On the same matter of the PMW and its aftermath, several memorials about the doctrine itself and the need to restore a brotherly and pastoral spirit in the synod were assigned to the Doctrine Committee. This was noteworthy since originally both memorials were simply going to be denied. Now they will be addressed officially by the synod – something which is healthy for our synod to do.

Another aspect of the discussion of the past year or so was the process for removing pastors and congregations from the synod. Instead of simply dismissing the concerns on this matter, the synod in convention has asked the Synod Review Committee to study this matter and bring its opinions to next year’s convention. As a synod we need to safeguard the office of the president from charges of unilateral action and/or self-serving actions. Some safeguards exist, but more thought needs to be given to how we can better work through problems that arise between pastors/congregations and the synod’s representatives. We also need to safeguard the rights and privileges of the pastors and congregations. In fact, we define the synod as congregations and pastors, therefore it is well for us to insure that all are treated fairly, fraternally, patiently, and pastorally.

The theme for this year’s convention was: “Declare His Praises.” A short paper on practical aspects of evangelism methodology was given by Pastor Ekhoff. Most of the usual essay time was given to smaller discussion groups that met for an hour on both Wednesday and Thursday. In my opinion, while the discussion groups have some merit (the one I attended had good discussion and was ably led by Pastor Brad Kerkow), I prefer the more substantial essays of the past. I hope that we do not make this year’s experiment an on-going practice.

Several congregations were brought into the synod, including Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Roseau, Minnesota, which is served by Pastor Thomas Zeller (and is Tora Buffington’s father). It was good to welcome Pastor Zeller to our synod.

I know that one calmer and more patient convention does not serve to untie some of the tangled knots within our little synod and the pastors and congregations that have recently left. But I am hopeful that it will serve to indicate that the impatience and rush to condemnation that has marked recent conventions and other synodical actions are seen as unfitting for a synod that desires to walk in doctrinal unity and Christian charity.

I believe that in the recent past there has been an over-reaction to the PMW, followed by retaliation against those who were opposed to the PMW. Those who claim that the PMW contains false doctrine are wrong. They have not made their case. However, those who have rushed to remove those who have legitimate questions about the PMW also are wrong. The statement we adopted in 2005 should have not have been brought at that time. More deliberation clearly was needed. However, while it was adopted in June of 2005, more time for study was given at the General Pastors’ Conference of 2005, and also last October 2006 (and again this year in October 2007). But some could not and would not wait for such fraternal discussions to take place. Others would not wait to take action against them. Now we deal with the aftermath of impatience.

This June 2007 was a sign that patience is still seen as a virtue within our synod, and that is a blessing. But more still needs to be done: to heal many hurts, to learn to forgive and live in that forgiveness for ourselves and for others, to study and learn from God’s Word – the lamp that shines in a dark place. It was by God’s grace that this small synod known as the Evangelical Lutheran Synod began 90 years ago. God’s grace alone is all that we have to keep us going. When we forget that we become no more than a sect. May God preserve us from that!