WHERE ARE THE PEACEMAKERS IN THE NORTHWEST DISTRICT LCMS?

I have previously chronicled the seizure of a Missouri Synod congregation's property by the process of "Suppression".
http://murphystone.blogspot.com/2011_06_12_archive.html 

Since that post, I have learned it also has occurred in the English District of the LCMS.

Congregations have had success in recovering their property in those places where secular courts have ordered a District to return  title to the lawful owners.

By now, the Districts should be on notice that their efforts to take title to property using "supression"are not only improper but subject to scrutiny by civil (secular) courts.

Which makes it all the more odd that the Northwest District is obstructing Gloria Dei Lutheran and its leadership in their efforts to resolve its property issues using the reconciliation process laid out in the LCMS Bylaws.    The reconciliation procedures  are designed to promote  peace within the church. According to the Preamble of the Dispute Resolution section (1.10.1)                                                                                
                  When disputes, disagreements, or offenses arise among members of the body of Christ, it is a matter of grave concern for the whole chuirch.....(I)ndividuals, congregations and various agencies within the Synod are urged to reject a "win-lose" attitude that typifies secular conflict  For the sake of the Gospel, the church should spare no resource in providing assistance"

Yet the Northwest District continues to delay and obstruct  Gloria Dei Lutheran and its leadership from resolving  its dispute  in a God-pleasing and scriptural fashion.  Indeed, the Northwest District seems to be pushing for a civil court fight.within the secular courts.   The Distruict is not even open to discussing the matter within  the informal resolution process.

The Gloria Dei matter would normally be entirely a dispute within the congregation.  It would not involve the District as a party, except that currently the District is a beneficiary of the actions of a faction within the congregation. Having made representations and promises to that faction  in order to get title to the congregations' property, the District found itelf having to allow others to occupy Gloria Dei's property, while the district claims title to it.   Where it should be neutral in the matter, the District has a conflict of interest, and so instead favors and protects one faction to preserve its own interests.

The latest efforts to obstruct a Christian resolution to the Gloria Dei dispute comes from the Districts Secretary, Rev. Langdon Reinke, pastor of St. John's Lutheran in Salem, Oregon.

When I wrote Rev. Reinke on June 17, 2011, I expressed my displeasure that it took several months for him to disclose that the District's dispute resolution process was governed by something called the Standard Operating Procedures Manual (SOPM).  I then asked him to provide me with a copy of the SOPM, together with other documents.  Secretary Reinke did not send me a copy of the SOPM, but wrote "I respectfully decline your requests."  So much for "For the sake of the Gospel, the church should spare no resource in providing assistance"

Did I just hear a door slam?

Of course that's not as bad as District President Linnemann declaring in writing that the matter was already decided by his office before the reconciliation process had even begun. Can he not see the conflict of  interest manifest in such a dismissive statement?

 Is the District so embarrassed by its actions that it doesn't want others to know about its practice of "suppression".  Or, as some have said,  is the District hoping that it will obtain a windfall  and not face consequences because Gloria Dei is a poor and vulnerable congregation that will go away.

It is perhaps not an accident that the suppression actions are targeting small congregations of elderly or otherside vulnerable people.

I call upon the  Northwest District President and Secretary to demonstrate true Christian leadership by example and acknowledge their own sinfulness in these matters and demonstrating a true attitude of repentance.

Gloria Dei still exists, despite the efforts of the District.  Nor is it likely to give up its claims any time soon.  Shortly, Gloria Dei will be asking those who oppose efforts to make the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod a church  hierarchy run by "bishops" to join and support us in our continued struggle.

Sadly though, it didn't have to be this way.