The Forests for the Trees

Seldom do men make bigger fools of themselves then when they seek to pass judgment upon others.  In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, a multi-faith service was put together to provide comfort and prayers for those suffering.  Within the service, ministers from different Christian denominations as well as clergy from other faiths came together to provide a sympathetic ear and new hope in the face of tragedy.  We turn to faith in the face of the unthinkable for religion is designed to help us view our place within this world.  In this moment, when our similarities shine brighter than our differences, one church condemned one of its ministers for taking part in the service and in the process, brought a shameful condemnation on an otherwise wonderful faith.   

The Lutheran Church is not unfamiliar with controversy or division so, perhaps, it should not be terribly surprising that the church is turning on one another over the actions of a few.  One of the branches of the Lutheran Church is the Missouri Synod, a conservative branch which has shown a strong commitment and allegiance to what they perceive as the core values of its sect.  The president of the Missouri Synod, the Reverend Matthew Harrison, demanded that Reverend Rob Morris apologize for the latter’s role in an interfaith vigil in Newtown.  Rev. Harrison justified his actions by suggesting Rev. Morris’ participation “violated the limits set by Scripture regarding joint worship.”  The Missouri Synod is not new to this as its previous leader, Reverend Gerald Kieschnick, faced blistering condemnation over allowing a pastor to take part in an interfaith prayer vigil at Yankee Stadium in the aftermath of the September 11^th attacks.   

There are many opportunities for a church to express and impress their views and doctrine upon those open to it.  However, common decency would suggest that this was not one of those times.  The fact that some members of the Missouri Synod clergy or congregants favor the actions of Rev. Harrison or feel that Rev. Morris was out of line is beside the point.  One of the most powerful components to the message of Jesus was the idea that we share a common humanity – we are not separated by our nationalities or cultures but rather we are linked together by the idea that we are all children of God.  If that can be assumed by those who believe in an all-powerful, all-knowing God, than what is the objection by Rev. Harrison?  Who does he seek to reject?  Each of us, every day we leave the house, stand as a testimony to our values and our convictions by what we do or what we don’t do.  The Missouri Synod has chosen to take a stance that seems irrational at best and cruel at worst.   

It is unfortunate that Rev. Morris chose to apologize but as a young pastor looking to make his way through the world and considering his career, I can understand it.  However, I can’t help but consider the words of Martin Luther.  In 1521, the German monk was dragged before the Diet of Worms to answer for his views that eventually broke up the Catholic Church with the Protestant Reformation.  When he was asked to recant, Luther declared, “Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scripture or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience.  Here I stand.  I can do no other.”  For a faith that began standing as an opposition to the orthodoxy that had perverted the Roman Church, it is too bad that Rev. Morris could not stand against the calcified dogma that is as outdated as its adherents are misguided.  No one man holds an exclusivity with God as He belongs to all of us, as does His grace.  He serves as a guide through our humanity, the humanity that links us all together.