Living Theology
in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church
In America
Volume 5, Number 1
Lent 2000
Dear Reader of LET’S
TALK,
The year 2000 marks the fifth
year of publication for LET’S TALK. We said from the beginning that the mission of this journal was
to encourage theological reflection, writing and dialogue on issues vital to
the life of the Church by publishing articles, essays, and responses authored
by lay and professional members of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, ELCA. As you read the pages of this issue, I think
you will conclude with me that the mission is being fulfilled.
Wayne Cowell has prepared an
index of Volumes One through Four listing the contents, writers, editors, and
themes published thus far. The index
shows the range and variety of topics and people who have written. Their contributions have made this journal a
model for synod level theological dialogue across the Church. You will also see the names of those who are
serving and have served as members of the Editorial Council since 1995. They are all volunteers who have given their
time and talents faithfully, tirelessly, and with distinction. Each deserves our recognition and thanks.
In each issue of the journal
you are reminded that LET’S TALK relies on the voluntary
contributions of individuals and institutions to cover publication costs, and
that editorial operations are independent of the Synod and the ELCA. To publish four issues per year costs
between $3200 – $4000. In the first and
second year of publication, we received generous one-time contributions from The
Aigner Foundation and Aid Association for Lutherans. Bishop Kenneth Olsen has given an annual contribution along with
Cone – Kalb – Wonderlick, P.C. and the Ecumenical Affairs Committee of the
Synod. The balance of our operating
budget comes via individual contributions from readers like you. We need your financial support to continue
publishing this journal, and to expand and develop LET’S TALK in
the future.
We need you to be:
a Friend for $25
a Member for $50
a Contributor for $75
Your donations are
tax-deductible. Please make them
payable to:
LET’S TALK - Metro
Chicago Synod
1420 W. Dickens
We have titled this issue OMNIUM
GATHERUM (with a tip of the hat to the section of Forum Letter using
that heading also) and included contributions from here and there: a
joint address, a letter and a response, reflections on this journal and a view
from Augsburg, notices of forthcoming conferences, each contributing to our
ongoing conversation on issues vital to the life and mission of the
Church. In addition, this issue serves
as our annual report to the Synod per our constitution. Frank Senn and Scott Hebden share
their joint address on the significance and implications of the Joint
Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification given at Immanuel Lutheran Church
(Elmdale), Chicago on October 31, 1999 following Ecumenical Vespers with Bishop
Olsen and Francis Cardinal George. Randall
Lee follows with an eyewitness account and his reflections on the JDDJ
signing in Augsburg, Germany on Reformation Day, 1999.
Gerhard Forde and James Nestigen tell us that ecumenical
decisions by the ELCA continue to generate protest and dissent within the ELCA,
as evidenced by their open letter to congregations which we are
republishing. Wayne Cowell
offers a critique of the open letter, hoping that Forde and Nestigen might make
a serious proposal for a confessional congress, one that would involve the
give-and-take of real dialogue.
Finally, Randall Lee
offers his personal reflections on this journal. He is one of the original five that met following our initial
conversation at Synod Assembly in June 1995. In July we gathered 10 more
willing souls and launched LET’S TALK. As Randy leaves the Editorial Council, I am grateful for his
willing “yes” to my “let’s talk” query about launching a theological journal
in, but not of, our Synod, and, for his many written contributions and words of
support and encouragement along the way.
Blessings and peace, Randy, as you go!
And a mighty big thanks, too!
Now let’s Read on! Respond!
Let’s Talk!
On behalf of the Editorial
Council,
Thomas C. Knutson, Chair
Pastor, First, Harvey