Learn and Discern: Disagreeing Well, Grounded in Christ

When disagreement reaches deeply into faith and conscience, what holds a church together? In week four of our series, “Disagreeing Well, Grounded by the Gospel” explores this question with the Rev. Dr. Laurie Jungling, the Rev. Dr. John Roth, and host Mitch McCartney. Listening time: 23 minutes, available anytime.

The episode considers why Christians reach different conclusions, including how we interpret Scripture and draw on tradition, reason, experience, and ethical reflection. The guests locate the church’s unity in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and God’s grace.

For members of our synod who feel unsettled, hurt, or uncertain about their future in the ELCA, these questions are personal. An invitation to conversation must make room for that honesty. It also calls us to hear those whose experiences of the church differ from our own.

Humility makes room to acknowledge that we may not fully understand another person’s convictions or the burdens they carry. Shared faith gives us reason to keep listening.

This week’s invitation: In your next conversation, try summarizing the other person’s concern and asking, Have I understood you? Give understanding time before offering a response.

The ELCA’s Conscience and Conversation study offers further opportunities for reflection. Review the reconsideration process or catch up on the podcast series.

Next week, we conclude with practices for faithful, courageous conversation.