ELCA Assembly Hears Chaplain Thank Church for Privilege to Serve

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- A Lutheran military chaplain termed it "a
privilege to receive ... affirmation on behalf of all federal
chaplains," as he received a standing ovation today from the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide
Assembly.
The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of
the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 6-11at Navy Pier's Festival Hall.
About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,071 ELCA voting
members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Living in God's
Amazing Grace: Thanks be to God!"
The Rev. Peter Muschinske, who returned this past spring
from a 15-month active-duty stint in Iraq, accepted a call to
serve as an ELCA chaplain in the United States Navy in May. He
also quipped about the weather, in regard to the assembly theme.
"On behalf of those who serve in places like Guam and Qatar,
the Horn of Africa, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq, you have to
forgive me if I don't thank you for the warmth. But I say to you
that 90 degrees and a bit of rain - that is living in God's
amazing grace."
He noted that ELCA chaplains of the various U.S. military
branches "are sent around the world to advise commanders at all
levels, to provide for the free practice of religion for people
of all faith, to lead in challenging [military personnel] to
behave in ethical manners - even under the conductions of war,
and to counsel and care for members of the military and their
families, and civilians in many nations."
Muschinske related several experiences about when he was
deployed to illustrate aspects of chaplaincy ministry.
For instance, he spoke of a construction battalion he had
accompanied that was the first in the province to drill for,
discover, and pump potable water from below the sand.
"Some of these might have been seeking the living water
that is Jesus Christ," Muschinske said. "Do you suppose that
chaplains might be the ones put in [such] circumstances to
provide living water."
He observed that he has "known and worked beside outstanding
chaplains of many faith groups and denominations. I've also known
and recognized that despite our debate on what is distinct about
Lutheranism, we bring unique gifts and qualities, experiences,
and an education to this ministry."
Muschinske thanked the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding
bishop, and the Rev. Lowell Almen, ELCA secretary, for the church
"pursuing peace in every way possible" and said that "we have
learned our lesson well ... that no matter what our position on
policy, we still will be able to support those who are following
orders and oftentimes going into harm's way.
"I thank you for finding ways to support service members and
their families."
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Information about the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly can be
found at http://www.ELCA.org/assembly/ on the Web.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
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