How does one loose their citizenship?

Ask the Dean. 

What do you call...

What do you call a nurse / singer with limited theological education and a track record of destruction? A Bishop (at least in the LCiGB). 

Not for sale? Is this true in the Lutheran Church in Great Britain?

"Salvation is not for sale. Human beings are not for sale. Creation is not for sale."

This was the message from the General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (see below for full message and link to the Lutheran World Federation website). Apparently, the Secretary of the LWF is not familiar with the Lutheran Church in Great Britain or the practices of Dean Xruch, Linda Xruch, David Xin, or Bishop Xana.

It seems most things are for sale in the Lutheran Church in Great Britain - maybe even the office of Bishop. 

Even if the Lutheran Church in Great Britain claims with the LWF that Salvation is not for sale or that Creation is not for sale - Human Beings are for sale or, at least, some Human Beings are not worth as much as others.

- Africans appear to be not worth as much as people with white skin or of Asian descent. Despite the fact that all the growth of the LCiGB and the majority of the members of the LCiGB are African - not one African is on the Trustees and the Africans who have been ordained have been told they are not really ordained.

- Some pastors are worth more than other pastors because some Pastors (really a Dean and Bishop) have broken almost all the new rules they wrote yet they are untouchable. But a pastor who broke none of the rules was deported because the Dean and the Bishop demanded it.

- Children are not worth as much as adults, because the Dean and Bishop made sure that to young children were deported, torn from their schooling, their home, their church and their friends. 

One wonders how a church that elects a Bishop with less than 25 votes can even be recognized as a church by the LWF. Especially when the Lutheran Church in Great Britain refuses to follow the Lutheran Confessions or even basic human rights.

Lutheran World Federation Website

God’s Free Gift of Grace in Market-Driven Times

As the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 approaches, the question intensifies about the relevance of the theological insight that surfaced in those remote days. What is the meaning for today’s people of the message that we are justified before God not because of who we are and what we do, but because of who God is and what God does?

This question about the relevance of reformation after 500 years of history was the subject of intense reflection among members of a special committee of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) tasked with developing a conceptual framework for LWF’s approach to the Reformation anniversary.

“Not for sale,” was a phrase strongly emphasized in the final report of the LWF Special Committee on “Luther 2017 – 500 years of the Reformation,” which was approved by the LWF Council in June 2013. The phrase links directly to Martin Luther’s strong and firm stance on what had become subjected to trade, yet it actually escapes the control and dominion of human beings and cannot, therefore become goods to be exchanged in commercial relationships: God’s abundant and overflowing grace that forgives and calls people into new life. What God has given for free through the works and merits of Jesus Christ can’t be subjected to trade and profit making!

With this earnest word of protest, the joy and the freshness of the gospel shone anew on a multitude of people that was otherwise desperate for the evidence of God’s favor and mercy, which they needed to apprehend for their broken and ambivalent lives.

Framed this way, the vitality of this core perspective of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as it unfolded in the 16th century, acquires breathtaking actuality. It challenges the constant and ongoing attempts to subjugate, control and trade what ultimately cannot be defined as a commodity, and should therefore never be subjected to trade. It questions the uncontested and prevalent market idolatry that is so fundamentally reshaping the value system of individuals and societies, undermining social cohesion and challenging financial and ecological balances.

The afore-mentioned special committee offered three specific dimensions to illustrate the relevance of that medieval “not for sale.”

