Podcast appearances and mentions of Matthew C Harrison

Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, takes some time during the Gathering to talk about Christ's life and Christian love for all human life.   Bio: The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison has served as president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) since 2010. As president, he is the chief ecclesiastical supervisor of the Synod and is responsible for the ministries directed by LCMS International Center staff, including the Office of International Mission and its nearly 150 missionaries serving around the globe. Before becoming president, Harrison served for nine years as executive director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care (2001–2010), which expended over $100 million for mercy efforts done in the clear name of Christ. These efforts included caring for people after 9-11, Katrina and many hurricanes, the great Asia tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and many other disasters and humanitarian efforts. Harrison also managed relationships with some 120 LCMS Recognized Service Organizations and other inter-Lutheran social ministry organizations, worked in consultation with LCMS partner/sister churches to build capacity during numerous mercy outreach efforts, and managed LCMS pro-life efforts. From 1995 to 2001, Harrison served as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. Prior to that, he served St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Westgate, Iowa (1991–1995). Ordained in 1991, he has served in a number of elected and appointed positions in the LCMS and on various entity boards of directors. Harrison is co-founder and chairman of the board of The International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg (Old Latin School), which hosts some 40 students and church planters from the European Union and beyond who are studying to become ordained pastors. In addition, Harrison chairs the board of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty and serves on the executive committee of the International Lutheran Council. Harrison is also active in the prolife movement and frequently speaks at such events. A native of Sioux City, Iowa, Harrison holds a bachelor's degree in religious studies from Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. He attended Concordia University, Nebraska, in 1984. He has M.Div. and S.T.M. degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Harrison has pursued additional graduate study at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Furthermore, he has received honorary doctorates from Concordia University Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Since 2010, Harrison has served as assistant pastor of Village Lutheran Church, Ladue, Mo. He has translated and edited five volumes of essays and letters by Lutheran theologian Hermann Sasse (published through Concordia Publishing House [CPH]). He has also revised C.F.W. Walther's The Church and the Office of the Ministry (CPH) and written several other books, including Christ Have Mercy, A Little Book on Joy and At Home in the House of My Fathers. Harrison has been married to Kathy (Schimm) Harrison since 1981, and they have two sons (Matthew M.L. married to Courtney, and Mark M.C. married to Tara). The Harrisons have two grandchildren, Rosie and Shiloh. In his spare time, Harrison enjoys reading, writing, vintage Jeeps, old banjos and books, and — most of all — time with family. Resources: Email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org LCMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life  Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison is president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. His published works include At Home in the House of My Fathers, A Little Book on Joy, and an English translation of Johann Gerhard's Meditations on Divine Mercy — recently featured as the Lutheran Ladies' Book Club's 2024 Reformation read.   In this episode, Pastor Harrison tells the stories behind this little book — both Gerhard's story as author and his own as translator. Who is Johann Gerhard, and why is he one of the great Lutheran theologians? Which of Gerhard's meditations does Harrison keep revisiting in his own prayer life, and why?  At the end of the episode, Erin takes the opportunity to ask Pastor Harrison some more personal questions: Who are the most important women in his life? What are the coolest things he's gotten to do as president of the LCMS? Who is the person who keeps him most humble?   Get to know both Gerhard's Meditations and President Harrison more deeply in this warm and personal interview.   Click to listen to our recent book club wrap-up episode or order your own copy of Gerhard's Meditations on Divine Mercy.   Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

What are the challenges facing Global Lutheranism? Beginning our special crossover series "From Wittenberg" with The Lutheran Witness Podcast, the Rev. Roy Askins (Executive Editor of The Lutheran Witness) speaks with the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison (President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) and the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Shaw (LCMS Director of Church Relations) from the 2024 International Church Relations Conference (ICRC) held in Wittenberg, Germany. This conference brings together Lutheran church leaders from around the world to discuss theological issues, build relationships, and provide mutual support. The theme of the 2024 conference is "Christ the Lord of History," with speakers including the LCMS President, Matthew C. Harrison, and Chaplain Jonathan Shaw. In this episode, they discuss the challenges facing global Lutheranism, such as persecution, financial difficulties, and secularism.  Learn more about LCMS Church relations at lcms.org/about/leadership/president/church-relations. Find The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org.

What are the challenges facing Global Lutheranism? Beginning our special crossover series "From Wittenberg" with The Lutheran Witness Podcast, the Rev. Roy Askins (Executive Editor of The Lutheran Witness) speaks with the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison (President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) and the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Shaw (LCMS Director of Church Relations) from the 2024 International Church Relations Conference (ICRC) held in Wittenberg, Germany. This conference brings together Lutheran church leaders from around the world to discuss theological issues, build relationships, and provide mutual support. The theme of the 2024 conference is "Christ the Lord of History," with speakers including the LCMS President, Matthew C. Harrison, and Chaplain Jonathan Shaw. In this episode, they discuss the challenges facing global Lutheranism, such as persecution, financial difficulties, and secularism.  Learn more about LCMS Church relations at lcms.org/about/leadership/president/church-relations. Find The Lutheran Witness at witness.lcms.org. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Sarah, Erin, and Rachel “close the book” on their latest Lutheran Ladies' Book Club discussion with this episode on Johann Gerhard's Meditations on Divine Mercy, translated by the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison.   Can a 400-year-old prayerbook help Lutherans grow in their faith today? How can we more faithfully structure and prioritize our prayers to make the most of every moment before the throne of God? And how can such a tiny book take such a lot of time and effort to get through?   At the end of the episode, the Ladies announce their next book club pick: Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre.   Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

Author and fellow Lutheran lady Katie Schuermann joins Rachel, Sarah, and Erin in a recap discussion of the latest Lutheran Ladies' Book Club selection, The Saints of Whistle Grove. In a book full of memorable Lutheran characters, which are the most lovable? The most frustrating? How does identifying with a problematic character help us identify and own up to our own faults and frailties? What can we learn from the story of a legacy Lutheran congregation about what it means to be members of Christ's church? How do the tombstones in our cemeteries bear witness to our hope of resurrection? At the end of the episode, the Ladies introduce the next Lutheran Ladies' Book Club read: Johann Gerhard's Meditations on Divine Mercy, translated by Matthew C. Harrison. Order the book at CPH.org. To learn more about Katie Schuermann and her work, visit katieschuermann.com. Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

