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Home , Bishop, Lutheranism

Publication of the Communications Committee, of and the The Forum Territories, ELCIC April 2006, Number 13

The Office of as Understood Historically in By Pr. Ron Mayan congregations voluntarily, and rom the beginnings of the Christian increasingly, put themselves under the Fchurch at , offices of authority of the bishop of Rome. As ministry have been a fact of the ’s Roman Catholicism emerged and life. Leadership in the Christian organized, a hierarchy of ecclesial offices communities was entrusted by the apostles took shape and the voluntary submission to elders, , and . to the bishop disappeared— especially , the Christian when the bishops of Rome took on civic historian, notes that before the first administrative duties to organize the city century of its existence was out, the after the sackings of Rome (beginning in church began to display certain 410 AD). organizational features which, developed, Since Bishops existed when the and have persisted, with modifications, started, the conservative into the twentieth century. We hear of reformers at the beginning favored the offices and officials. Prominent among retention of bishops. It was, however, them were deacons, elders, and bishops.1 repeatedly emphasized that bishops and Initially, these terms were used pastors were one and the same thing, with interchangeably and were essentially regard to their primary function.2 Indeed, descriptive of the pastoral function. In for the Reformers, who were intent on fact, the recognizes no calling the one universal church back to superiority of bishops over pastors of its true and , the bishops congregations. were part of the problem rather than part In the first quarter of the second of the solution, precisely because they had century, Ignatius, bishop of the church in forgotten their primary task. It should In this Issue Antioch, acting as though it were his also be said that just as theologians, princes and pastors aligned with the The Office of Bishop acknowledged right to address himself by Pr. Ron Mayan ...... 1 with authority to other churches, wrote Reformers, there were also Evangelical What is a Bishop? letters to several churches in Asia Minor. bishops who did so, too. Nevertheless, by Pr. John Theiss ...... 4 The bishop of Antioch seems to have because of the prevailing situation in Calls Us Roman Catholicism in the beginning by Margaret Sadler...... 5 assumed this right unilaterally, rather than decades of the sixteenth century, the Some Thoughts on being granted it by the congregations. Electing a Bishop Coincidentally, Ignatius was also the first Reformers spoke with a good deal of by Pr. Ted Jacobson ....7 to describe the church as . The clarity about the function and role of Editorial story goes that the bishop of Rome did not bishops. by Pr. Brad Everett...... 8 act in the same way as the bishop of Notably, the Lutheran understanding of Antioch. In that case, it is reported that who a bishop is and what a bishop does is The Office of Bishop... Lutherans that bishops are pastors, should not obey bishops, even if expressed in The just as pastors are pastors. In both they have been regularly Confession, Article XXVIII cases, this is a ministry of Word and elected, when they err or teach Bishops; Apology of the Augsburg . The difference is only in and command something con- Confession Articles XIV Church terms of the congregation being trary to the holy, divine Order and XXVIII Ecclesiastical served. A serves a local Scripture. Power; Treatise on the Power and congregation. A bishop serves a Primacy of the The Power and Whatever other power and ju- group of pastors and congregations. risdiction bishops have in vari- … our people teach that Therefore we have a simple ous matters… they have them bishops do not have the definition of the bishop’s role as by virtue of human right. (AC “pastor to pastors and Art. XXVIII: Bishops power to institute or congregations.” How that role is p. 94.22, 28-29) lived out is as varied as the establish something The Confessions put limits on personalities, styles and spiritual contrary to the what bishops can do, just as they put gifts of those elected to the limits on what pastors can do: episcopate, just as these same Jurisdiction of Bishops; and The … our people teach that bishops characteristics shape the ministry of The Fourth do not have the power to insti- a pastor. Further regarding the office Article.3 tute or establish something con- of bishop, the Confessions teach us: A careful reading of the trary to , as is Consequently, according to di- writings yields a indicated above and as is taught vine right it is the office of the simple truth: there is one office of by law throughout the bishop to preach the gospel, to the ministry. Pastors and bishops ninth distinction. (AC Art. forgive , to judge doctrine have identical roles and XXVIII: Bishops p. 96.34) responsibilities, as illustrated by the and reject doctrine that is con- trary to the gospel, and to ex- St. Peter prohibits the bishops following excerpts from the to rule as if they had the power : clude from the ungodly whose to force the churches to do According to the gospel the ungodly life is manifest—not whatever they desired [1 Peter or of the bish- with human power but with ops is a power and command of ’s Word alone. (AC Art. It is not what the bishops God to preach the gospel, to for- XXVIII: Bishops p. 94.21-22) teach that has a right to give or retain sin, and to admin- ister and distribute the Here another nuanced task of the be heard, but only what bishop is given—to oversee the sacraments1 (AC Art. XXVIII himself teaches. of the pastors and Bishops p. 92.5) congregations, and to teach what is 5:2] [Latin Text: Peter prohibits It is universally acknowledged, proper—which today is referred to bishops from domineering over even by our opponents, that this as “the teaching office” of the and coercing the churches.]