Thanks for the welcome, however it's a return; not a first visit. I don't jump at judging other churches. However, I felt (and still feel) obligated in judging the leaders of the ELCA since I was an active member with them for so many years. Because of my health I just didn't feel the strength to confront the issue head-on while still a member.
I still have friends and relatives tied to the ELCA, one cousin being a pastor. His parents are ELCA although quite critical of their direction. His mother's sister, like me, is LCMS. We all come from LCMS backgrounds. Another cousin, and godfather, was a professor of Theology at Concordia, St. Louis. That's what I mean when I say this is a return and not a first visit.
I have an aunt and uncle who are ELCA. The started out LCMS, then their church changed affiliations in the 1960's. It became part of ELCA when the synods that merged together for it came together.
They wonder what happened to their church. The changes have been huge over the time they have been there. They are not happy with the teachings of the church, but they won't change to another church because they have been in their church for over 40 years.
None of their grown children attend a church with any regularity and I attribute much of that to the theology of their church. Too much Gospel, not enough law in the preaching there doesn't give one the push to get into the pews!
Instead of saying Welcome to the LCMS, I'd better say Welcome Home.