After the re-release of the Luther's Large Catechism with Annotations and Contemporary Applications, President Matthew C. Harrison released a statement denouncing, condemning, and seeking for excommunication those who hold to disturbing ideologies. Since then a flurry and furor has erupted in personal communications and online. Most of this surrounds the accusations of racism in the church. Ramirez is back to discuss how this has played out, what our church body holds to officially, and marking a way forward to guide future discussions that provide more light than heat.  President Harrison denounces disturbing ideologies The Sin of Partiality Explained, Matthew Cochran Racism and the Church: CTCR Majority Opinion Racism and the Church: A Dissenting Opinion and also Here. Racism and the Church Overcoming the Idolatry of Babel, David Ramirez Slavery, Humanism, and the Bible, CFW Walther Communism and Socialism, CFW Walther ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. David Ramirez ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

Welcome to our first ever episode TAKEOVER! Steph hands the host mic off to her husband Pastor Kirk Neugebauer, who is joined by Pastor Jeff Hemmer, author of Man Up!: The Quest for Masculinity. This is the male counterpart to our earlier episode on female friendship (see episode 23). Learn about the importance and the gift of guys having guy friends, and even how wives or other sisters in Christ can encourage men to develop meaningful Christ-centered friendships with other men.   Find ManUp!: The Quest for Masculinity at cph.org/p-29665-Man-Up-The-Quest-for-Masculinity.aspx  Bio: The Rev. Jeffrey B. Hemmer is assistant to Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.  Prior to joining the president's staff in August 2021, Hemmer served as pastor of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois. He continues to serve as pastor there in a part-time capacity.  Born in Belleville, Illinois, Hemmer received a B.A. in English from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska and an M.Div. from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Concordia Seminary, working on a dissertation on the theology of body and the theology of place. His other theological and academic interests include biblical masculinity and the function of Christian fathers, the role of the resurrection in Christian ethics, and martyrdom and the cross-shaped Christian life.  Hemmer is the author of Man Up: The Quest for Masculinity (CPH, 2017), Behold the Man Lenten and Easter sermon series (CPH, 2019), A Noble Army sermon series on the martyrs (CPH 2020), and assorted other articles, essays, and posts.  Hemmer and his wife, Laura, live in Fairview Heights, Illinois while they restore an 1860s farmhouse in Caseyville, Illinois. They have seven children ex utero with an eighth on the way.  Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2022 to talk about why it's important to hear God's Word daily, how KFUO Radio supports listeners in their vocations, and the role of joyful giving in the work of LCMS ministries such as KFUO Radio. Give now for Sharathon 2022 at kfuo.org/sharathon.

Pastor Baker discusses theological distinctions between Law & Gospel with guest Pastor Wes Reimnitz. Today's rumination topic is an article in The Lutheran Witness February 2022 edition from Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of the LCMS, titled "Preaching Law and Gospel in Times of Trial". Read the article at witness.lcms.org/2022/preaching-law-and-gospel-in-times-of-trial. Law and Gospel is independently produced by Pastor Tom Baker. Views and opinions expressed on this program may not represent the official position of the management or ownership of KFUO Radio, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To contact Pastor Tom Baker, email lawandgospel@lawandgospel101.com.

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why the LCMS marches in the National March for Life, the message we want to be heard at the March, why the Synod is doing a Million Dollar Match Grant for life-affirming projects, and what  he hopes to see as an outcome of this matching grant opportunity. Learn more about LCMS Life Ministry and the 1 John 3 Million Dollar Life Match at lcms.org/life.

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the contentious situation concerning new Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland and Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen, how church bodies worldwide have stepped up to defend their right to free religious speech in Finland, and Bishop Pohjola's recent installation to the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland. Read the letter signed by numerous church bodies at ilc-online.org/2021/07/29/a-protest-and-call-for-free-religious-speech-in-finland.

Pastor Baker discusses theological distinctions between Law & Gospel in a Bible Study session on Bible Study Wednesday. Today's topic of discussion is the recent call for repentance to the Japan Lutheran Church. Read the letter from President Matthew C. Harrison at reporter.lcms.org/2021/harrison-calls-japan-lutheran-church-to-repentance.

In this excerpt from A Little Book on Joy from the June/July issue of The Lutheran Witness, the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison discusses the paradox of the church that is filled with spotted people but at the same time spotless and perfect.   Read the excerpt online or purchase a copy of The Lutheran Witness.  For more information on The Lutheran Witness or to subscribe to the magazine, please visit witness.lcms.org. Sound effect obtained from zapsplat.com.

In today's News: Virtual life conference is scheduled LCMS Life Ministry will host its first-ever virtual life conference March 19–20. The conference will include both live sessions and on-demand videos, as well as the opportunity to engage with speakers through question-and-answer sessions. The theme of the 2021 conference is “Making Disciples: Valuing Life.” Conference sessions will explore the Lutheran understanding of the sanctity of human life. Scheduled speakers include the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, LCMS president; Timothy Goeglein, vice-president of External and Government Relations for Focus on the Family; and Deaconess Tiffany Manor, LCMS Life Ministry executive director. A Spanish-language track will also be available. To register for the conference, visit lcms-life.org. Education nominee supports transgender sports President Joe Biden's nominee to lead the Department of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, said he will work to protect a new executive order that mandates biological males be allowed to compete against biological females. Specifically, he will work to make sure the practice is allowed in high schools, where female athletes are often stripped of scholarship opportunities and athletic titles after being forced to compete against biological men. This policy has been a major focus in Connecticut where several female athletes are suing. Female athletes want to preserve women’s sports High-profile female athletes and women’s sports advocates are hoping to enact federal legislation that would protect women and girls’ competitive sports by limiting the impact of Biden’s executive order mandating the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports. Biden’s sweeping executive order, dubbed the Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation Act, provides across the board transgender rights. The group is planning to propose federal legislation to codify protections for girl and women athletes from competing against biological men in sports while creating a way for transgender competition. ‘Hurt After Abortion’ campaign starts A prominent pro-life activist has started a new project designed to help women who want to take legal action after experiencing complications from an abortion. Hurt After Abortion, launched last month, is the latest project of Pro-Love Ministries, which was founded by pro-life activist and former Planned Parenthood Employee of the Year, Abby Johnson. The project is a partnership with the Thomas More Society, a notable Catholic law firm. Spiritual confidentiality continues in North Dakota A bill in North Dakota that would have criminalized priests unwilling to report on what they heard during confession and violate the seal of confession under certain circumstances has been withdrawn. SB2180 sought to amend a state law regarding mandatory reporting of abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults. On January 29, Republican state Sen. Jerry Klein moved that the bill be withdrawn. His motion prevailed. The bill’s intent was to force members of the clergy to report what they heard about abuse or neglect as spiritual advisors. Two passages exempting clergy from mandatory reporting would have been eliminated from the North Dakota Century Code.

