Resolution Adopted by the Pastoral Conference of the Southern Illinois District

WHEREAS, the "Issues, Etc." radio program on KFUO-AM, St. Louis, has been a great blessing to many of the pastors and laity of the Southern Illinois District; and
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WHEREAS, pastors and people are at a loss to understand the decision to cancel a show that winsomely engaged the culture and offered a distinctly Lutheran perspective on the issues of the day; and
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WHEREAS, official explanations for the show's cancellation have not satisfied or answered the concerns of many, and
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WHEREAS, there is extensive public support for the continuation of Issues, Etc., and
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WHEREAS, we wish to demonstrate pastoral concern for Rev. Todd Wilken, the show's host (a member of the Southern Illinois District) and Mr. Jeffrey Schwarz, the show's producer, (a member of a Southern Illinois District congregation);
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Therefore be it:
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RESOLVED, that the Pastoral Conference of the Southern Illinois District gathered in solemn assembly at Wartburg, Illinois this eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord 2008, give thanks and praise to God for the ministry of Issues, Etc. and the hard work of Pastor Wilken and Mr. Schwarz, and be it finally
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RESOLVED, that Pastoral Conference of the Southern Illinois District officially petition the Board of Communications Services to revisit the decision by its Executive Director, David Strand, to cancel Issues, Etc. and also petition the Board to reinstate both Pastor Wilken and Mr. Schwarz to their positions, restore the ministry of Issues, Etc., and make a public apology for the offense this cancellation has caused.
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Adopted 4/8/2008

I have to admit, I'm impressed. When all this started I did not think so many of the priestly caste would speak up. But a great many have spoken up in spite of the fact that they have been told “You are NOT free to preach or teach publicly that Synod is wrong on ANY given issue.” by their ecclesiastical superiors. It's enough to warm my heart, if I was ever accused of having one.