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Kieschnick Disciplines
Enemies and Forgives Friends In Reporter
By: Rev. Jack Cascione |
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In the same issue of the June 2003 Reporter President Kieschnick explains
why conservatives should be disciplined but liberals have honest
disagreements deserving the best construction on their actions.
Page 1 - "Quoting a recent opinion of the Commission on Constitutional
Matters (CCM), Synod President Gerald Kieschnick is urging district
presidents to address Synod members who 'in...matters of disagreement in
doctrine and practice among us 'become divisive and schismatic and therefore
subversive of the very purposes of the Synod.'"
Then on Page 8 Kieschnick states, "It is important in our Synod that we
not
impugn the motives of other people -- no matter which side of the question
they might favor in a dispute such as the one just concluded. Putting
the
best construction on everything, what occurred in this case was an honest
disagreement among churchmen and women regarding understanding and
application of Spiritually based church policy -- all of them, we pray,
acting in good faith with the best interests of the church at heart."
Again on page 8 the Dispute Panel says: "Where the Synod has provided
even a
minimal measure of guidance, we should not stand in judgment of one another
in matters of discretionary and extra ordinary nature, especially in matters
of tragedy and emotional distress when and where there is no intention to
belittle or defy the positions of Synod."
In other words, discipline your political enemies and forgive your political
friends. At least the Synod is really not dealing with matters of
religion,
just "the good old boys."
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June 23, 2003 |