NLM Congregational Letter

Dear Friends in Christ,

It is with a great deal of sadness that we share with you the news that on Sunday, August 29, 2010, the Nile Lutheran Mission voted unanimously to leave our denomination, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Though financially the NLM was almost out of money, we are told the ELCA’s vote on human sexuality in August 2009, was the cause.

As you may have already heard, the Nile Lutheran Mission is no longer utilizing our facilities here at Incarnate Word. Unfortunately, there has been misinformation and outright lies circulating among some Lutherans in our area claiming that NLM was asked to leave Incarnate Word over its theological disagreements with the ELCA and that the ELCA is requiring NLM to repay over $200,000 in grant monies. Neither has been the case. Back in March of this year, denominational leaders in Chicago and Syracuse agreed to forgive the debt of any and all grant monies should NLM decide to leave the ELCA.

Let us be clear on the other lie: The termination of our building-use agreement with the Nile Lutheran Mission had nothing to do with any theological disagreements. Rather, our decision to go our separate ways came from growing concerns over increased abuse and neglect of our facilities on Sunday afternoons. Moreover, in their vote to leave the ELCA, it has come to light that Pastor Jordan and the Nile Lutheran Mission no longer have ELCA sponsored insurance coverage which stands in direct contradiction to our congregational policy of requiring certificates of insurance from all outside groups which use our building.

In no way do we want for any of these events to diminish the partnership we have enjoyed with Jordan and the NLM for the past sixteen years. Over those many years, there have been joys and tears, celebrations and disappointments, but through it all, both faith communities have proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ. And we have learned from one another as well. The NLM has learned from us what it is to be a stable church and we have learned from them how to trust in times of scarcity and know joy in the midst of adversity. Over the past decade and-a-half, blessings between our congregations have flowed in abundance both here and in Africa. Here in the city, African refugees have been re-settled and in Gambela, Ethiopia, thanks to total funding from our congregation, drinking water now brings the hope of new life to 20,000 people, all because God placed us together in ministry. And for that, how can we not say, “thanks be to God”?

Doubtless this parting of the ways will feel like a death to some. And it is a death. For any dreams we may have had of further integrating our faith communities in ministry have come to an end. But as people of faith who live our lives under the cross of Jesus Christ, we also know something of resurrection. As the bonds of death could not keep Jesus in the grave, so too will the bonds of this death not stop our communities from proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. And though we do so in separate venues, we do so together as brothers and sisters in the one body of Christ.

These are painful times for many people, especially Jordan and his community of faith. What is needed now more than ever is prayer and love. Let us continue to be the people of grace that God has called us to be as we do all we can to ensure that this time of transition goes as smoothly as possible not only for us but for our beloved sisters and brothers of the Nile Lutheran Mission.

Peace in Christ,
Pastors Doug and Joanne