Clarksdale, MS-- The Lutheran but Always Friendly Synod (LAFS) closed its convention last week with a bold move to zero in on its identity. The denomination based in Alligator, Mississippi voted to become a “synod under one roof” in order to maintain its mission and focus. The decision will “right-size” the denomination, according to Synod president, Rex P.L.W. Stuckworsch. He noted:
“Since its founding, our church body has tripled in size. Our ability to maintain alignment and unity has been severely tested. As I evaluated our current situation, I felt very strongly that we should back off a bit, retool, and make sure we’re on the right track before things get out of hand.”
LAFS has grown to three churches over the past 170 years. Stuckworsch will work with church leaders to bring all operations back into the founding congregation in Alligator. This “under one roof” approach will insure sound doctrine, a better “family” feeling in the church body, and sensible efforts if anyone decides to venture outside the congregations for ministry purposes.
“We don’t want to have greater control,” Stuckworsch added, “we just want to be practical and reasonable as we encounter the realities of the church and the world.”
After the gavel fell on October 15, President Stuckworsch began a 30-day summit conference with leaders of the Northern Polar Lutheran Church.
Stuckworsch said, “The northern ice cap is shrinking. With dwindling geography, it’s important that we talk about whether or not the church can continue.”
The meetings are being held in the central location of Oahu, Hawaii.
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