting...

I have met many folks like your wife - who like the ritual and tradition (some will even say "pageantry" in some churches) - and I am wired very differently.

What's interesting is that evangelical has a much different meaning depending on who you ask. I had some hesitation due to this as well. Worldwide, though, evangelical is more often seen as a synonym for Protestant. For example, the EKD is the overarching organization for protestant churches in Germany comprising of both Reformed and Lutheran churches. We view it much differently here than elsewhere, and I think the ELCA was going for the international feel with their name.

What's nice about the ELCA is what I already stated, plus: married clergy, female clergy, gay clergy, same sex marriage, recognition of abortion as a sin but not the place of the church to push to make it illegal, and the list could go on. As someone that is socially progressive and a Christian, the ELCA can be a great choice. Though admittedly you can have a different experience depending on the church.