In today's News: Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod called home  The Rev. John Arthur Moldstad, Jr., president of the evangelical Lutheran Synod, died in Madison Lake, Minnesota, on Jan. 29. He was 66. For almost 10 years, LCMS president Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison has met informally once a year with Moldstad and Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod President Rev. Mark Schroeder. A funeral is set for Saturday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, North Mankato, Minnesota, with committal immediately following at Norseland Lutheran Cemetery in St. Peter, Minnesota. Visitation will be held at Peace on Friday, Feb. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.  Democrats urge elimination of religious protection  President Joe Biden is facing pressure from fellow Democrats to eliminate a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created under the Trump administration in 2018. The Conscience and Religious Freedom Division in the HHS Office for Civil Rights was established to ensure the federal enforcement of laws that exist to protect the fundamental rights of conscience and religious freedom. Both the Democratic Women’s Caucus and Secular Democrats of America are calling on Biden to end the division. Sixty female Democrat lawmakers penned a letter to Biden in December encouraging him to “use executive powers to immediately begin reversing the harm wrought by the outgoing administration…” on the list of their demands is the elimination of the Conscience and Religious Freedom Division of HHS, claiming that it “has been weaponized to justify discrimination.”  First Liberty seeks conscience exemption  Yesterday, First Liberty Institute sent a letter to the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) demanding that it immediately approve senior Marcail McBride’s request for a religious accommodation exempting her from the school’s student gender and sexuality program. IMSA requires students to complete the student gender and sexuality program before graduation. Students must agree to both “stay engaged” and “experience discomfort” while participating in the program, which uses sexual language to identify sexual preferences and gender identity. In November, Marcail’s parents notified IMSA leadership that Marcail could not participate in the program because it forces Marcail to violate her religious beliefs. The IMSA leadership repeatedly denied the McBride’s request and threatened to punish Marcail if she does not participate in the program.  Court okays a Nativity Scene  The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of a Nativity Scene displayed annually at the Jackson County Courthouse in Indiana. Liberty Counsel represents Jackson County. The Seventh Circuit ruled that the Nativity Scene is Constitutional under the Supreme Court’s recent decision in American Legion v. American Humanist Association, which upheld the Peace Cross in Maryland. The Seventh Circuit wrote, “applying American Legion, we conclude that the county’s Nativity Scene is Constitutional because it fits within a long national tradition of using the Nativity Scene in broader holiday displays to celebrate the origins of Christmas — a public holiday. 

In today's News: Concordia Irvine raises $100 million  Concordia University, Irvine yesterday announced the successful completion of its comprehensive campaign exceeding $100 million and surpassing its original goal of $85 million, making it the largest campaign in the University’s history. Launched in 2013, Forward in Faith — The Campaign for Concordia focused on new facilities, scholarships, academic programs and the University’s endowment. More than 10,000 donors — made up of alumni, parents, churches and community members — contributed to the record-breaking campaign that exceeded $100 million through private donations.  Pro-life Lutherans rally at Seminary  On a cold and windy Saturday afternoon in mid-January, Lutherans and other pro-life allies gathered in their cars on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., to show support for the sanctity of human life. The Jan. 16 event, sponsored by LCMS Life Ministry, was one stop on the March for Life Chicago’s “Moving the Movement Tour,” which connected participants across five Midwestern states in a series of pro-life car rallies and caravans. Following the rally, the cars — led by the March for Life Chicago van and decorated with signs and flags — caravanned through Fort Wayne ending at the Allen County Courthouse. The Fort Wayne “Moving the Movement” event was hosted by LCMS Life Ministry and organized with the help of Right to Life of Northeast Indiana, formerly Allen County Right to Life, in addition to the March for Life Chicago. The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, LCMS president, spoke at the beginning of the rally, which was broadcast locally over the radio and worldwide online. Participants tuned in from their cars and honked their horns where, previously, they would have cheered and clapped.  Ohio abortion center injures woman  According to pro-life watchdog group Operation Rescue, an ambulance was called to the Women’s Med Dayton abortion business on Jan. 13 for a woman who was suffering from heavy bleeding following an abortion. The abortion center has a history of injuring women. The 24-year-old woman reportedly required “urgent” transportation to the Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, for medical assistance that the abortionist was not able to provide. Abortionist Jeanne Corwin was present at the facility at the time of the botched abortion. The facility is owned by Martin Haskell, who is known for creating the now federally outlawed partial-birth abortion procedure.  Army chaplain investigated for stand on transgenders  A U.S. Army chaplain based in Texas faces an investigation after he made a social media post suggesting that transgender individuals are “mentally unfit” to serve in the military. In a Jan. 26 tweet, the Army’s Security Force Assistance Command announced that “the recent comments posted to the Army Times Facebook page by Maj. Andrew Calvert regarding President Joe Biden's policy on transgender service members are “under investigation.” A Twitter user flagged Calvert's posts and argued that Calvert "cannot be trusted to support soldiers for another minute." In his post, Calvert argued that there is "little difference" between those who believe in transgenderism and "those who believe and argue for a ‘flat earth' despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary." 

