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	Laywoman Wonders If "LCMS Has Too Much Inbreeding"
Home For Members For Pastors/Leaders Helpful Secular Sites Contact Us Suggest New Links Our Purpose Advertise on L/C Frequently Asked	"I am now a layperson, but taught in Lutheran Schools in the 70's. Having gone to Concordia, River Forest during the 'witch-hunts' of the 60's & 70's, I am brought back to this turbulent time with the events currently going on in my church. If the Rev. Otten is the caliber of those who have brought charges of syncretism & unionism, then I know I am on the right side by opposing them.  I would be a second-class citizen in his church, as I am a woman, and therefore, not worthy of participating in the church activities.  Good ministers & professors left in the 70's rather than fight against the narrow-minded conservatives who seem to think that only Missouri Synod Lutherans are going to heaven.  My church does not have a national face on it since too many believe that it is a sin to have anything to do with other religions.  Thank God, I had an Episcopalian for a grandfather, & am involved with a Catholic.  I thought the only way a person's faith could be considered living was to show that in their ministry to others.  Perhaps LCMS has too much inbreeding and needs some fresh blood.  I am ashamed that ministers are expected to have apologies ready in case they offend the conservatives.  I am offended by these 'pharisee-like' Lutherans who stand in judgment.  The Concordia, River Forest President, George Heider had to apologize for taking part in a funeral service for a friend & coworker who was buried from Grace, River Forest & this was not an LCMS congregation.  No wonder the roster for ministers and teachers is shrinking.  These hypocritical conservatives need to apologize to me for putting my church to ridicule before the nation & the world.  I wonder if Christ would be welcomed in their churches since He is not a Missouri Synod Lutheran. Karen D. Eberspacher