. power is shared by divine right bishop. We read further: by all who preside in the (AC Art. XXVIII: Bishops That is why parishioners and churches, whether they are p. 102.76) churches owe obedience to bish- called pastors, , or Therefore, bishops have the ops, according to this saying of bishops. (Treatise The Power power of the order, namely, the Christ (Luke 10:16): “Whoever and Jurisdiction of Bishops ministry of Word and sacra- listens to you listens to me.” p. 340. 61) ments. They also have the …St. Augustine writes in the power of jurisdiction, namely, This has given rise to the letter against Petilian that one historical understanding amongst the authority to excommunicate 2 The Office of Bishop... proclaim and impose God’s will on those who are guilty of public Such regulation belongs right- the people for whom they are offenses or to absolve them if fully in the Christian assembly responsible. If bishops confuse their they are repentant and ask for for the sake of love and peace, will with God’s will, the task of . Bishops do not have to be obedient to bishops and God’s pastors and people is to the power of tyrants to act apart pastors in such cases, and to correct them, and if they will not be keep such order to the extent corrected, then to not acknowledge that no one offends another—so But why the office of them as bishops - for the sake of that there may not be disorder or bishop anyway? being faithful to God’s Word. unruly conduct in the church. Consider ’s words in the (AC Art. XXVIII: Bishops Smalcald Articles: from established law, nor regal p. 98.53,55) power to act above the law. Therefore the church cannot be , in his history Bishops have a definite com- better ruled and preserved than of the Lutheran Church, offered an mand, a definite Word of God, if we all live under one head, excellent, accessible and easily read which they ought to teach and Christ, and all the bishops— history of the development of according to which they ought equal according to the office Lutheranism into the mid-twentieth to exercise their jurisdiction. (although they may be unequal century. He does not spend a great (Apol. AC XXVIII: Ecclesiasti- in their gifts)—keep diligently deal of time tracing the history of cal Power p. 290.13-14) together in unity of teaching, the office of bishop. He does note faith, , , and Bishops must not create tradi- that it was consistently a preferred works of love, etc. (Smalcald tions contrary to the gospel nor in the Scandinavian churches, Articles: The Fourth Article interpret their traditions in a and he further noted that as the p. 308.9) manner contrary to the gospel. various Lutheran mission fields in (Apol. AC XXVIII: Ecclesiasti- But why the office of bishop cal Power p. 291.20) anyway? Why do Lutherans do The bishop has the same anything of this nature in the first The gospel bestows upon those duty for the synod as the place? We do it because we believe who preside over the churches pastor has for the in this good and time-tested the commission to proclaim the Lutheran principle, that everything congregation. gospel, forgive , and admin- in the church be done decently and ister the sacraments. (Treatise: in order. Listen to the voice of the Asia became free-standing Lutheran The Power and Jurisdiction of Confessions again: churches, many of them elected Bishops p. 340. 60) 5 goes on to say: “One bishops. It is not what the bishops teach person was chosen thereafter to As Lutheranism immigrated to that has a right to be heard, but only oversee the rest as a remedy for North America, church governance what Christ himself teaches. This is , lest some individuals quickly emulated the government why Luther’s colleague, Philip draw a following around them- ideal of democracy, and the church Melanchthon, challenges the bishops selves and divide the church of functionaries known as bishops were to teach in such a way that the Christ. (Treatise: The Power designated by the name “president”. people hear Christ and his word and Jurisdiction of Bishops If memory serves, the leaders of the 4 rather than human traditions. p. 340. 