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The ELCA and Episcopalians have "enjoyed" an evangelical friendship for some years now thanks to ELCA bishop Mark Hanson, et. all. The Episcopalian efforts to recognize homosexual clergy has also been followed by the ELCA (notwithstanding a vote against it in this years assembly in August).

For this reason, as well as others, my wife and I returned to the LCMS this spring. I know there are others in our former ELCA congregation, including one Synod VP and her husband, who are against the ELCA posturing. My wife and I have been criticized for not "staying and fighting", but I see little fight and much disinterest overall. Those within the ELCA leadership promote homosexual inclusiveness (including Bishop Hanson) lend a deaf ear to the opposition. They believe that their agenda will be accepted in time. I suspect they're right.

We are now much happier at our new "home", and find ourselves with people who know the importance of doctrine and the Bible's inerrant message.

God's blessings to all those who recognize what these heretics are formulating and are willing to oppose it. Prayers to the Lord, our Savior, for those who find it difficult to make such drastic changes in their lives, or who are disinterested in the agendas of the denomination they look to for support and nourishment in their Christian faith.

I appreciate your struggle and consternation. I went through a period with the Catholic Church that was similar (though for much different reasons) and found my way back stronger than ever through prayer, research and a great deal of faith.

I strongly recommend two books to you in your faith struggle:

"Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic" by David Currie. He wrote it as a letter to his family for them to understand how he found the Church.

"First Comes Love" by Dr Scott Hahn. It's a clearly-written and powerful piece of Catholic apologetics based on the written Word of the Bible.

May God bless you.

I also found a home in an LCMS parish. As a former Episcopalian, I miss some of the old liturgy, particularly the '28 book of common prayer. But having Biblically centered parish and clergy makes up for it.

Ironically, our parish ( Holy Cross in Indianapolis ) is one of the fastest growing LCMS parishes in the Synod. Mainly at the expense of the surrounding Episcopal and ELCA congregations.