St. Matthew To Remain With ELCA....At Least For Another 2 Week

Last Sunday, the people of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Logan, Ohio, spoke their voice when they voted down a measure to disaffiliate with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and join the North American Lutheran Church.

I Decided To Go Ahead And Vote To Leave The ELCA

After lots of prayers during church today, I decided to go ahead and vote.  I realized that not voting because the church might dissolve is a pretty extreme circumstance that might happen.  I don't think the St. Matthew will dissolve.

I'm Hurt and Ashamed To Be A Lutheran

I'm hurt and ashamed to be a Lutheran Christian today because of what I experienced today at St. Matthew Lutheran "Church." Never in a million years would I think someone at a church would tell another person, "You need to be quiet and learn to listen." I don't care if you've been a member for 55+ years. That is NOT the way to act in church. You do not disrespect other people by yelling at them to shut up and learn to listen. I asked everyone to please be respectful, and that did NOT happen.

This decision to leave the ELCA has been nothing but trouble. I don't care what side you're on. BOTH SIDES SHOULD BE ASHAMED. What I experienced today at "church" makes me want to leave no matter what. 

This is why I will NOT be participating in the vote next week on whether St. Matthew Lutheran Church will leave the ELCA. I will NOT contribute to the downfall of a 161 year old institution.