62) predecessor bodies to the Clearly then, it is required that Our people reply that bishops or Evangelical Lutheran Church in bishops be faithful pastors. Bishops pastors may make regulations America and the Evangelical cannot impose their will on the for the sake of good order in the Lutheran Church in Canada were pastors and . But church…. designated presidents. The only bishops most certainly must exceptions were the Lutheran 3 The Office of Bishop... What is a Bishop? Church in America, and the fledgling By Pr. John Theiss (Section 1.a.), and the final being to Association of Evangelical Lutheran “perform other duties as prescribed Churches, an offshoot of the Missouri he announcement by Bishop T in the constitutions of this church Synod, which used the title of bishop. Steve that he will not serve and the synod, and the synod To summarize and conclude: another term as Bishop of our council governance and policy Bishop and pastor are two functions Synod provides a wonderful manuals (Section 1. h.). of the same office. It is a public opportunity for all of us in Alberta As a pastor in the our Synod for office, given the primary and the Territories to review just almost ten years and a member of responsibility to proclaim the Gospel what this “creature” called a Synod Council for the past eight and administer the sacraments. The bishop is. years, I’ve had the chance to see bishop has the same duty for the According to the Constitution of Bishop Steve wear both of these synod as the pastor has for the the Synod of Alberta and the hats. One result of this is my firm congregation. Even though the Territories the bishop wears two that in choosing a new bishop bishop does not personally preach in hats. The first (Article XIII, for our synod it is vital to keep the all congregations and distribute the Section 1) is that of “pastor and above constitutional directives in sacraments to all the people in the counselor to all pastors and lay mind. Some pastors are very good synod, the bishop has the members of the synod”, having the at offering support, comfort, care responsibility to see to it that the responsibility with Synod Council and, when necessary, confrontation Gospel is really preached in all to “be the guardian of the or challenge, but lack skills to congregations of the synod and that procedures relating to the good provide organizational leadership or the sacraments are administered standing in the faith, and the coordination. Others are the according to the Gospel. The welfare of congregations, pastors opposite—great administrators but differences of authority by which the and institutions of the synod”. The challenged when called on to episcopate is distinguished from the second (Article XIII, Section 2) interact with others in supportive or 6 sees the bishop as “the chief pastorate are a human arrangement. “pastoral” roles. The size of our executive officer of the synod, and End Notes Synod and the challenges which face 1 Kenneth Scott Latourette, A History of an ex officio member of all our church require a person who can , Vol. I, Revised Edition committees of the synod.” As (Harper & Row, New York, 1975),115. be and do both “pastor and 2 such, the bishop “has full authority, Erwin L. Lueker, ed., The Lutheran counselor” and “chief executive Cyclopedia (Concordia Publishing responsibility and accountability to House, St. Louis. 1954), 122. officer of the synod”. 3 discharge all duties and obligations The citations are from the Having watched Bishop Steve, I Kolb and Wengert edition, (Augsburg of that office as mandated in the know that within the setting and Fortress: Minneapolis, 2000). constitution, the bylaws and by 4 Friedrich Mildenberger, Theology of the workings of council meetings the resolution of Synod Council” Lutheran Confessions (Fortress Press: bishop must be not only an Philadephia, 1986), 119. (Article XIII, Section 3) and 5 administrator but also a facilitator Conrad Bergendoff, The Church of the exercises oversight with respect to Lutheran Reformation (Concordia and a conciliator. Any group of Publishing House: St. Louis, 1967). “all synod staff and staff 6 people will have differences in Edmund Schlink, Theology of the Lutheran committees”, who in turn are personality and —our synod, Confessions (Fortress Press: accountable to the bishop (Article Philadephia, 1961), 250. like our larger church, also has XIII, Section 3). Additional duties Pr. Ron Mayan serves Lutheran people with differences in theology are outlined in Part IX of the Synod Church of the Good in and practice, differences which have Red Deer. He also is Chair of Synod Bylaws, with the first being to the real potential to split our national Council. “provide spiritual leadership and church, our synod and our local counsel to the synod, its congregations. While many wish to conventions, and conferences ignore this reality, the bishop will be

4 What is a Bishop?... forced to face the most difficult job intentional choices by the bishop and Jesus Calls Us of supporting and encouraging our support from Synod Council. By Margaret F. Sadler scriptural and confessional positions Finally, running throughout all the rom School teacher to while still being able to “pastor” above, and most important from my Fbishop, Jesus calls us into those who disagree with and are experience on Synod Council, the some surprising situations. As attempting to change those positions new bishop must be a child of God chair of my congregation over a while remaining part of the synod. who has and can share a living faith in year ago, I was occasionally Because our constitution (by design) the crucified and risen Lord whom we bewildered by how I ended up gives the bishop little authority in serve together. Essential components there. With my husband, Marcus, either the areas of teaching or of that faith life and walk are: I’ve been a Volunteer in Mission disciplining, it will be by pastoral