Kieschnick Distances Himself From
"Jesus First" and Christian News
By Rev. Jack Cascione

 

In a release from the Texas District Office, President Jerry Kieschnick explains why he must distance himself from Christian News and "Jesus First." President Kieschnick is the statistical front-runner for the LCMS presidency with more than 600 nominations.

He writes: "In the 10 years I have served as President of the Texas District of the LCMS, I have been transparent and frank in stating my theological positions and ministry perspectives."

President Kieschnick takes issue with Christian News about trying to portray him as supporting woman ordination. What Kieschnick does not say is that under his picture, Editor Rev. Herman Otten, clearly stated that Kieschnick does not support woman ordination. Otten's question is, why is Kieschnick aligned with and supported by those who are favorable to woman ordination, namely "Jesus First."

Is this what President Kieschnick means by "open an frank?"

There was little question that Kieschnick is not concerned about loosing support from the five delegates committed to Christian News. So why send out the release? Does he fear that Otten may convince "Jesus First" delegates not to vote for him?

He then writes about "Jesus First," "Obviously, I disagree with and do not approve of the editorial decision of a newsletter that includes such articles that appear to boast about openly violating the positions of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Nevertheless, some in our Synod receive the false impression that, since Jesus First supports my nomination and publishes such articles, I must condone the actions indicated in such articles."

Yes, Otten did bell the "Jesus First" cat and Kieschnick is trying to step back. But isn't it all a little too late? Most of President Kieschnick's nominations came from the LCMS clergy who support "Jesus First."

Can District President Kieschnick name just one specific doctrinal problem with "Jesus First" other than to speak about "articles that appear to boast about openly violating the positions of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod"? He just can't tell us what the problem is. He speaks with clarity in regard to Otten, who is not on the clergy roster, but with far less "open and frank" words about "Jesus First" writers who are all on the LCMS clergy roster.

President Kieschnick has had many months to reject the nomination of "Jesus First." On December 30, 2000, this writer met with Dr. Muchow who adamantly rejected the "Jesus First" nomination as "poor churchmanship." He said he was sending a letter to the entire LCMS Board of Directors rejecting the embarrassing position in which "Jesus First" had placed him. He hopes to keep serving as Chairman of the Broad.

Why does it now take President Kieschnick five more months to come to a similar though more vaguely stated conclusion?

This writer recently met with a highly placed and experienced official in the LCMS. His observation was that if Kieschnick is reaching for the uninformed middle, there aren't enough voters there to get elected. Kieschnick has just "shot himself in the foot."


Rev. Jack Cascione is pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church (LCMS - MI) in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He has written numerous articles for Christian News and is the author of Reclaiming the Gospel in the LCMS: How to Keep Your Congregation Lutheran. He has also written a study on the Book of Revelation called In Search of the Biblical Order.
He can be reached by email at pastorcascione@juno.com.

May 22, 2001