Dear Partners in Ministry:

Three areas of comment connecting with several recent topics of conversation....

At last week's synod council meeting, we did follow-up work on the synod assembly-- moving the resolutions forward, noting evaluative comments, thinking about our time together. Two quick comments:

First, a huge word of thanks to all those who make these days meaningful.This year, like other years, when assembly manager Beth Helgen asked for people to take on tasks, there was quick and efficient response. One mark of being church together is living that kind of on-the-ground work, and we're grateful.

Second, it was good to focus this year on our witness as God's people in the world. The presentations by Diana Butler Bass were stimulating, and many reported appreciation for the lively discussions that came about around tables. The changing nature of "the ends of the earth" brings our mission challenge to our doorstep. We gathered, this year, to immerse ourselves in the shape of effective mission rather than divisive issues. It was good! 

Mission Support: The work we do together

In a number of conversations, we've been lifting up the challenge of living robustly as the church in hard economic times. The economy shows signs of being on the rise, but recovery of financial strength comes slowly. We have been encouraged by the levels of mission support congregations reported as their commitments for 2010, but the actual income is lagging, and ministries are in jeopardy both locally and nationally. Our church's ability to launch new ministries and be strong global partners, to name just two examples, is weakened when mission support lags. Another sign of our commitment to a healthy life together is remembering these challenges and commitments. I'm grateful for the leadership so many of you give to this priority.

Pioneer Press article about King of Kings Lutheran Church

We have received a number of inquiries since the June 16 Pioneer Press ran a front-page article about King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury. I normally don't speak to internal congregational matters, but since the public media attention has raised questions from a number of you as well as parishioners puzzled by the article, it seems appropriate and, I hope, helpful to say a few things.

I regret when congregational conflict is played out in the media. These matters are complex, and newspapers and their reporters operate under limitations of time and space. A matter like this one involves the complexity of congregational life and the polity of the ELCA. In limited space, quotes from a few people may be accurate, but an understanding of the whole picture may be over-simplified or incorrectly characterized. I believe that happened in this article. For the audience of this e-letter, more familiar with congregational life in our church, I trust the comments that follow can be helpful. What I say here was said publically at King of Kings at the June 6 congregational meeting, which was referenced in the news article.

Last fall the church council of King of Kings raised concerns about Pastor Ralph Olsen's leadership, both in conversations with him and, subsequently, with me. None of these concerns had to do with misconduct or discipline issues, and I explained constitutional procedures regarding "ineffective conduct of the pastoral office," a provision that permits the church council to address concerns about a pastor's leadership, relationships with staff, and other matters that might imperil the effective functioning of a congregation.

In January the council asked for the appointment of a synodical consultation committee to explore these concerns and make recommendations. The three-person committee--made up of two pastors and a layperson--met with all three pastors, the staff, and council. They invited input from the congregation in general and heard from over 100 people in the process. The committee's recommendations in early April identified several issues creating tension in the congregation, made suggestions for addressing them, and specifically proposed shifting pastoral leadership in the congregation. Once such a committee completes its work, the recommendations are then in the hands of the pastor and congregational leadership to consider.

Over the next several weeks, negotiations continued as council leadership, Pastor Olsen, and others sought to resolve the matter or to arrange for a transition in pastoral leadership. A congregational meeting was called for June 6. In the days prior to the meeting, an agreement was reached in which Pastor David Stark, director of Changing Church Forum, would assume leadership of the staff and work with the council to develop plans for the future. In addition, Pastor Olsen would receive a sabbatical and other leave time, and on June 1, 2011 become Pastor Emeritus. Pastor Olsen, David Stark, and council leadership worked hard in several separate meetings to craft a resolution that would position King of Kings for future ministry and honor the ministry of Pastor Olsen.

The congregation was made aware of the recommendations of the consultation committee a week prior to the June 6 meeting. At the meeting, these background events were explained, and David Stark made a presentation about the changing patterns of congregations and leadership. Pastor Olsen and the council both endorsed the proposal and asked the congregation to ratify the agreement.

Council leadership affirmed--and it should be repeated--that the actions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly regarding sexuality issues were not the driving issues for these decisions. The diverse opinions around those decisions were identified by the consultation committee as matters to be addressed (as has been the case in many congregations), but the actions were not the reason for Pastor Olsen's departure, in spite of some statements that have surfaced in the media.

I lament the tendency to choose sides in congregational conflict, to identify heroes and villains, and to lay blame. I've been involved in matters like this long enough to know that congregational conflict is complicated and rarely one-sided. Faithful people, all of whom desire the best possible future for the congregation, can reach a variety of conclusions about decisions made by elected leadership. Pastor Olsen's ministry--he was the founding pastor and has been present for the growth of this congregation to its current membership of around 4,000--has been robust, gifted, supportive of the whole of the ELCA, and life-giving for countless congregational members and beyond. Likewise, council leadership has sought to exercise its responsibility for oversight of the congregation's ministry. 

Any of you involved in mediation or complex personnel matters understand that agreements that serve the greater good are rarely agreements for which anyone is fully satisfied. In addition, not all information available to leadership and parties involved can be made public because of confidentiality issues. Such confidentiality prevents those not directly involved from understanding why such decisions were made about a pastor who has been so important to their faith journey and for whom many have such deep and affectionate bonds. The greater good for King of Kings is that this agreement provides the best possible opportunity for a healthy next chapter in the life of this congregation.

I am hopeful that Pastor Olsen will use the sabbatical leave provided for much needed rest and reflection on how he can continue to use his gifts in the church. I believe David Stark will help council leadership imagine and create a new future at King of Kings. I am confident that Pastor Jon Larson and Pastor Liz Eide will provide solid, faith-filled leadership in the months ahead. I look forward to continued partnership with this congregation as we all go about furthering God's mission in the world.

Grace and peace,

Peter Rogness

Bishop