knowledge of the Scriptures, the in, of all places, Mauritania (West care; one-on-one conversation and ability to rightly distinguish and apply ). Perhaps our bishops have ongoing dialogue that these , a willingness to been as bemused by their own difficulties will have to be faced as “contend for the faith once handed circumstances. resolutions are sought. down” and an openness to ministry In the midst of these ongoing that helps to draw people into a new I understand the office to differences and dialogues or back into a renewed relationship (sometimes personal and sometimes with our loving God. be one of holding us public), the bishop will still be Our new bishop will not only need together as family. challenged to provide a space for to be a person of but will need people to reach common visions and our prayers to accomplish the task My first assumption regarding goals for our synod and its members, that will be placed before him or her. the role of bishop is that “the as well as the need to provide strong May our gracious God lead us all to bishop is pastor to the pastors”. levels of encouragement and our knees now as we look forward to Beyond that, I had to look it up. enthusiasm for the ministries we do our convention this summer, that we The Synod Constitution says, together. Because all of us have may be led to that person who can and “pastor…to all pastors and lay differing areas of interest and see will provide leadership as our bishop members of the synod.” different levels of priority in mission that will let God’s will be done among (Constitution of the Synod of and ministry, this challenge requires us and by us. Alberta and the Territories Article the bishop to look beyond his or her Pr. John Theiss has served at XIII: The Office of the Bishop). own pet interests to see the “bigger” Lutheran Church in Brooks, in a team Oh. I wasn’t expecting that, picture of both the needs and ministry with his wife Maggie, who is although it certainly accounts for possibilities of our synod. Youth and Family , since 1996. all of Bishop Steve’s travelling and Given the size of our synod, it is Pr. Theiss has been the representative from the Southern the he has visited over the no small matter for the bishop to Conference on Synod Council since last 12 years. I understand the regularly visit congregations and 1998, which means he will be leaving office to be one of holding us conferences. This means our bishop council following the Synod convention together as family. No easy task as must also strive to model both this summer. While on Synod Council I am regularly reminded of our self-care and healthy, stable family he served for more than six years on brothers and sisters throughout our relationships in that role as “pastor” the constitutional review committee, an Synod’s huge geographic expanse to pastors and congregations. When area of interest which helped to shape his perspective for the above article. As that few of us experience in the one considers the other demands of well, he twice served as a member of same way as the bishop. the office, such as a variety of the bishop’s review committee on Then there’s the theological activities on the behalf of the council. expanse. At times I may wish for a level, healthy self and family care biased statement, but like a pastor can only be accomplished by

5 Jesus Calls us.... in a congregation, the bishop must The bishop as theologian must be experience and styles among synod keep an even hand, ministering to all a reflector on the world, to talk to bishops and I appreciate how the of us with our various points of view us, as Karl Barth said, “with the cooperation and contact between our and attitudes within the faith. in one hand and the newspaper bishops nurture the ELCIC. “Greater love has no one than to in the other”. The bishop has to As the ecumenical partner on a lay down one’s own life for a know the tradition and have the committee of the Anglican Church brother or sister”. This might be ability to see how that fits our of Canada, I appreciate the changing context. I want a bishop flexibility of the ELCIC’s style of capable of speaking to the power bishop, free of centuries of tradition. I’m proud to come from a and arrogance of government and Yet I appreciate the cross- congregation that business. pollination in our relationships with recognizes the importance And then there’s leadership. All the Anglican Church of Canada and of the office of bishop clergy (not just bishops) fill a know that , pastors and bishops representative role, representing the alike are enriched by our interpreted as the role of any larger, broader church. But the opportunities to meet and pastor—to lay aside one’s own leadership of bishops reminds us with Anglicans. biases and prejudices in order to that we are part of a much larger Jesus calls us—lay, pastor, bishop love, support, and encourage one’s communion and, with that, part of alike. In a bishop, I recommend we parishioners. For, we are not all of God’s world, not some political look for a wise theologian; someone one mind. Yes, we profess the same creation of the smaller-minded. I who is fed by scripture and fed by . We believe in the same God, look to a bishop to envision and contact with the flock; who keeps Jesus Christ, and the . motivate us toward a bigger life in the faith and