Replies

We have an Episcopal church neighboring our LCMS congregation. There are very few cars there on Sunday. I don't know why that is, however I'd have assume it's because of the gay issue.

For this very reason the wife and I left the ELCA last year for the LCMS. The ELCA narrowly voted down a similar amendment in August, 2006, but no one is betting the issue has been settled.

I also read earlier this week that Presbyterians are looking at a more inclusive feminist/actvist reading of the Bible, including redefinitions of the Trinity and references changed from 'he' to 'he or she', even in the first person.

What a world we create for ourselves.

It's all turned me against organized religion and I only occasionally attend our Anglican Episcopal church which is so conservative they have an American flag near the alter and regularly discuss relatively patriotic issues. For an English church, I find this fascinating.

I don't know why that is, however I'd have assume it's because of the gay issue.

Only marginally. It's really a lot of things. Many Episcopal parishes offer a very vague version of the Gospel, and many of them are politically very liberal. Many priests are embarrassed to state the unambiguous truths in the Gospel, such as "sin exists, and God cares about it." So I think that chases a lot of people away. Also, they've generally done away with the classical Anglican liturgy, and have replaced it with pap. Finally, a lot of parishes try to be "happy clappy" to try to compete with the non-denominational "big-box" churches -- and Episcopalians tend to do a very horrible job at that. They're like the 55-year old man trying to fit in among the youngsters at one of those tony downtown meat markets.

As a result, the Sunday attendance at your average Episcopal Church is around 37 people -- most of them older.

It doesn't have to be that way -- there are some very large Episcopal congregations. Not surprisingly, they tend to be orthodox in liturgy and theology, and they tend to stick to the traditional Anglican musical styles. Done right, there's absolutely nothing that beats an Episcopal worship service. (IMO)

Welcome to the LCMS! As a church body we are still pretty strong on rejection of homosexuality. Our leadership gets the concept of love the sinner, hate the sin. They don't get mixed up and love the sinner and all that he does.

I would be slow to judge the neighboring church. The churches that tickle the ear with what man wants to hear often have the fullest parking lots. Their preacher may just be teaching the truth!