• Salvation is not for sale: While there won’t be any value in reediting old disputes of the 16th century between Catholics and Lutherans, which in any case have been substantially reframed after the signature of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification in 1999, the Reformation anniversary still offers a great opportunity for deep self-examination in view of ongoing trends that continue pushing religion into the market place. Indeed, people’s questions and expectations have shifted in many respects today, yet the longing for wholeness among millions, their aspirations for a dignified life and the painful intuition of multitudes that only miracles can secure their prosperity, continue to nurture a flourishing religious market. The message of justification by faith alone is not self-evident and should never be taken for granted, even among churches in the Reformation tradition, as they too have their struggles in letting God’s justice prevail over our human sense of justice. Salvation and wholeness, healed relationships, life in dignity, the longing for prosperity—none of these are for sale.  
• Human beings are not for sale: Recent research publicized on the conditions of foreign labor force in big construction projects raises the appalling question: is slavery really over? Or did it not find other, more subtle ways to continue with its  unacceptable practices of trading with the labor force, organs, children and women—human beings altogether? For hundreds of thousands, human trafficking continues to be a nightmare. The liberating Gospel of Jesus Christ speaks to these realities and to these people too, laying a foundation of solid values that affirm a clear stance: human beings, their rights and their dignity are not commodities to be traded. They are not for sale.
• Creation is not for sale: Admittedly, when Luther spoke out in the 16th century he did not think much about creation as something to be seen in the context of God’s redeeming action. In those days, ecological challenges were not at the same scale or scope as they are today. During my recent travels to African LWF member churches I have become aware of the tremendous pressure for safe water, as well as of the ongoing selling or leasing of huge extensions of communal land. Water and land—goods which pastoralist communities were holding in common—are now moving into the market place. They have become commodities, pushing the communities to migration and urban slums. The Reformation reference to “not for sale” could become a strong contribution to the public and global discussion by reminding the human family about the very fact that there are dimensions and aspects in life and this world, which—for the sake of both eternal and earthly life—must never become commodities.

There is a liberating power in the message of justification by faith alone. It has the potential to reach far beyond the hearts of believers and the walls of the church. Yet, it will require the churches to be intentional in their pastoral and diaconal service so that the stories and experiences of women, men, youth and children as they undertake their life journeys are heard, and the freeing message can be received that not everything is to be sold.

Rev. Martin Junge, LWF General Secretary

October 2013

Dear Porvoo Leaders...

I would question your decision.

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New Bishop - "involved in the struggle against injustice, discrimination, racism and dehumanization."

Bishop-elect Lind (who is already a Bishop so should just be called Bishop), was elected to be the new Bishop of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain. According to the post on Facebook:

"Calling it “an exciting task” ahead, Bishop-elect Lind said his work will be that of “listening and encouraging.” He could also contribute his many years of experience in the renewal of the eucharist, the pilgrimages and the theology that is involved in the struggle against injustice, discrimination, racism and dehumanization."

Bishop Lind is in the right place to fight injustice, discrimination, racism and dehumanization which have been displayed by the the Lutheran Church in Great Britain over the last several years since Bishop Jana JerumaGrinberga and Dean Tom Bruch took over the church. 

Let us pray that the injustice, discrimination, racism and dehumanization of the LCiGB is replaced with Christian love, compassion and mercy.

Let us pray that the injustice, discrimination, racism and dehumanization of the LCiGB is replaced with real racial and ethnic equality.

Let us pray that the injustice, discrimination, racism and dehumanization of the LCiGB does not continue with the abuse of Charity Law, Courts, Law Officials and Social Workers.

Let us pray that the injustice, discrimination, racism and dehumanization of the LCiGB is replace with a desire for forgiveness, dialogue and the mutual upbuilding of the body of Christ.

Let us pray that the injustice, discrimination, racism and dehumanization of the LCiGB so often reenforced with the abuse of scripture passages is replaced with Christ like behaviour. 

Let us pray that the injustice, discrimination, racism and dehumanization of the LCiGB is replaced is replaced with restorative justice to those who have been deeply wronged and hurt by the actions of the former Bishop and Dean.

Let us pray that the injustice, discrimination, racism and dehumanization of the LCiGB is not continued by another campaign and agenda by the Dean and his hand selected Trustees.

Let us pray that the injustice, discrimination, racism and dehumanization of the LCiGB and a slavish commitment to use rules, regulations and laws to intimidate, abuse and hurt people is replace with mercy and love.

Let us pray that the injustice, discrimination, racism and dehumanization of the LCiGB is replaced with leaders who practice the teachings of Jesus.

A Sister Church?

According to the Report presented by David Lin and Linda Bruch concerning the 2012 finances of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain, 'A generous donation of £31,904 was received from a sister church abroad which covered in full the necessary legal costs incurred the previous year.'