keeps us faithful; who We read the same Bible and hold it Christ and in the world. reaches out with enthusiasm — God . Still, we can and do differ in I’m proud to come from a within — to the world in which we how we believe Jesus calls us to live congregation that recognizes the live; who anticipates, imagines, out his gospel. It’s a mystery how importance of the office of bishop blesses our ministry and mission; we can see things so differently. and the role of the Synod, extending who guides, supports, prods us as Part of the official role of the itself each year to make a of we cultivate a church for others. bishop is as counsellor “to all our benevolence giving. Margaret F. Sadler is a member of pastors and lay people of the Lutheran in Edmonton. She synod,” as well as providing I recommend we look for a works as an instructional designer, “counsel to the synod, its wise theologian; someone editor and writer. In addition to conventions, and conferences” who is fed by scripture... serving as a Volunteer in Mission (Bylaws of the Synod of Alberta and who keeps the faith and with the ELCIC-LWF in 2000-2001, the Territories Part IX: Duties of the keeps us faithful; she currently is a member of the Bishop). My husband is a counselor Synod’s Communications Committee and one of the important messages and an Ecumenical Partner, Partners he has taught me (I’m still trying to As a member of a synodical in Mission, Anglican Church of learn it) is to look for something to committee, I see how budgets limit Canada, 2004-2007. love in each person I meet. I our Synod’s impact on the lives of certainly look for that in a all of us in the pews. And I see how bishop—the ability to love each of the Synod’s impact can be so much us no matter our point of view, no bigger than budget limitations with matter what we bring. such good and dedicated staff. As a delegate to National Conventions, I’ve seen a range of 6 Some Thoughts on Electing a Bishop

By Pr. Ted Jacobson cross so that we might die to sins Here, as in :1-10, we hen electing a synod bishop, and live for righteousness, whose learn of the Master Craftsmanship of Wthere is indeed much to think wounds have healed us. For we were God, incarnate in Jesus, Immanuel, about! This supervisory office going astray like sheep but now “God with us”. He creates people (sometimes under a different name) have returned to the Shepherd and who are able to do , has had an important role in the Bishop (or Overseer) of our enabling them to do that to which Christian Church from its beginning. (1 Pet. 2:19-25). Further, the kind of they are called! We cannot This history is enormous, some of it shepherding that Jesus does is so understand it nor explain it. But we glorious, some of it so terrible that unique that it is offensive to the can believe it, pray for it, receive it among some the term human way of thinking. For with thanksgiving and make use of “bishop” was no longer used! In this example, when he calls disciples, he it. This marvelous creative work is short article only a few points can be calls them to deny self and each take done out of sheer love, mercy, considered. (undeserved favour) and kindness! The constitutions and bylaws of Faced with the example Moreover, this amazing creative our church give to the a of Jesus one could just work is done in such strange ways. Luther was fond of referring to mission that includes the exclaim, “Who is competent responsibility of shepherding its Isaiah 28:21 which speaks of God’s congregations, ordained ministers, for these things?” strange work and alien task. Thus and lay workers in a when we are baptized into Christ synod’s territory. Hence the bishop up the individually appointed cross and the benefits of his death and life, is to give leadership in the discharge and follow him (Lk. 9:23-24 and the practical outcome is a daily of this important responsibility. parallels). Jesus even incorporates dying in sorrow and to The image of a shepherd caring this daily dying into our , as put off the old nature and to put on for sheep has been used from Old Luther points out in his Small the new. While we sing praises to Testament times and on to describe when he deals with the God for every spiritual in the relationship between God and meaning of baptism for daily living. Christ in the heavenly realms, we the people of God. How Faced with this example of Jesus are at the same time, in those comfortingly it is used in that as Good Shepherd and Bishop, one heavenly realms, engaged in a treasured 23rd Psalm! On the other could just throw up one’s hands and struggle against super-human hand, it is used severely to condemn exclaim, “Who is competent for powers of evil (see Eph. 1:3; the leaders of God’s people when these things?” (2 Cor. 2:16). A few 6:10-18). When because of the acute they are compared to who verses further on the answer is awareness of our sinful nature and neglect the sheep and only feed given: its sins we feel far removed from the themselves (Ezek. 34:1-10). Such confidence as this is ours “high and lofty One… who lives This pastoral image reaches its through Christ before God. Not forever, whose name is holy” who richest application in our Lord Jesus, that we are competent in our- lives “in a high and holy place”, the who is the Good Shepherd selves to claim anything for truth is that that holy God is actually (Jn. 10:11-30). Now the image is ourselves, but our competence living with us (Is. 57:15). This is the stretched beyond the breaking point. comes from God. He has made God who resists the proud but gives For one thing, when Jesus sees the us competent as ministers of a grace to the humble (1 Pet. 5:5). “wolf” coming he not only risks his —not of the letter This is the God whose power is life: he deliberately lays it down for but of the Spirit: for the letter made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. the sheep. Moreover, in so doing he kills, but the Spirit gives life. 12:9). This is the God who through carries our sins in his body on the (2 Cor. 3:4-6 NIV)). the foolish preaching of the Word of

