Theology in the Metropolitan New York Synod, ELCA, 2005

Introduction: The following collection of email correspondence concerns theology in the Metropolitan New York Synod of the ELCA in the years 2004-2005. The chief topics are the episcopal office, the Bible, the law/gospel distinction, and the nature of Lutheranism. It is earnest writing, but not polished. In fact, it was not originally intended for wider distribution, but was more along the lines of private reflections by busy clergy trying to sort out some theological matters. The correspondence was occasioned by controversies in the Metropolitan New York Synod about blessing same-sex unions and ordaining people in such unions, and it is hereby released in hope that these reflections might contribute to the ongoing deliberations about these matters. The writers are Metropolitan  New York Synod Bishop Stephen P. Bouman, synod pastors Amandus J. Derr and Gregory P. Fryer, and Lutheran theologian Robert W. Jenson. The collection begins with a preface by Bishop Bouman. The exchanges were initiated by Pastor Gregory Fryer late springtime 2004. This  correspondence was released with the consent of the participants and enjoyed a modest distribution to a few clergy and theologians prior to our recent Metropolitan New York Synod Assembly, May 20-21, 2005, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Huntington Station, Long Island.