1995 – Around The World – Is there room today within the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod for those who defend the position taken by Dr. C.F.W. Walther, Dr. Francis Pieper and the LCMS on woman suffrage until 1969?
;
;
AROUND THE WORLD
with editorial comment
by M L Natterer
Is there room today within the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod for those who defend the position taken by Dr. C.F.W. Walther, Dr. Francis Pieper and the LCMS on woman suffrage until 1969? A move, encouraged by some members of the LCMS’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations, is under way to have congregations get rid of pastors who still agree with Walther and Pieper that woman suffrage is not in accord with Holy Scripture… The CTCR has not recommended that any action be taken against the liberals within the LCMS who are promoting the ordination of women. Overture 3-79 “To Authorize the Ordination of Women to Pastoral Office” in the LCMS’s 1995 Convention Workbook is asking the LCMS’s 1995 convention to authorize the ordination of women for pastoral ministry in the LCMS. The pastor of the congregation submitting the overture is the First Vice-President of the English District. A survey has shown that some 1,000 LCMS clergymen maintain that the Bible does not oppose the ordination of women. (The Christian News, June 19, 1995)
;
How sad to observe that formerly staunch church-body be a “house divided against itself” (Matt. 12:25). It now allows a diversity of teaching whereas in years gone by it insisted upon unity in all the teachings of Holy Writ (1 Cor. 1:10) and would not tolerate those who taught contrary to the pure doctrine of Holy Scripture (Rom. 16:17, 18). Instead of taking decisive action against those who espoused false teachings it gave way to toleration, compromising with error. As the Apostle states, “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9). Such compromising and indifference will ultimately result in the loss of the entire truth. If the false teachers are not dealt with and finally expelled from the church body they become more brazen and impudently disseminate their false doctrine until it is not only tolerated but actually replaces the true teaching. We have observed this in other church bodies and now we must sadly witness it taking place in the Missouri Synod. What the orthodox Lutheran fathers (Walther, Pieper, etc.) fought so valiantly to uphold and defend has been gradually torn down by the false teachers. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). Not to be joined together “with one mind and one mouth” (Rom. 15:6) in all teachings of God’s Word gives a false appearance of a unity that simply does not exist. God does not give us the right to accommodate the teachings of His Word to the sinful whims and desires of men and thus to be like children “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight (trickery) of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Eph. 4:14). The Lord of the Church declares, “If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed” (John 8:31). And His Apostle writes, “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing…” (1 Tim. 6:3,4).