In today's News: Concordia NY campus will close  On Jan. 28, Concordia College New York, Bronxville, N.Y., and Iona College, New Rochelle, N.Y., issued a joint news release detailing the closure of Concordia, Bronxville, in the fall of 2021. The release “announced the institutions are proceeding with a formal agreement for Iona College to acquire Concordia’s Bronxville campus and provide continued education for Concordia’s students through a teach-out plan, enabling most students to continue their degrees to completion at Iona. Concordia College New York classes will cease beginning with the fall 2021 semester and the college will close.” Concordia, Bronxville, though a separate legal entity governed by the Board of Regents, is part of the Concordia University System and, as such, has been an important part of the mission and ministry of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). The impact of the Concordia, Bronxville, closure will be felt by the entire LCMS community. LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison said, “Today our hearts are heavy at the news of the coming closure of Concordia College New York. For 140 years, its graduates have served — and are serving the church and the world — in God-pleasing vocations around the globe.  Virginia adoption agencies under threat  A bill introduced in the Virginia House would repeal a provision that allows certain state adoption agencies to refuse to place children with homosexual couples because of the agencies’ religious or moral convictions. The bill was introduced by House Del. Mark H. Levine and several other Assembly members on Jan. 13. According to the pro-LGBTQ Movement Advancement Project, Virginia is one of 11 states that allows adoption agencies to deny the placement of children with families or same-sex couples that conflict with their religious beliefs. It is legal for single LGBT persons and gay couples to adopt in Virginia, and numerous adoptions agencies provide the service.  Facebook suspends Christian professor  A Christian university professor has been suspended from Facebook for voicing disagreement with President Joe Biden’s executive order allowing gender confused individuals to serve in the U.S. military. Robert Gagnon, who teaches New Testament theology at Houston Baptist University and is a renowned scholar on the subject of sexuality, was locked out of his Facebook account for 24 hours on Tuesday after he posted a comment in defense of a friend who posted a satirical commentary about Biden's executive order. Facebook suspended Gagnon's account for what it deemed as “incitement” to violence. In his post, Gagnon said the executive order will endanger women and noted that those who promote transgenderism are allowing males to invade women’s athletics and shelters. He also likened transgender ideology to a “religious cult” and said it “is indeed a pseudo-science,” in that it forces people to reject basic biology. That Facebook suspended his friend for similar comments proves the cult-like dimension, he said. 

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. “See that you excel in this act of grace (giving) also.”  Paul highlights the generosity of the Macedonian churches to encourage the Corinthian church to be generous to the poor saints in Jerusalem.  To be generous is an act of grace which flows from the grace of God in Christ who, though he was rich, yet for your sake became poor.  “O Lord, grant us a generous heart for the poor that flows from the generosity we have from You.  Grant our churches a merciful heart to love and care for our neighbors.  In Christ, Amen” 

In today's News: LCMS may delay conventions  COVID-19 continues to impact both the world and the work of the church. Due to ongoing effects of the pandemic, some LCMS district presidents have expressed uncertainty that their district conventions will be able to convene at all during 2021. The LCMS Council of Presidents voted unanimously at their November 2020 meeting to encourage Lcms President The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison to put before congregations a proposal as per LCMS constitution to delay the 2022 Synod convention one year to 2023, thus extending the window for district conventions to include the calendar year 2022. Harrison also consulted with The Synod Board of Directors. The participation of each LCMS congregation in this deliberation and decision is vital as the Synod navigates this historic vote. While congregations can begin considering the issue immediately, instructions on the electronic voting process will be sent to member congregations by mail early in January; the vote, which requires participation of at least one quarter of the synod’s congregations, will conclude Feb. 15.  A House body considers funding abortion  Today, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies is holding a virtual hearing to discuss the Hyde Amendment, which forbids federal tax dollars from being used to pay for abortion through the federal Medicaid program. The Hyde amendment is a rider that has been added to the House appropriations bill every year since it was first passed on Sept. 30, 1976. Every president since then has supported it, and it is credited with saving at least 2.4-million lives from abortion. Today’s hearing includes four witnesses, with only one being pro-life — Christina Bennett, communications director for the Family Institute of Connecticut.  Biden picks pro-abortion Cabinet Secretary  Presumed President-Elect Joe Biden has nominated California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to serve as secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services. Becerra, who has no experience in health care, is known for his hostility towards pro-life activists. As California’s attorney general, Becerra was preceded by Biden’s pick for vice president, Kamala Harris. Together, Becerra and Harris persecuted pro-lifers, with David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt as the most notable examples. As lead investigators for the Center for Medical Progress, Daleiden and Merritt exposed Planned Parenthood’s participation in the illegal trafficking of aborted baby body parts.  Hawaii court hears atheist case  A Hawaiian court has heard arguments in a lawsuit brought by two atheist activists accusing two churches of not properly compensating local public schools for using their facilities. Last Friday, Calvary Chapel Central Oahu and One Love Ministries went before a state trial court to argue that they lawfully compensated the schools they met in on weekends. The two churches were represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative law firm that has argued religious liberty cases before The United States Supreme Court. 

