Bishop’s Writings
These are the collected writings of our Bishop, Rev. Dr. Marcus C. Lohrmann.
“Full Communion Relationships: An Ecumenical Way Forward”
“Full Communion Relationships: An Ecumenical Way Forward” Bishop Lohrmann addresses the nature of the full communion relationships that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has been engaged in with partner churches, most for over a decade. Such agreements make possible mutual worship, sharing of the Lord’s Supper and exchange of pastors, while also recognizing and respecting the differences of the churches. Bishop Lohrmann reflects on and offers insightful advice on the success of such relationships, the challenges involved, and some of the issues that the ELCA and its full communion partners faced.
Is the Church Dying?
A. A NECESSARY GIVEN In wrestling with this rather daunting question for the past months (years?), I find it important to begin the discussion with the recollection of Peter’s answer to the question about Jesus’ identity and Jesus’ response. Peter says: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” What follows is Jesus’ word of promise, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build… Read more »
Bishop’s Epiphany 2013 Letter
Epiphany, 2013 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ in the Northwestern Ohio Synod, Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in whom we live and move and have our being. As we begin this new year, I am filled with deep gratitude. I want to share something of that with you. At the heart of this gratitude is the recent remembrance of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany and the very good news of God’s grace and mercy that have come to us through the in-breaking reign of God in Christ Jesus. That good news shapes everything else we… Read more »
Bishop’s Writing Archives 2006-2012
The following downloads are the Bishop’s archived writings from 2006-2012 when the website was updated to its current format. The files are in PDF format. Bishop Lohrmann’s Sermon~May 19 (Synod Assembly)
THE ATHANASIAN CREED: SOME GOOD QUESTIONS AND A RESPONSE
THE ATHANASIAN CREED: SOME GOOD QUESTIONS AND A RESPONSE A member of one of our congregation’s sent me an e-mail in which she asked some good questions about the Athanasian Creed, a creed that is used in many of our congregations on Trinity Sunday. With her permission, I share the questions: Today’s service included the reading of the Athanasian Creed. This is an important creed for us to read and hear as it really tries to explain the Trinity, a very difficult concept for most of us to understand. However, the last part of the creed seems to say that… Read more »
Covenant in the Midst of Unity
West Ohio Conference and United Theological Seminary A Brief Summary of 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Action Related To Same Gender Relationships: Resolutions called upon members of the ELCA to respect the bound consciences of those with whom they disagree; allowed congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support and hold publicly accountable lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships; eliminated the prohibition of rostered service by members in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships; recognized and committed to respect the conviction of members who believe that the ELCA should not call or roster people in such relationships; and urged that this church… Read more »
Reflections on the Authority of Scripture
Why this particular topic now? As a person rooted in the Christian faith, I have had a lifelong interest in the Scriptures. Throughout my life there have been few days when I have not been exposed to or read the Bible. By the power of the Holy Spirit, this reading has shaped my faith and life and pointed me unambiguously to the God who has acted for me and the world in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. But I am aware that others are committed to the reading and studying of the Scriptures and identify it as… Read more »