December 6, 2006
Eastern Synod Pastor's Letter of Resignation
November 27 '06
Bishop Michael Pryce,
Eastern Synod of the E.L.C.I.C.Without a doubt this is the most difficult letter I have needed to compose in many a year. The degree of disappointment that prompts this writing is almost beyond measure. I have written you a few times over the past 3 or 4 years in regard to some of my concerns within our Synod, within our Church. Your lack of response is in itself a response.
I have become increasingly uncomfortable with what I.perceive as an increasingly liberal attitude and stance bordering on revisionism toward the Scriptures and its interpretation. Be it from your desk, that of the Eastern Synod Council, the seminary or other spokespeople within the Synod.
I wish to make it clear that the theology espoused in various writings and or articles over the past few years not only reflect a stance contrary to my training at a high1y recognized Lutheran seminary, but more significantly, not in harmony with either Scripture or the Lutheran Confessions. This stance has expressed itself especially in regard to the 'Local Option' and all this it involves.
The continuing declaration that 'Pastoral Theology' on many issues, including the Local Option stands separate from our 'Confessional Theology' is totally foreign to what I was taught, and have sought to practise as a pastor these past 44 years. Such a stance, if adopted could open a ethical Pandora's Box to a variety of questionable moral practises and behaviours seeking church approval, polygamy and euthanasia, to name only two. Who could not add many others?
It is this stance, not only within our Synod, but within the E..L.C.I.C. that so greatly disappoints me, a stance that has solidified itself these few years and has no specific Scriptural & Confessional support let alone response to those who have not, and at this point, cannot accept the views espoused by our leadership in general. (As an exarnp1e, I refer to my recent letter to you and members of the Synod Council dated Nov. 12 '06 and even more so to the content of the memo distributed following the meeting of Nov. 16-18.)
For the reasons just shared, I cannot in good conscience remain a member of a church body that so believes and acts. Hence, I hereby request that my name be removed from the roster of the Easter Synod and of the ELCIC, effective Nov. 30th '06, or the earliest convenient date. (I will await a confirmation of the same.)
Disappointed though I am, I refuse to yield to bitterness in any form. Rather, I wish to leave with the doors of cordiality and communication left open. In conclusion, I say thanks to you, and.to your predecessor, Bishop Bill, and those who worked with you in the various ministries in which I was invo1ved, most recently that of St. Peter's in Alice.
In Him who first loved us,
Harry Vibe
(Renfrew, Ontario)c.c. Bishop Raymond Schultz
Dean Barton Beglo
Bishop William Huras
Members of the Eastern Synod Council
Members of Solid Ground
