ST. LOUIS: Lutheran synod leader sorry for Newtown pastor reprimand

• Published February 16, 2013 Modified February 15, 2013

0 comments

The president of a conservative Lutheran denomination has apologized for reprimanding a Newtown, Conn., pastor who participated in an interfaith prayer vigil in apparent violation of the church’s constitution.

The Rev. Rob Morris of Christ the King Lutheran Church offered the benediction at the Dec. 16 vigil with other religious leaders – including Jewish, Muslim and Baha’i – for victims of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod President Matthew Harrison subsequently reprimanded Morris, saying the synod constitution bars joint worship for fear of giving the appearance that theological differences about salvation and other doctrines are not significant.

On Monday, Harrison posted a video apology on the synod website saying his actions had only made things worse.

The Associated Press

Similar stories:

Churches split on Scouts' welcoming of gay youth

Churches split on Scouts' welcoming of gay youth

In suburban Atlanta, northern Idaho and a number of other places, churches have moved swiftly to sever ties with the Boy Scouts of America in protest over the vote last month to let openly gay boys participate in Scouting.
Fondness for Elbe’s Little White Church shared by all faiths

Fondness for Elbe’s Little White Church shared by all faiths

A volunteer worker at the historic Little White Church in Elbe since the early ’90s, Bob Martin was asked last week if there are rewards to the job. The story he told still moves him to tears.
Bridgeport Christian Academy students take part in 'living wax museum'

Bridgeport Christian Academy students take part in 'living wax museum'

Students at Bridgeway Christian Academy will be stepping into the shoes of some of their favorite inventors as they take part in a "living wax museum" Friday, May 31.

Each third- through fifth-grade student at the school researched an inventor and came up with a costume and scene for an exhibit in which they'll be like a living wax figurine.

The museum will take over the multipurpose room of the school, which is located inside Redeemer Lutheran Church, 858 W. Smith Road. The public can tour the living museum for free at 11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Friday, with an extended tour and student presentations running from 12:45 to 2:30 p.m. A tour and presentation for school families will run from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Jazz funeral planned for musician Ben Tucker

Jazz funeral planned for musician Ben Tucker

Friends and family of Georgia musician Ben Tucker are planning to say farewell with a New Orleans-style jazz funeral.
Papal contenders await historic election

Papal contenders await historic election

VATICAN CITY — With the terrifying grandeur of Michelangelo’s “Judgment Day” looming over them, senior leaders of the Roman Catholic Church will begin casting their ballots inside the Sistine Chapel on Tuesday to elect a successor to Benedict XVI, the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years.