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Hijinx Redux

Abstract: Readers with long memories tell more of the First United synodical call story.

We reported last week on the plight of Pr. Susan Strouse, an ELCA pastor under call at First United, an independent Lutheran congregation in San Francisco. The Sierra Pacific Synod does not recognize the congregation's call, and has now offered Pr. Strouse a "strings attached" synodical call: she can get the call only on the condition that the congregation applies for membership in the synod, an offer the congregation can only refuse.
Alert readers reminded us that Pr. Strouse is not the first ELCA Pr. to serve at First United since the congregation's expulsion from the ELCA in 1995. Pr. Lyle Beckman (pictured) served at First United from 2001 to 2003.
Those same readers reminded us that the Sierra Pacific Synod issued a synodical call for Pr. Beckman's time at First United. The readers were also quick to point out that Pr. Beckman's call was issued under Bishop Robert Mattheis who was soon to retire and not by Bishop David Mullen, who, whatever his retirement plans, has declined to be a candidate for re-election.

(Vol. II, xv February 9, 2008 )

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