Seminex Sympathizer Martin E. Marty to Preach to Lutheran Teachers
By Rev. Jack Cascione

 

Doctor Martin Marty has been invited to speak at the Southwest Lutheran Educators Conference (SLEC) of the Pacific Southwest District (PSWD) of the LCMS in Palm Desert on Tuesday November 18-20, 2001.

This invitation to preach to LCMS Lutheran teachers is in violation of our Synod's practice on fellowship. Marty was a member of Seminex and the AELC, which merged with the ELCA in 1988. He believes the Bible contains errors and does not agree that the Bible is the infallible, inspired, inerrant Word of God. He openly advocates the ordination of women; participation in the Lord's Supper with Reformed Church bodies such as the Presbyterian Church USA, Episcopal Church, United Church of Christ, and Reformed Church in America; agreement with the Joint Declaration On Justification between the Catholic Church and the ELCA; and the adoption of Episcopal polity by the ELCA.

Congressman Dannemeyer of Fullerton, CA filed his protest with SLEC President, Mr. Bill Roan. Roan refuses to give Dannemeyer the names of the 8 Committee members who made this decision. Roan informed Dannemeyer that after consulting with District President Stoterau and Mrs. Klitzing, director of school ministries for the PSWD, it was decided to proceed with Marty on the program as a speaker and preacher.

Stoterau is a liberal District President sympathetic with Seminex as are many of the pastors of the Pacific Southwest District. Rather than seek an orthodox Lutheran theologian for this conference, Stoterau prefers that the Lutheran teachers in his district hear one of the foremost opponents of Lutheran orthodoxy, name Dr. Martin Marty.

The announcement from the committee reads:

"2001 SLEC Presenters: Guest Speaker, Martin E. Marty- 'Lutheran Schools Are Public Schools'"

"Martin E. Mary, an advocate of religion-in-public-life, particularly Christian vocation in the public world, will combine a lecture with a homily." The announcement continues to give Marty's biography.

If you do not agree with the decision of the committee, please write and/or call the Pacific Southwest District office and Mr. Bill Roan and let them know how you see the issue. Mr. Bill Roan's phone number is 619-462-5241, ext. 215. President Larry Stoterau's phone number is 949-854-3232, ext. 202, and Rachel Klitzing can be reached at 949-854-3232, ext. 223.

Dannemeyer is chairman of "VANGUARD OF CONFESSIONAL LUTHERANS" 1105 E. Commonwealth, Box 13, Fullerton, CA 92831 Tel. 714-871-4318 Fax: 714-871-4221


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.

October 30, 2001