In today's News: Lutherans prepare for the March For Life As they have for decades, members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) will march for life in 2021. One such event is the Chicago March For Life, which recently announced plans to take this year’s March On The Road. The “moving the movement tour” is designed to “build unity, community and the pro-life future” by connecting participants in 10 states in a series of car parades, outdoor rallies and supportive events across the Midwest, culminating in Chicago on Jan. 23. In doing so, march for life Chicago — planned by the organization WEDIGNIFY — says they hope to encourage their tour partners, whom they are calling the “Midwest overs,” to “witness, inspire and serve” the cause of life in their respective communities. One such “Midwest Mover” event will be in Fort Wayne, Ind., on Jan. 16, 2021. Details are still being finalized, but LCMS President The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison will be a featured speaker at the event. As in previous years, the Synod will have a presence at the National March For Life in Washington, D.C., set for Friday, Jan. 29. Also, as in previous years, there will be a divine service for lcms participants held before the march at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Alexandria, Va., at 9 a.m. Senator calls for unrestricted abortion Sen. Elizabeth Warren joined Massachusetts abortion activists Tuesday in urging the state to pass a radical bill that would legalize the killing of unborn babies in abortions through all nine months of pregnancy. The pro-abortion Democrat senator stoked up fear during the online pro-abortion rally, warning that the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett could lead to more abortion restrictions, The Boston Globe reports. She urged the state legislature to pass the Roe Act, which would eliminate basically all restrictions on abortion in Massachusetts. It would allow abortions through all nine months of pregnancy, even if there is no physical threat to the mother and eliminate the state parental consent requirement for underage girls. It also would allow “passive infanticide” by eliminating a requirement to provide medical care to a baby who is born alive after an abortion. Planned Parenthood confronted on its racism A group of black pro-life activists have filed a racial discrimination claim against Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the United States. The National Black Pro-Life Coalition, an organization that hopes to “end abortion by restoring a culture of life and the foundation of family in the black community,” announced that it filed a claim against Planned Parenthood with The Office Of Civil Rights in The U.S. Department of Health And Human Services. The suit comes nearly two months after more than 120 African Americans signed a letter to Planned Parenthood, urging the organization to “confront its racist founding, mission and practices.” Planned Parenthood was founded more than a century ago by Margaret Sanger, a eugenicist who wanted to control the black population. Sanger was among the women honored in The Smithsonian Museum of American History’s temporary “girlhood” exhibit created in honor of the 100th anniversary of women receiving the right to vote. Sanger’s presence in the exhibit reflects her reputation as a feminist icon seen as a pioneer of women’s rights and liberation.

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of the LCMS, joins Andy and Sarah during our series on hobbies to talk about his love of collecting old books and doing German translation, what he finds exciting and challenging about doing this work, and what we can learn from these written words of our Lutheran history. Find all the episodes in our series on hobbies at kfuo.org/tag/hobbies.

In today's News: The LCMS examines pandemic's impact on Synod 2020 has been an unpredictable year, and the long-term repercussions of the covid-19 pandemic are only just starting to emerge. In an effort to begin to examine the pandemic’s impact on the Synod, LCMS Rosters, Statistics and Research Services sent a survey to every congregation with a valid email address — 4,787 in total — in June. More than 1,200 congregations responded, providing a representative sampling of what’s going on in congregations of every size, district and community type such as urban, suburban or rural. While many of the survey results are in line with what one might expect, there were a few surprises and bright spots regarding congregational finances and the Synod’s ability to walk together during difficult times. There’s no question that the pandemic has taken a financial toll on many Americans, who may have been laid off or furloughed during the shutdown. Based on the survey results, LCMS Rosters, Statistics and Research Services estimates that nearly 65,000 LCMS households have lost income. And yet, early signs suggest that this situation and the economic upheaval it has caused may be less severe for churches than originally thought. Most congregations have not had giving decrease due to the pandemic. Less than 12 percent say that it is down significantly, while more than 25 percent report that giving is actually up from the previous year. “I was encouraged by the overall resilience of our congregations and their determination to continue to proclaim Christ come what may,” LCMS President the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison said of the results. “and despite the challenges, the evidence of collegiality and trust in circuit, district and Synod is a blessing in our life together.” Restraining order against California church is denied In California Superior Court, Judge Mitchell Beckloff issued a five-page opinion, County of Los Angeles et al. V. Grace Community Church et al., Denying the County of Los Angeles’ renewed application for a temporary restraining order against the church and Pastor John MacArthur. Thomas More Society attorneys are defending the pastor and his congregation against an aggressive assault by the county over the right to hold indoor worship services. In an analysis of the prior proceedings, the court held that the county’s attempt to obtain a restraining order did not meet statutory requirements and that the court of appeal’s order did not justify a new temporary restraining order; rather, it simply stayed Judge Chalfant’s Aug. 14 order and gave the county permission to enforce its own health order. More children are finding adoptive homes The number of children in the U.S. foster care system has dropped for a second year in a row, and a record number of children in the child welfare system were able to find adoptive homes, according to new federal data released Monday. The annual report from the Department of Health and Human Services counted about 424,000 children in foster care as of Sept. 30, 2019, down from about 435,000 a year earlier.

In today's News: Governor vows to fight for ‘heartbeat law’ Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee promised Tuesday to do “whatever it takes” to defend unborn babies from a lawsuit filed by several prominent pro-abortion groups. On Monday, the pro-life republican signed a broad pro-life law to protect unborn babies from abortions once their heartbeats are detectable, about six weeks of pregnancy. However, a judge blocked the law just 45 minutes later after Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and The Center for Reproductive Rights sued. Responding to the lawsuit, Lee said he is committed to defending the law in court, the AP reports. The pro-life legislation includes informed consent measures as well. It requires abortion facilities to inform women about the abortion pill reversal procedure and the size and gestational age of their unborn babies. It also requires abortion facilities to allow the mother to hear her unborn baby’s heartbeat and see the baby on an ultrasound. Lutherans worldwide keep the faith As people across the globe struggle with the effects of the covid-19 pandemic, confessional Lutherans are reaching out with the comfort of the Gospel and practical care. Since April, the International Lutheran Council (ILC) has been chronicling the response of member church bodies around the world in a series of reports at the ILC website. To date, the ILC has highlighted the response of 24 Lutheran church bodies across the globe, including churches in Argentina, Australia And New Zealand, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, India, Japan, Nicaragua, The Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Sweden, South Africa, South Sudan, Togo, the United Kingdom and the United States. Many of these nations have restricted church gatherings to limit the spread of the coronavirus. In response, churches have acted quickly to provide online resources for members during the pandemic — through livestreamed worship services, downloadable devotional resources and social media outreach. Life Ministry director is installed Deaconess Tiffany Manor joined the Office of National Mission as director of LCMS Life Ministry on April 14, but due to covid-19 restrictions, her installation was delayed until June 12. LCMS President the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison preached for the installation on John 3:1–17, telling Manor, “You come at an interesting moment. … the Lord will bless. He will give you everything you need.” Manor is married to the Rev. Jonathan Manor, pastor of Lutheran Church of the Savior in Bedford, Mass., and they have four children. She enjoys walking, crafts, swimming, kayaking and “all things water.” The Manors are expecting their first grandchild in November.