1. 'Necessary legal costs' - Who are the Trustees, the Bishop and the Dean trying to fool? Not one pence of the £31,904 was necessary. Not one pence of the £31,904 was helpful.  Not one pence of the £31,904 was useful.  Not one pence of the £31,904 was needed.  Not one pence of the £31,904 was anything but a vindictive witch hunt that hurt many members of the LCiGB.  Not one pence of the £31,904 helped a child, fed the hungry or clothed the naked. In fact, every pence of the £31,904 hurt children and faithful families.

2. Why is the generous donation of £31,904 from 'a sister church' an anonymous church? Why hide the identity of the generous sister church? Every other generous 'sister church' donation is named and properly thanked. What are the Trustees hiding now?

- Is the 'sister church' really a church?
- Could this have been given by an individual? A wealthy Ecclesiastical Leader perhaps?
- Or maybe from a wealthy friend?
- Was the 'sister church' the same church that has a Bishop 'willing to stand for election" to be the next Bishop of the LCiGB?
- Is the 'sister church' getting a controlling stake in the LCiGB with the generous donation?
- Is the money coming from members of a London congregation who assisted the LCiGB Trustees with the 'Independent Appeal Panel' used to destroy a faithful pastor's career?
- What are the Trustees hiding now?  

How many LCIGB pastors could afford this retirement?

What Happened to Jana?

Dear brothers and sister in Christ

“Grace to you and peace. ²We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly ³remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” (1 Thessalonians 1)

Over the last week I have been thinking and praying about our meeting last week, and the serious issues that are facing St Anne’s and the people that are working so hard to resolve them.

First of all, may I say a huge thank you to all of you for your thoughtful and caring work, and for your faithful service to St Anne’s in its various guises and roles. We all of us are committed to resolving the remaining problems, and to ensuring that the essential work of the Gospel can continue, can grow and develop in this place, and among this community which is dear to us all.

Secondly, speaking as a financial illiterate, it seems to me simplest, wherever possible, to draw a line under what has happened and not to try and disentangle every last strand, and to allocate blame and responsibility for every mistake that has been made. I think that all of us are sorry where we have been careless or wrong – I know that I carry my share of the blame for not ensuring swiftly enough that the governance of SALC/SAMS/SABL was working well, and I apologise to all of you for that. 

Obviously the challenges now are to clear up the various governance issues that Tim F has identified, as well as tackling the financial deficit. 

I have no desire to interfere where it is not needed, but am very willing to help if it is needed, either with my memory of previous admin, with fundraising, appeals, prayer, or anything else that might be of assistance.

Every blessing to all of you

+Jana

 30 April 2010

Less than a year later she was interfering and blaming. Less than a year later she was claiming expertise in finance, charity law, immigration and more. 

Was it to cover up what she had done?

Now the church building is closed. A faithful pastor and his family were left in poverty and deported. Why? What had to be hidden?

Examples of Bullying from the Church of England

Examples of bullying behaviour

This list of behaviours is not exhaustive but gives a clear indication of the sorts of actions that constitute bullying or harassment

• removing areas of responsibility without discussion or notice
  
• isolating someone or deliberately ignoring or excluding them from activities
  
• consistently attacking someone’s professional or personal standing
  
• setting out to make someone appear incompetent
  
• persistently picking on someone in front of others
  
• deliberate sabotage of work or actions
  
• deliberately withholding information or providing incorrect information.
  
• overloading with work/reducing deadlines without paying attention to any protest
  
• displays of offensive material
  
• use of e-mails to reprimand, insult or otherwise inform someone of their apparent failing, either to the individual or to third parties
  
• repeatedly shouting or swearing in public or in private
  
• spreading malicious rumours to third parties
  
• public humiliation by constant innuendo, belittling and ‘putting down’
  
• personal insults and name-calling
  
• aggressive gestures, verbal threats and intimidation

• persistent threats about security
  
• making false accusations
  
• aggressive bodily posture or physical contact
  
• talking/shouting directly into someone’s face
  
• direct physical intimidation, violence or assault 
  
  
  Do the tactics in bold remind you of anyone who has been in leadership in the Lutheran Church in Great Britain?