7 Some Thoughts... Editorial the cross saves those who believe by Pr. Brad Everett (1 Cor. 1:18-25). just convention business; it is God’s The terrible trio of devil, world Given that our synod will be business and should be approached and “flesh” (sinful human nature) electing a new bishop at as such. I suggest the following: hate this Incarnate God, Jesus, they convention this June, it seemed allow convention delegates the do everything they can to discredit fitting to devote this issue of The opportunity to prepare for each and destroy Christ and his followers. Forum to a look at this particular ballot for bishop by having a reading They seek especially to neutralize office. Each of the contributors to from Scripture, a and a prayer the Bible, the Word of God, for this issue was asked to write, based for the guidance of the Holy Spirit there is our source of the power that on the perspective I thought they before each vote. This break from overcomes them! The want to could bring to the matter. the usual routine of reports, motions replace the authority of the Scripture I originally approached Dr. and parliamentary procedure will with the authority of the secular Gordon Jensen to write about help delegates remember the vote is “general consensus”, which the Lutheranism’s historical not just a matter of process, but of world gladly accepts because it understanding of bishops. When discernment of God’s will and an recognizes its own. This terrible trio Dr. Jensen declined he suggested opportunity to participate with the would deceive us on the right hand Pr. Mayan who graciously Holy Spirit in the work of Christ’s or the left. For example, either consented. He had written a shorter Church. trying to persuade us that we are not version of the article printed here, Jesus Christ grant us wisdom and so bad, so that we don’t really need but I opted for this one because it guidance as we seek him in prayer a lot of forgiveness, or we have provides the context necessary for and study before and during the sinned so much that we can’t be understanding the Lutheran view of convention. forgiven! So, we need to know the bishops. Lord have mercy. trio’s many tricks so that we can The other writers’ qualifications Christ have mercy. hold the mystery of the faith in good should be self-evident. Each one Lord have mercy. conscience (see 2 Cor. 2:11; encourages us to consider the office 1 Tim. 3:9) of bishop from a different angle. The Forum is a publication of the When it comes to electing a Their insights are by no means Communications Committee, Synod of bishop, we must pray that the exhaustive, but all four of these Alberta and the Territories - ELCIC candidates for this important office articles taken together gives us more Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for are mature Christians, who are well than enough material to pray, think members of this Synod to air their convictions and views on issues affecting individuals, local acquainted with these things because and talk about in the days leading up congregations, the synod and the larger church. they have had what Luther calls to the convention. Concerns about an article or issue should be “undeniable experience” Adding my two cents, I’d like to directed to the Editor, not the Synod Office. (“The Bondage of the Will” call attention to the fact that while Back issues available on www.albertasynod.ca Funding comes primarily from donations as well as Luther’s Works vol. 33, p. 122). electing a bishop is a matter of the Synod Communications Committee. Donations Pr. Ted Jacobson was the last convention business, it is also a towards publishing costs are welcome. president of the Evangelical Lutheran matter of worship and prayer. We The Forum is copyrighted to the Synod of aren’t selecting the CEO of our Alberta and the Territories. Photocopies may be Church of Canada (ELCC)—one of made for use in congregations.TheForm may not be the ELCIC’s predecessor bodies. He corporation, the president of our posted to a website, either in whole or in part, served in that office from 1970-1985, service club or the most popular without the expressed permission of the Synod. [email protected] and previous to that was the assistant pastor—we are endeavoring to Submit Articles to: to the President. He is now retired discern God’s will in deciding Forum Editor, Pastor Brad Everett and lives with his wife Phyllis in whom will provide our synod with e-mail: [email protected] Saskatoon, SK where they are pastoral leadership. The vote is not or Box 264, Standard, Alberta T0J 3G0 members of Redeemer Lutheran.