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy during Sharathon 2020 to talk about why the LCMS has a radio station/broadcast ministry, why hearing God's Word on a daily basis is important to the Christian life, and why listeners should support KFUO Radio. Give now at kfuo.org/sharathon.

In today's News: LCMS head condemns racism “God's word rejects racism,” says Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod President The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison in a statement in the wake the killing of George Floyd and the riots that followed. Harrison quoted Bible verses stressing the evil of racial discrimination evil that produces only hatred and anger. Harrison called prayers, but also says more is needed. He quotes Micah 6:8, “He has told you, o man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Harrison's full statement my be read online at lcms.org. Faith-based foster care receives legal help Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing faith-based adoption and foster-care providers in New York and Michigan filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the U.S. Supreme Court yesterday in support of a Catholic adoption agency in Philadelphia. The brief filed in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia argues the Constitution prevents governments from banning faith-based providers over disagreement about the meaning and importance of marriage. The brief also argues that, to prevent abuses by lower courts, the Supreme Court should reaffirm that government interests must be truly compelling to justify interfering with religious freedom. “every child in need of a forever home deserves the chance to be adopted or cared for by a foster family. That’s what it means to keep kids first,” said ADF legal counsel Chris Schandevel.  Facebook bans group A Facebook group started by a woman dedicated to ending drag queen story hour was kicked off Facebook this week for the third time. Anna Hall Bohach, founder of 500 Mom Strong, told LifeSiteNews yesterday that the grassroots group’s Facebook page was removed on Monday because it was deemed “transphobic,” just like the other 500 Mom Strong pages Facebook had previously removed. The first page, also called 500 Mom Strong, disappeared last July 19. The second, 500 Mom Stronger, was taken down this February. A company spokesperson for Facebook told LifeSiteNews yesterday that the third 500 Mom Strong page was “taken down for violating our community standards.” Bohach told LifeSiteNews that she thought it was hypocritical for Facebook to remove 500 Mom Strong’s page while allowing copycat group, 500 Drag Queen Strong, to post support for antifa. Multi-national pro-life groups protest abortion requirement A total of 434 human rights organizations from 16 countries have released a manifesto condemning the push from external groups to promote abortion in their nations during the coronavirus pandemic. The “International Manifesto for the Right to Life” was delivered to the foreign ministry offices of Costa Rica, Argentina, Peru and Ecuador. It repudiates the U.N.’S “Humanitarian Response Plan COVID-19” for Ecuador, which requires “safe, legal abortion” as a condition for aid.

In today's News: LCMS President Harrison speaks on reopenings Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod President the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison on Friday released a video statement of encouragement and resources for reopening of churches. Harrison noted that communities are in various stages of reopening in the wake of covid-19 crisis and its lockdowns. He told the faithful that we now face the challenges and the opportunities of reopening: gathering your flock back together and reaching out to your community. Harrison suggested resources are available for congregations planning reopening of services. One is the Centers For Disease Control Guidelines For Community And Faith-Based Organizations and the welcome back kit provided by the LCMS Office Of National Mission and The LCMS Communications Department. Seminary electors meet tomorrow The electors charged with calling the next president of Concordia Seminary will resume the search at a virtual meeting set for 1 p.m. CDT tomorrow. A call was extended may 16 but was declined earlier last week. Thus, in accordance with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Bylaws, the Seminary’s Board Of Regents has called this meeting of the electors and, as prescribed in the bylaws, will either reissue that call, elect another person from the remaining five finalists, create a new slate from the original assembly of nominees or issue a new call for candidates. He new president will succeed Dr. Dale A. Meyer, who will retire June 30. Missouri's last abortion facility stays open Missouri’s only abortion clinic on Friday won its legal fight to stay open, as an independent arbiter found the State’s Health Department was unjustified in denying the clinic’s application to renew its license. Missouri health officials last year declined to renew the license of the St. Louis Clinic, operated by women’s abortion provider Planned Parenthood, on the grounds that it failed to meet their safety standards. They threatened to close the clinic and make Missouri the only U.S. state without legal abortion services. The administrative hearing commissioner overruled the state on Friday after finding the Planned Parenthood clinic, “provides safe and legal abortion care.” A spokeswoman for Missouri’s Republican Governor Mike Parson said in an email the governor’s office would review the decision and consult with the State Attorney General’s Office on next steps. Pro-life advocate wins settlement Pro-life advocate Mark Mayberry will receive $50,000 in a settlement with the city of Portland, Oregon. According to Oregon Live, the settlement was approved by the Portland City Council on Wednesday and the city has admitted to violating Mayberry’s rights in June 2019 when a park ranger at Tom Mccall Waterfront Park tried to force him to leave while Mayberry was holding a pro-life sign. Mayberry was banned from the park for 30 days. When Mayberry refused to leave, the ranger issued a citation and called the police. This act was a violation of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, which states that people can’t be legally removed from public areas when engaging in free speech. Mayberry’s citation and 30-day ban were dismissed.

