LETTER TO ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP ASKS ABOUT SYNOD BUDGET CUTS

9-7-09

The following letter was sent to the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, and others.  The amount of Synod budget cuts shows the adverse impact  ELCA's adoption of homosexual marriages and clergy has had on ELCA congregations. 

Greetings, Mr. Mark Hanson. Presiding ELCA Bishop, and all:           

 As a result of the congregational outcry about ELCA adoption of homosexual marriages and homosexually active ELCA pastors, it is timely for you to answer this relevant question.

 How much were the three ELCA Synods in Iowa asked to cut their budgets to accommodate reductions in benevolence caused by negative congregational reactions to ELCA’s adoption of homosexual marriages and clergy?  Iowalive expects the cuts to be at least 25%.   That is the number we will report, and post on website  http://iowalive.net/  , unless you provide us with a better number. 

 It was not surprising to learn the Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, IA cut its contributions to the ELCA to 0, from a peak of over $400,000.   Hope is the largest Lutheran Church in Iowa, if not the nation.  Does this reaction to ELCA homosexual marriages and clergy concern you?

Thank you very much,

 Sincerely,

 Iowalive     A growing network of volunteer citizens and professionals for improving Iowa