Jaynan Clark is the president of the WordAlone Ministries, and she has gone ballistic in an email to ELCA presiding bishop Mark Hanson, which she has made public. The acerbic email is not an attempt at reasoned dialogue; instead, it is a personal attack on the ELCA leader. Clark, who famously fell to her knees during her keynote sermon to the WordAlone annual convention to beg forgiveness for not doing enough to resist the ELCA, accused Hanson and the 65 synod bishops of strong armed tactics, and her sanctimony soared when she threatened Hanson with end times judgment:
I wonder if you will enjoy as much the final ‘stage’ at the end of time when you face your Lord.
After criticizing Hanson for issuing a statement about the Israeli shooting of ten volunteers aboard a blockaded ship, Clark then blasted Hanson’s recent meeting with African Lutheran leaders in which he attempted to calm their concerns over CWA09. Clark warned the bishop to stop messing with the Africans’ demons, suggesting that for the Africans (and, presumably for herself):
Demon possession is a reality that no one tries to dismiss as impossible, pre-enlightened thought or mental illness. Spiritual warfare is real and engaged in appropriately by preaching, teaching and confessing Jesus as Lord over life and death, this world and the next, Crucified and Risen. [The Africans] don’t mess with the truth. We now are the ones sorely in need of such missionaries and evangelists in this emerging pagan land.
Brimming with false modesty, Clark insisted her rant was not about herself …
who am I to protest? … I am just a country pastor … [leader of] a lowly group of Christian, Lutheran confessors … I am nothing. I am no one. I have been treated as such by you and yours. How dare I question you and your ways? Who am I to question your judgment, your leadership? You have power. You have position. You have international voice and exposure. I have none of those and for that I thank God, literally, because they would perhaps tempt me to believe that any of this was about “me” or my importance or my personal opinions.
but, she quickly revealed her self-righteous arrogance:
A word of caution: don’t continue to make the mistake of underestimating what and whom it is you oppose with your words and deeds. It is not me. It is not WordAlone or LCMC or LCORE. You are at odds with the only “Head” and “Shepherd” the true Christian Church has ever had.
In an ironic twist of unintended self-condemnation directed at Hanson but apropos of her own schismatic organization that foments internal strife and disunion:
the ELCA has become embroiled in the worst internal conflict in its history. Congregations and members have become like sheep without a shepherd, scattered and led astray. That is not the work of the Good Shepherd but of His temporal adversary, the Wolf in sheep’s clothing and his hirelings.
Can I hear an amen, sister?
I am mindful of the lesson taught by my legal mentor during a trial many years ago when our opponent destroyed his own case with an angry, ranting, convoluted final argument. When I leaned over and asked my mentor why he didn’t object to the falsehoods and innuendo offered by the other attorney, my boss just smiled and whispered “he’s making a much better argument for our case than I possibly could.”
In the spirit of hoist on her own petard, I invite you to read Clark’s WordAlone tirade in its bombastic entirety.
Holy whoa. I think this goes beyond drama queen and borders on unhinged. I mean, I don’t know this person and I’m sincerely a little worried for her.
I agree with you, Obie – when I read her “I am/WordAlone is humble/lowly/nothing/no one” language, I’m reminded of Susan Hogan’s pet peeve at Pretty Good Lutherans. She says that truly humble people don’t refer to themselves as humble. Hogan’s reminder seems to be completely relevant when reading this e-mail.
It is sad to see such vitriol from the President of Word Alone Ministries. However, it does reflect the change in tone on the Word Alone website: from an alternative to the ELCA, to now actively encouraging congregations to leave the ELCA. This is wrong! Paul encourages us in 2 Corinthians to live our faith by building other believers up, not by tearing them down. Just because I may not agree with the ELCA does not mean they are all heretics (including Bishop Hanson).
I am a confirmed LCMS Lutheran. The past few years I’ve attended an ELCA church. After last August’s ELCA vote, our church left the ELCA and joined the LCMC. Our church is now considering joining the NALC. Frankly, I don’t want any part of a denomination associated (even indirectly) with Word Alone Ministries. I’m heading back to the LCMS. As Obie suggested above, the Word Alone President’s harangues helped make my decision an easy one.
I did read the whole article on the website and was surprised to see the word “excerpt.” This is not the whole letter she sent. Although enough of it was shocking to me. The accusations, the finger pointing, and the anger. I just wonder if this was one of those single typed letters that pastors get every now and again.
PS @Ann-Moses called himself the “humblest man in the world” 😉
@Justin
Re Moses: that line from Deuteronomy is one of the pieces of evidence that suggest Moses wasn’t the author.
Well condemning the ELCA for not blindly supporting Israel is nothing new. Dan Skogen and his Exposing the ELCA hate campaign have been using this ridiculous syllogism derived from Supporting the Middle East peace process + Not blindly giving Israel a pass on everything = supporting Islamic terrorism.