In today's News: LCMS President Harrison has a recorded statement LCMS President The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison has recorded a statement to the church regarding the changing situations as states and communities face reopening. This follows a letter Harrison submitted to U.S.. Attorney General Barr asking him to safeguard religious liberty. Harrison's address may be viewed on line at Vimeo, YouTube or lcms.org/freetobefaithful.   Minnesota Lutherans and Catholics will defy the governor The heads of Minnesota’s Lutheran and Catholic churches say they will defy Governor Tim Walz’s executive order and reopen on May 26 — without adhering to the requirement of no more than 10 worshipers at a given service. Becket Fund law firm released a statement early yesterday evening on behalf of the the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in Minnesota and the Minnesota Catholic Conference, citing the perceived hypocrisy of allowing retail stores, casinos, bars and restaurants to have a 50 percent capacity as a major reason to not follow the governor’s order. Both denominations say they plan to reopen with only about a third of their congregation inside during services, and they will follow social distancing guidelines. The Justice Department warns California about its church restrictions The U.S. Department of Justice has warned California Governor Gavin Newsom that his plan to reopen the state discriminates against churches and that “the Constitution calls for California to do more to accommodate religious worship and that the governor places an “unfair burden” on them that violates civil rights protections through “unequal treatment of faith communities.” In a letter to the governor, Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband, the head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, pointed out that Newsom’s plan allows a variety of businesses to reopen in “stage 2,” but does not allow churches and other houses of worship to reopen until “stage 3.” Dreiband stated that Newsom should allow some in-person worship under the current second phase of his four-part reopening plan. Currently, restaurants and other secular businesses are being allowed to reopen under social distancing guidelines but not churches, which are limited to online and similar services. A coalition of about 3,000 California pastors are committed to beginning in-person services on Pentecost, which is on May 31. Pentecost is the seventh sunday after Easter, and it marks the birth of the Christian church when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and followers of Jesus. Two senators are demanding Planned Parenthood return $80 million Lawmakers and pro-lifers slammed Planned Parenthood following a report from Fox News saying that the nation’s largest abortion provider applied for and received over $80 million in coronavirus funding. Fox News Tucker Carlson Tonight reported Tuesday evening that 37 Planned Parenthood affiliates applied for and received a total of $80 million in coronavirus funding loans from the Paycheck Protection Program. Senators. Marco Rubio of Florida and Josh Hawley of Missouri both called for Planned Parenthood to immediately return the funds in statements following the Tuesday night report.

In today's News: LCMS President Harrison asks the Attorney General to protect religious liberty LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison wrote a letter to the U.S. Attorney general in defense of religious liberties. This letter is in concert with the work of several LCMS district presidents who have addressed officials concerning the role of government and the church. The district presidents of Illinois wrote a letter to their governor regarding recent plans for reopening, which they believe are unnecessarily restrictive on church-affiliated bodies. The LCMS has 500 congregations and 115 schools in Illinois. A Maine congregation wants meeting restrictions lifted Calvary Chapel of Bangor, Maine, filed an emergency injunction to the First Circuit Court of Appeals pending an appeal regarding the lawsuit against Governor Janet Mills’ orders that discriminate against churches and prohibit in-person and drive-in worship services. Under the governor’s orders, no religious gatherings are permitted, including parking lot services. Mills said that churches will only be allowed to meet in small numbers when she is satisfied with the “metrics,” and when that happens, she will require churches to apply to re-open. Approved churches will then need to display a “badge” at the front door signifying they are approved to open. However, Mills has no process in place now to begin the approval process and no application for the churches. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia is commended First Liberty Institute commended United States Department Of Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia for issuing a directive and new guidance that protects religious liberty for faith-based organizations that partner with the federal government. The secretary’s actions reflect principles implemented by president Trump’s executive order 13798, “promoting free speech and religious liberty.” Religious organizations, like their secular counterparts, provide essential services desirable to federal agencies through government contracts. $80 million in relief funds went to Planned Parenthood According to a Fox News report, $80 million in stimulus funds intended to help small businesses struggling through coronavirus economic hardship have gone instead to Planned Parenthood, the multi-billion dollar abortion business. Under the Cares Act’s Paycheck Protection Program, Congress allocated $349 billion in federal funds to provide assistance to small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. In August 2019, Planned Parenthood rejected Title X federal funding after the Tump administration’s rules required abortion facilities to fiscally and physically separate family planning services from abortion, organizations like Planned Parenthood and its affiliates are ineligible to receive the PPP relief funds under affiliation rules established by the Small Business Administration.

Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, President of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about the sainted Rev. Dr. Karl Barth's service to the seminary, the legacy he leaves at the institution, and how the Lord uses the seminary and parish to form pastors who lead boldly and faithfully. Read the news release from Concordia Seminary at csl.edu/2020/02/seminary-president-emeritus-barth-enters-rest. In addition, hear from Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison as he reflects on Dr. Barth's passing into eternal glory.

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison gives today’s sermon based on 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 on the occasion of the retirement of The Rev. Dr. Herbert C. Mueller, Jr., First Vice President of the LCMS.

In today’s News: The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison wins a fourth three-year term as LCMS president A university wants pregnant women to smoke marijuana as an experiment North Dakota abortion supporters challenge the state’s laws California calls biblical views on sexuality ‘ineffective, unethical and harmful’

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what “Joy:fully Lutheran” means, how viewing the Small Catechism through a joyful lens can help us see these tenets of faith in a new light, and how praying the catechism has changed him. Find President Harrison's book at cph.org/joyfullylutheran and read stories about joyful Lutherans across the LCMS at joyfullylutheran.org.

The Coffee Hour went on the road to the 2019 March for Life in Washington, D.C.! In this episode, Sarah Gulseth presents reflections and conversations from her time at the March, including conversations with the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison— President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; the Rev. Dr. Al Espinosa— senior pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Irvine, California; the Rev. Michael Salemink— Executive Director of Lutherans for Life; the Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz— Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty; and Jeaneen Wyly— teacher at Lutheran High School Westland in Westland, Michigan.

