I am about to attend a meeting with a number of denominations discussing poverty in our local area and how the churches can help out. It is a striking issue in the St. Cloud, MN area. In a local school district over 85% of children qualify for reduced lunch. Statistically when a school district is over 60% it can no longer support itself. This is a justice issue that can not be ignored.
**Just so everyone knows, I am not about to start an ecumenical worship service, open communion, or promote different denominational superiority. However, this is an issue that we as conservative LCMS congregations need to at least talk to people about ways to intervene.
What is particularly unique about my discussions with leaders of this endeavor is that they were surprised that I even called back. They said, "We usually only hear back from the Methodist." They indicated that often it is the lay people that drive justice issues, especially help for the poor. Isn't that amazing. We Lutherans have a tough time attending a meeting and the Methodist are first in line. Wow!
I admire the energy and support the United Methodist Church has for things like poverty. It goes without saying that I disagree with their views on the authority of the Word of God, understanding of place of men and women, and views on the Lord's Supper, but in this case I admire them. Have you experienced something similar?
