Congratulations to Rev. Matthew Harrison

The election, moments ago, of Rev. Matthew Harrison to the office of President of the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod, is a remarkable demonstration of the mysterious ways of God.

Rev. Harrison is, in my estimation, a theologian of impressive stature, who knows the history of the Synod as well as what counts for confessional Lutheran theology. I heard him speak up in Minnesota a few months ago, very impressive. I have known him for some time, but in my estimation, he has gained much in theological clarity and sense. The grace of God is with him.

He's going to need it.

Moments after the election, while waiting for the ballot boxes to reset for the election of first VP of Synod, the delegation had to listen to a traditional Trinitarian hymn "Holy God We Praise Thy Name," but with a rhythm section and a male vocalist. It was pure praise band stuff, which confessional Lutherans find, well, rather repulsive. It doesn't match the words being sung. It's the very kind of thing we've been teaching our people to avoid.

So here we have a truly schizophrenic situation. The music here is unbefitting worship, but the election tells another story. A divided synod, but hopefully one which wend its way through the worship wars to a God-pleasing resolution.

Could we dare to hope for such a thing? Well, years ago I would never have expected that a Matthew Harrison would have had a chance to be elected President of the Missouri Synod.

Ripley's BION: Liturgical Edition

Click above for the summary, or here for the full-blown experience of a "fine, fine opening worship service well within the bounds of the traditional Western rite, and including appropriate diverse forms and aspects," per one district president.

Parental discretion is advised.

Poll on First Communion

Please answer our poll questions at right concerning bringing the young folks in your parish to the Lord's Table.

In the comments, if your parish communes people younger than 5th grade, please list your state.

This is purely for curiosity's sake.

Thanks,

+HRC

LCMS Cringe-vention?

Where are the Chinese acrobats, the two-headed cow, and the guy who juggles chainsaws when you need them?

Altered Altar

Prayers ascend for the Synod Convention in steamy Houston. And they ascend, evidently, from the flat out weirdest looking altar ever. To wit.

Where to begin? The TV in the altar is a nice touch for Americans, keeps all our holies in the same place. And the sort of ice sculptoresque, touchdownish, sort of not quite representative altar crucifix is well..., er.. let's leave it at that.

Weird altars seem to be a thing with Synod gatherings. At the one youth gathering I went to, the altar was actually lowered from the ceiling. It was a giant lamb. When it got to the stage, the top half was hauled back up to the ceiling and there was the altar with four lamby legs.

Gads.

Haec ecclesia pappi tui non est!

+HRC