February 2010

South Carolina Lutherans talk together, faithfully

 “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”  With these words, approximately 700 Lutherans in the South Carolina Synod gathered at Newberry College, Newberry, SC, for an intentional “Day of Holy Conversation” on February 6, planned as an opportunity to deepen conversations about ELCA churchwide decisions and explore legislative motions for the June 4-5 Synod Assembly.

The day began with presentations from two Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary professors, Dr. David Yeago and Dr. Susan McArver. From their theological and historical viewpoints, they spoke about significant issues stemming from recent churchwide decisions. After each presentation, the group took a few minutes for “pew conversations,” talking in small groups about what they had just heard.

After eating lunch together, the group reassembled for a service of worship with holy communion, setting the tone for the “holy conversation” that would take place for the next few hours. The afternoon was designed for an intentional time of listening and praying together, apart from a synod assembly or legislative meeting. Ten resolutions were discussed, but before each resolution was presented, there was prayer. The discussions were respectful, and people who took part in this day were grateful to have a chance to be heard—in a protected environment—and to have a chance to hear from other faithful Christians across the synod who have opposing beliefs about these issues.

Many people have remarked that this day might serve as a model for other synods to use as they find ways to walk together, even with marked differences over issues.

Bishop Herman R. Yoos commented, “I was deeply impressed with the thoughtful and respectful conversations that occurred this day. Most people expressed a sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence with us in the midst of these conversations. Clearly everyone who was there loves and cares deeply for the Church and its future. For some, it was the first opportunity to hear two excellent biblical and theological perspectives outlining differing assumptions and understandings of the Churchwide decisions. I doubt that many minds were changed, but I believe something even more significant happened. There emerged this day a deeper understanding and respect for being members of Christ’s body, engaged together in God’s mission.”

At the end of the day, each person received a survey listing all the motions that had been discussed. Once compiled, the results of this survey will be mailed to every congregation council, to help them continue to pray and talk further together.