CRITICS INVITED TO CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN

Why the Protest? -
What’s the Big Deal?
CRITICS INVITED TO CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN
Christian News, Vol. 49, No. 4, January 24, 2011

When a liberal, such as Jesus First leader Charles Mueller, Sr., is invited to speak at one of the schools in the LCMS’s Concordia University system or at an LCMS seminary it hardly causes a stir. It’s a different story when the editor of Christian News is invited.

Years ago the CN editor spoke widely throughout the LCMS, including at some schools in the Concordia University System and a meeting of Lutheran editors and publishers at Concordia Publishing House. The editors wanted the CN independent editor to speak on “Why Christian News?” The editor’s speech is in The Christian News Encyclopedia. The editor told them that Christian News was necessary, if for no other reason, than at the time none of their newspapers were taking a stand vs. abortion. CPH even published a pro-abortion book by a Lutheran Witness contributor.

Then the word went out from the bureaucracy that the editor of Christian News should no longer be invited to speak at LCMS schools and seminaries. No LCMS professor was to write for CN. When the editor spoke at one LCMS seminary, a burning of Christian News took place. Another time when the editor was invited to have dinner with the president of the seminary, the editor’s car was stuffed with toilet paper. The editor took it as a joke but did ask the president if he thought the same thing would happen if Jaroslav Pelikan or Martin Marty were speaking.


The editor’s congregation was suspended several times from the LCMS and then expelled because of the editor‘s report on the theology of some liberal professors. Each time the suspensions and expulsions were overruled by the LCMS’s highest court. Then the bureaucrats worked to get rid of the LCMS’s fair judicial system where evidence was considered and the accused had the right to have his accuser. According to its district president, the editor’s congregation is now under the threat of expulsion because the editor wrote in the June 30, 2003 Christian News that Jesus First and its leader Charles Mueller, Sr. wants the LCMS to be broad enough for pastors who support the ordination of women and the theology of Seminex.

There is nothing secret about the invitation. Some want to know who was responsible. While James Burkee, chair of the faculty was the professor who asked the editor last November if he would be willing to come, Dr. Burkee said the invitation came from CUW President Patrick Ferry.

The editor has always welcomed questions from his toughest critics. All are welcome to come and as time permits after the panel discussion, question the editor. The editor has always been willing to speak with anyone after one of his speeches.

Some have warned the editor not to go alone and face a panel without help.

A New Jersey reader said the invitation was a “Christmas present.” Some conservatives, who oppose Dr. James Burkee’s book on the LCMS to be released by Fortress Press on February 1, 2011, say it may be just a book promotional. CN is selling Power, Politics, and the Missouri Synod, by James Burkee, with an introduction by Martin Marty. However, the invitation came in November, long before CN said it would sell the book. Those seeking information about the editor can check “Seeking Information on Christian News Editor” on pages 13 & 14.