I was hoping someone with as much authority as Clark would not dabble in such ridiculous hyperbole, but once again she lowers herself to blogosphere ad hominen style accusations.
I still haven’t decided where I sit on demonic possession. Part of me thinks it is a dark ages approach to mental illness with a little bit of cautionary Fairy Tale thrown in. (*shrugs* It’s my opinion and whether or not I believe in Legion, his band of merry demons or the Tooth Fairy doesn’t really impact my journey of faith.) But is she intimating that the ELCA is not only unchurched (or whatever insult she wants to fling against the wall today) but also run by those possessed by demons? It is not only incredibly insulting, but exceptionally pathetic. Do we need to resort to primal fears to move the crowd now?
It’s even sadder because she apparently believes her own delusions.
It’s obvious to me that the ELCA leadership has shunned and ingnored her screed.It reads just to the right of deluded. Why else would be she sharing it with the blogosphere? On the surface, this woman comes across as such an incredible narcissist, she needed to create an audience because her nastigram fell on deaf ears in Chicago.
Here’s a suggestion, Jaynan: get off your cross. We need the wood elsewhere. Enough with the flouncing. Just leave once and for all since you aren’t about changing the ELCA but rather destroying from the inside out.
I think Jaynan has just struck a bad blow for Word Alone, LCMC, and CORE with her irrational letter. Correct me if I am wrong but back when I was an active Charismatic, I was led to believe that baptism gave some protection against demon possession. In Haiti, Africa, other third world countries and in some pockets of this country, people believe strongly in demons. Yesterday, I was reading the website of the Episcopal Church in New London, WI which is also a Christian healing and counseling center. I think that the stress is showing in Jaynan and I suggest she get help.
So far as Israel is concerned, I heard John Beem speak when he was our bishop about how Israel was pushing out the Christian Palestinians with their West Bank settlements.
To put things in perspective (yes I was bored at lunch) Clark uses the word “I” twice as much as God or Christ in that letter.
So what is that letter all about again?
It’s difficult to discern the need behind the vitriol here. But she clear has many unmet needs, which she is apparently not even able to identify to her own self. Thus, she chooses instead to cast a wide and violent swath of blame, irratically choosing targets, and inventing rationalizations that are neither true nor fair. Some one needs praying for.
@Dash
I don’t know Jaynan but judging from this letter and from her past performance, she seems to be blaming herself for any failures WA has had in converting ELCA congregations. I suggest that the WA people take this seriously and get her into some type of counseling. What can be a more major stress than taking on the world of Lutheranism ? If you don’t take this seriously, I fear that your cause may have a lethal flaw.
Dash, I mean my comments for the WA people.
I just reread her letter to Bishop Hanson and I find her accusing the ELCA of the same kind of skullduggery that some of us have experinced in the takeover by LCMC. It reminds me of children who won’t own up to their misdeeds but blame everyone else. Sorry Jaynan but your sad story does not touch me deeply.
I just sent off an email letter of support to Bishop Mark Hansen expressing my support for his leadership skills, love and wisdom as he shepherds the ELCA these days. I invite folks to please consider doing the same. Besides, I dislike hyper strident screeching such as that displayed by Ms. Jaynan Clark, and I want to counter it with my own much quieter voice. Perhaps you do too?
@Lilly
Thanks Lilly. I think you’re on to something. She may very well be internally blaming herself or taking on other people’s blaming toward her–for what, I don’t know, although your suggestion seems plausible–for WA “failures” to advance their agenda. Such may be driving her need to divert the target to other persons or issues. I think she could benefit from some therapy or at least training in non-violent communication; although, with her mindset, I wonder whether she’d be able to open herself to such life-giving exercises.
Anybody want her email address?
@Tony Stoutenburg
I don’t think I am the right person to address her issues. I think the rest of you Word Alone people need to decide if you want her for your spokesperson in the way she is doing it.
I am not a Word Alone member, and I agree there seems to be a good deal of “rant” to Jaynan Clark’s email. Of course, to discredit her argument based on its style is fallacious. It’s called an ad hominem attack. Included in that attack is the post’s title which belies a bit of chauvinism–unbecoming for a “liberal spirit”, but at least you did not accuse her of hysterics.
The question is, is there validity to her critique of Bishop Hanson’s work? In particular, is the matter she with which her discussion begins—the presiding bishop’s interest in foreign affairs, particularly Palestinian-Israeli relations—available for critique? Certainly anecdotally, it is curious that the word count of Bishop Hanson’s Easter 2010 message is 190 words while his June 10 critique of the Israeli attack on the flotilla almost broke the 500 mark. I wouldn’t build an argument built on that evidence alone, but there does seem to be a great deal of sympathy for the Palestinians that comes out of Chicago with little substantive declaration on the work of reconciliation or peacemaking.
