Reply from Confidential Letter Signer & Reclaim Rebuttal

By: Rev. Jack Cascione

"For your information:

I gladly signed aboard the letter supporting Wenthe/Preus as a ticket.
However, my signature was appended simply to generate discussion on the
matter ---especially when I learned who else would be signing the letter.
These men have been proven and well respected leaders in the confessional
movement in Synod for years. Others have suggested the reverse of our
suggestion. They have a right to their opinion just as I do to mine.
However, I have made it clear that I will, in the final analysis, support
whatever name comes to the top. I have not and never will entrench myself
so firmly that I would refuse to support a "reverse" order or even some
other names. Unfortunately, others have done that in the past with
disastrous results because of personal loyalties that are involved. Others
appear to be doing that right now. Our cause is much larger than just one
man.

And for your information, I do not know how Tom Baker's name has come into
the mix! I can assure you that Tom has not talked to me nor I to him about
this matter. I have not talked to Tom in quite a few months so I am not
aware of his inferred involvement in this letter. I am amazed that anyone
would even suggest that. I would suggest that everyone concerned, beginning
with me, be more concerned about electing solid, confessional, articulate
leaders with the highest integrity in our church body than we are about
stubbornly continuing to vote for only one candidate when the refusal to
change one's support out of personal loyalty to one person has led or will
lead to defeat. There is ample evidence in the past Synodical convention. I
have the highest respect for Dean Wenthe, Daniel Preus and a host of other
people who would serve well in positions of leadership. I have no problem
in supporting any of these men for any position of leadership. But at least
now people are talking---and also making it clear whom they are supporting.

Signed -------"

April 7, 2003