http://www.intrepidlutherans.com/2014/08/dr-martin-luther-christian-unity-needs.html#comment-form
While I agree with the main thrust of this post, I think there is a dangerous assumption there. The assumption is being made that a couple blogs are the only places where these things are being discussed. That ignores every other avenue and arena for discussion. If someone notices the areas where there is error, or where wisdom is lacking, and says nothing to anyone, anywhere, then this criticism is valid. But what of the man who speaks of these things regularly to the pastors involved, speaks to his circuit pastor, speaks at his circuit meetings and conferences and conventions, communicates with his District President, Synod President, and other Synod officials? Is that man somehow shirking a responsibility because he is reluctant to use his name on blogs? Are these blogs now the only way to address problems within our Synod, so that a person who posts anonymously must be a coward, whose doctrine is to be questioned? Can no one recognize that there might be reasons, other than cowardice or dereliction of duty, for a man to not want his name to appear on some of these blogs?
I question the integrity and the conviction of anyone who pretends to teach, correct, rebuke, or condemn others anonymously. If a person doesn't want his name on a blog, then let him leave the posting and the commenting to those who are willing to be known and to bear the consequences of their faith or their opinions.
Rik,
I don't think anyone is saying that blogs are the only way to solve problems in the WELS, or even the preferred way. For many of us, the blog topics we choose to involve ourselves with are topics we have already discussed, in some cases extensively, with the people you mentioned. And in those cases, where "the man who speaks of these things regularly to the pastors involved, speaks to his circuit pastor, speaks at his circuit meetings and conferences and conventions, communicates with his District President, Synod President, and other Synod officials", the discussions in those cases are not anonymous. I have found in my efforts to discuss topics with synod officials via email, they will seldom respond at all, but when they do, they will ask, yes even demand identification that goes beyond a simple name. Which perhaps explains in part why the anonymous end up at the blogs.
Also, the reasons Mr. Lindee gave for commenters remaining anonymous are the reasons they themselves have given for their anonymity.
Vernon
I don't think anyone is saying that blogs are the only way to solve problems in the WELS, or even the preferred way. For many of us, the blog topics we choose to involve ourselves with are topics we have already discussed, in some cases extensively, with the people you mentioned. And in those cases, where "the man who speaks of these things regularly to the pastors involved, speaks to his circuit pastor, speaks at his circuit meetings and conferences and conventions, communicates with his District President, Synod President, and other Synod officials", the discussions in those cases are not anonymous. I have found in my efforts to discuss topics with synod officials via email, they will seldom respond at all, but when they do, they will ask, yes even demand identification that goes beyond a simple name. Which perhaps explains in part why the anonymous end up at the blogs.
Also, the reasons Mr. Lindee gave for commenters remaining anonymous are the reasons they themselves have given for their anonymity.
Vernon
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GJ - Rik Krahn's imaginary discussions with various officials made me stifle some laughter. I tried, but burst out laughing anyway. His dance card has one more event on it - Extending the Left Foot of Fellowship.
For example, Kudu Don Patterson will visit someone if that person never speaks a word. The poor victim can only listen to the tirade lovingly delivered for the good of the dissenter's miserable soul. Ask Joe Krohn.
This individual can ask a question at the voters meeting, but it will not be answered. Any doctrinal question is out of order. Ask Joe Krohn. I heard the recording.
Patterson, elected a DP for these people skills, is good friends with Tim Glende, since both are part of the Mark-and-Avoid Jeske solar system, revolving around Guru Mark in humble adoration.
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Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Naming the Perpetrator
Several people have asked for specific details regarding who, exactly, the perpetrator is and if he is still being allowed to serve in the church, etc. I would like to comment on that:
I did find a "safe" pastor now that I have come to trust. I have also come to trust the two district leaders that are involved in my situation. All three know the perpetrator's name, as well as, all of the details and are in full control of the situation. They have assured me repeatedly that they will never allow him to serve as part of the WELS ever again.They acted immediately upon hearing all the details and took swift action to make sure of that. They continue to work with me during the healing process and respect my desire for privacy.Trusting three pastors after my world had collapsed in church was the most terrifying experience I have ever encountered, but they are bending over backyards to make it possible and to alleviate my fears so that I will continue to trust them.
I did find a "safe" pastor now that I have come to trust. I have also come to trust the two district leaders that are involved in my situation. All three know the perpetrator's name, as well as, all of the details and are in full control of the situation. They have assured me repeatedly that they will never allow him to serve as part of the WELS ever again.They acted immediately upon hearing all the details and took swift action to make sure of that. They continue to work with me during the healing process and respect my desire for privacy.Trusting three pastors after my world had collapsed in church was the most terrifying experience I have ever encountered, but they are bending over backyards to make it possible and to alleviate my fears so that I will continue to trust them.
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GJ again - I can assure the blogger that this is exceptional. In Columbus, DP Robert Mueller and VP Paul Kuske welcomed a known adulterer kicked out of the LCMS and promoted him for a call. The Mission Board had no problem with it. The ELS had no problem with it, either. Jay Webber and Roger Kovaciny were glad to take his money and treat his Masonic congregation (for which Kuske and Schumann endorsed him) as one of their own.
Everyone knew, except they lied to me and to those who asked about the matter. They were eager to cover up for him, even though he never joined WELS and scoffed at WELS. He was treated as one of the circuit pastors and gave a paper at the pastoral conference.
Or look at Joel Hochmuth, a layman previously caught in homeosexual file swapping - child porn of the worst. WELS knew about that and most likely did his previously "counseling." It is all in the arrest document. WELS is not named - except he kept a lot of his child porn in his office at the Love Shack. But WELS said Hochmuth was not using the headquarters computers. And nobody knew nothing nohow. But Hochmuth was publicly forgiven by his boss Mark Schroeder.
Glance at the WELS Top Ten Crimes, which I am still filling out - so much to do there.