In today’s News: Statement by LCMS President the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison on abortion

Host Kip Allen discusses the role of the LCMS in the Right To Life movement with representatives from the Communications Department and also the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

00:00 - Introduction 03:55 - Free-for-All (Attending the Here We Still Stand Conference) 19:20 - Main Topic (Bo Giertz's Commentary on Romans) On episode SEVENTY-SEVEN of Let the Bird Fly! Wade and Peter sit down with Rev. Bror Erickson at the 2018 He We Still Stand conference put on by 1517.org. We are excited to welcome Rev. Erickson back to the show to discuss another of his translations of Bo Giertz's work: Romans: A Devotional Commentary. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to sit down with Rev. Erickson during some down-time at the conference, and grateful he was willing to join us once again. We have previously discussed Bo Giertz with Bror on Episode 50 and Episode 51, and Bror also joined us on Episode 75 to discuss Herman Sasse. We hope you'll enjoy this third installment of Giertz as much as we did. If you're interested in books translated or edited by Bror, here's a list of a few of them: Bo Giertz Romans: A Devotional Commentary Then Fell the Lord’s Fire The Knights of Rhodes With My Own Eyes To Live with Christ: Devotions by Bo Giertz translated by Richard Wood with Bror Erickson Hermann Sasse Then Fell the Lord’s Fire Witness The Journal Articles of Hermann Sasse edited by Matthew C. Harrison and Bror Erickson The 1517 Podcast Network has a new series called The Soul of Christianity, that you should check out. It's a 12 part series on the Apostle's Creed, which is hosted by Debi Winrich and Dan van Voorhis. And while you're at it, make sure to check out all the great podcast in the 1517 Podcast Network. And as always, if you are enjoying the show, please subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or TuneIn Radio. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. And, of course, share us with a friend or two! If you’d like to contact us we can be reached at podcast@LetTheBirdFly.com, or visit our website at www.LetTheBirdFly.com. Thanks for listening! Attributions for Music used in this Episode: “The Last One” by Jahzzar is licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License. “Gib laut” by Dirk Becker is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (aka Music Sharing) 3.0 International License. “Whistling Down the Road” by Silent Partner “Not Drunk” by The Joy Drops is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.

00:00 - Introduction 02:41 - Scripture Narrative (Reading from With My Own Eyes) 06:13 - Free-for-All (Favorite Childhood Toys) 22:11 - Main Topic (With My Own Eyes) On episode FIFTY-ONE of Let the Bird Fly! Rev. Bror Erickson joins the guys once again via Skype to discuss the Swedish Bishop Bo Giertz. On the episode 50 Pastor Erickson joined us to discuss what led him to begin translating some of Bo Giertz’s works. This time he joins us to talk about one of those works in particular. Once again instead of the normal Scripture Narrative, Wade reads a selection from one of Rev. Erickson’s translations. This time it is from With My Own Eyes, which also serves as the main topic for this episode. They also find a way to talk about favorite childhood toys, which is sort of a metaphor for what the Free-for-All is anyway. If you are familiar with Bo Giertz, it is most likely through The Hammer of God. What you may not know is that Bo Giertz was a rather prolific author, but very little has been translated into English. Thanks to our guest, however, that has been changing. If you’d like more from Bror, you can check out his posts at 1517. The Legacy Project, as well as his personal blog and if you find yourself in Farmington, NM, you can find him pastoring at Zion Lutheran Church. Books translated or edited by Bror: Bo Giertz Then Fell the Lord’s Fire Romans: A Devotional Commentary The Knights of Rhodes With My Own Eyes To Live with Christ: Devotions by Bo Giertz translated by Richard Wood with Bror Erickson Hermann Sasse Then Fell the Lord’s Fire Witness The Journal Articles of Hermann Sasse edited by Matthew C. Harrison and Bror Erickson And as always, if you are enjoying the show, please subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or TuneIn Radio. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. And, of course, share us with a friend or two! If you’d like to contact us we can be reached at podcast@LetTheBirdFly.com, or visit our website at www.LetTheBirdFly.com. Thanks for listening! Attributions for Music used in this Episode: “The Last One” by Jahzzar is licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License. “Horses to Water” by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena “Gib laut” by Dirk Becker is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (aka Music Sharing) 3.0 International License. “Whistling Down the Road” by Silent Partner “Not Drunk” by The Joy Drops is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License. 

00:00 - Introduction 01:58 - Scripture Narrative (Reading from Then Fell the Lord’s Fire) 09:59 - Free-for-All (Favorite Hobbies/Pastimes) 26:16 - Main Topic (Bo Giertz, In Translation) On episode FIFTY of Let the Bird Fly! Wade and Peter welcome Rev. Bror Erickson via Skype to discuss the Swedish Bishop Bo Giertz. Pastor Erickson is the pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Farmington, NM and has been translating works of Bo Giertz (as well as others) for a number of years and sat down with the guys to discuss the famous Swedish Bishop, in what we hope is a bit of a primer for future episodes where Rev. Erickson will discuss specific works of Giertz’s that he has translated. Instead of the normal Scripture Narrative, Wade reads an ordination sermon of Giertz’s that is translated by Rev. Erickson in Then Fell the Lord’s Fire. In the Free-for-All we find out that Wade and Peter are far more boring than Bror (which may surprise exactly zero regular listeners), but Wade does hatch a plan to take over Mike’s garage, so it wasn’t a total loss for the guys. If you are familiar with Bo Giertz, it is most likely through The Hammer of God. What you may not know is that Bo Giertz was a rather prolific author, but very little has been translated into English. Thanks to our guest, however, that has been changing. We hope to have Rev. Erickson on again to discuss some of the specific works that he’s translated, but in this episode we ask Rev. Erickson to introduce us a bit to Bo Giertz, and himself. (And if you’re looking for a glimpse at Bror’s kokopelli that Wade mentions during the episode, you can sneak a peek on the video he has on his Amazon author page.) If you’d like more from Bror, check out his posts at 1517. The Legacy Project, as well as his personal blog. Books translated or edited by Bror: Bo Giertz Then Fell the Lord’s Fire Romans: A Devotional Commentary The Knights of Rhodes With My Own Eyes To Live with Christ: Devotions by Bo Giertz translated by Richard Wood with Bror Erickson Hermann Sasse Then Fell the Lord’s Fire Witness The Journal Articles of Hermann Sasse edited by Matthew C. Harrison and Bror Erickson And as always, if you are enjoying the show, please subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or TuneIn Radio. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. And, of course, share us with a friend or two! If you’d like to contact us we can be reached at podcast@LetTheBirdFly.com, or visit our website at www.LetTheBirdFly.com. Thanks for listening! Attributions for Music used in this Episode: “The Last One” by Jahzzar is licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License. “Horses to Water” by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena “Gib laut” by Dirk Becker is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (aka Music Sharing) 3.0 International License. “Whistling Down the Road” by Silent Partner “Not Drunk” by The Joy Drops is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.