SD Synod Bishop David Zellmer responds to Watertown Lutheran CORE gathering

Bishop David Zellmer of the South Dakota Synod sent an e-mail to the synod's pastors and other rostered leaders regarding the Lutheran CORE meeting in Watertown, S.D. There must have been some in the synod who support the Churchwide Assembly's decisions to change ELCA teaching on marriage and sexuality who were concerned about his attendance.

We could only wish that the bishop came because he wanted to support Lutheran CORE and its commitment to stand on Biblical truth in the face of the actions of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

I admire his willingness to come to the meeting. I trust that the bishop came because he is shepherd of the entire South Dakota Synod. A significant number of the sheep entrusted to his care as bishop are struggling with the actions of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Many of them came to the Lutheran CORE gathering in Watertown. I appreciate Bishop Dave's willingness to listen to Scott Grorud's presentation and to ponder the faithful witness to the truth as revealed in Scripture and confessed by Christians for 2,000 years that Pastor Grorud offered.

We still hope that Bishop Zellmer will provide leadership that will help our synod stand together on the Biblical witness -- and thus stay together.

I dream occasionally that the South Dakota Synod could be one of the ELCA synods that could stand with Lutheran CORE even while remaining connected to the ELCA. Lutheran CORE has provisions in its constitution to allow ELCA synods to be members of Lutheran CORE. Would that some synods would take advantage of this opportunity.

We will be working to give the 2010 SD Synod Assembly the opportunity to uphold Biblical teaching on marriage and sexual behavior and to maintain the ELCA's previous standards for pastors and other rostered leaders. If the synod takes such a stand, it could help many of those gathered in Watertown to remain in the synod. Many are waiting to see what action the synod will take before making decisions regarding their affiliation with the synod and ELCA.

I realize that political realities in the ELCA mean that this dream will likely remain a fantasy. But I also believe God can do miracles (I saw the steeple in Minneapolis!).

Here's what came from the South Dakota Synod office:

From Bishop Dave Regarding This Week's Lutheran CORE Meeting

Since there may have been some confusion, it's important that I make clear that my attendance at this week's Lutheran CORE meeting in Watertown was strictly for my own education. It should not be viewed as anything other than my wanting to know first-hand what was and was not being said.

You need to know that I am committed to staying with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and that I remain enthusiastic about our shared mission and ministry in this synod and this church. In the near future I will be writing more about my decision to remain, and will share it with you at that time.

Thank you for your partnership!

In Christ,

David B. Zellmer

Bishop Dave