Why does it matter? There is really one reason any Lutheran churchbody must step very carefully around the issue Arab/Israeli relations. It is our tradition whose namesake had some of history’s most egregious anti-Semitic quotes. And it is our tradition that holds up Bonhoeffer as a hero, but conveniently forgets the names of those thousands of Lutheran pastors and laity who eagerly claimed the Spirit was doing a new thing in the formation of the Third Reich.
Absolutely Bishop Hanson is correct in condemning violence of all sorts. But this does seem to me that this is an area in which he tends to speak too quickly and with precious little real authority.
@Lance
Thank you for pointing out the inherent chauvinism in the post title. I missed that, though I did note that one respondent apparently dismisses her ordination, referring to her as “Ms.”
@Lilly
I am fascinated Lilly by the willingness of people who have never met Jaynan to offer medical/psychological diagnoses of her.
But my point about offering her email address was simply that it is always more Christ-like to talk about someone than to talk to them. Or not.
Bye 🙂
@Tony Stoutenburg
Tony, some years ago when I ended up in couch therapy, the therapist said I would get to know myself and in getting to know myself, I would know something about other people. So when I see or hear what looks like someone has “lost”it , I recommend they get help.
On the other hand this conflict is not really different from political campaigns in the political world. If Rev Jaynan would like to be president of the new NALC or be bishop of the ELCA and try to turn it around, then that would explain her actions.
I personally go out of my way to avoid engaging someone who sends e-mails like Rev. Clark.
It’s amazing to me that any of you would defend this e-mail, especially considering the incredible level of outrage about Jon Pahl’s article in the Journal of Lutheran Ethics – which was a teeny tiny fraction as nasty as Clark’s message to Bishop Hanson. Is this really what you want the spokesperson for your organization to spend her time doing? Do you think this e-mail makes your organization look good? (It doesn’t.) If you’ve moved on from the ELCA, move on. Leave Bp. Hanson alone.
I am not a member of any Lutheran organization–simply a cult survivor who listened to thirty years of “godtalk” from various members in an organization that claimed to be the one true voice in the wilderness. It wasn’t and for the last 15 years thank God time heals all wounds.
Now, when Jaynan Clark goes on a tirade–she really seems to go.
First, anyone that is proud of their own humility should read Ben Franklin’s quote.
Secondly, anyone that believes that country music singers are the only people singing out the word of God and Gospel needs to increase weaknesses in their music appreciation. Country music, c’mon–its just regurgitated popular rock from twenty years ago, Jaynan.
Thirdly, anyone ever hear about judging not?
Fourthly, why would she blackmail–yes, the threat is in her letter excerpt–the ELCA bishop with holding the email for one week–and then releasing it to the public? Does someone want a response from Mark Hanson?
Finally, ignorance in the realm of Israel/Palestine seems to abound for “country pastors” so why would Ms. Clark have any concern over a region at war that she seems to be unfamiliar with? Has she studied politics, the military, international law?
“God help us all.” Sounds like the dieing gasp of a passenger on the Titanic. Ms. Clark should be very concerned about her world view. I haven’t even touched the whole “demon possession” argument that really needs no discussion. Someone please release this poor woman from her own prison. She needs to get away from whatever delusional element her own zeitgeist has created…seriously.
At least Anne Coulter knows she’s a joke–or does she? Anyone see some resemblances between these two?
@Rand Zacharias
Thanks Rand, I went to your site and read “Losing Your Religion”. After attending a club meeting this morning that met in my “former” church and listening to the conversation there, I think that the title might tell where I am at today.
Hi Lilly,
The one statement I could agree with Jaynan Clark revolved around “where two or three of you are–there am I” as a valid quote. God didn’t create the churches/faiths of today–these are man made. Losing your religion can be a wonderful thing–as long as your faith in “at least something ethereal going on” doesn’t destroy you.
Lutherans, Mennonites, Catholics, etc, etc–all of these major faiths are being bombarded by doubt because frankly, they just don’t seem to work as Jesus asked his disciples to work. Oops, I’ve said too much, to quote REM again. Robert Frost said, “Three words some up Life. It goes on.”
Frost suffered the loss of dozens of important people during his life–he learned the lesson that life must go on.
@Rand Zacharias
Thanks Rand. God is still with me and my internal faith is still there. Yes, life goes on and I will too.
You can learn a lot of things from Google. Now I understand a little because it seems that Jaynan did run for ELCA president a few years ago and that she may be the pastor of a church in Spokane that has 28 members.
Actually the situation at Amazing Grace LC in Spokane is rather cool. There are 28 members of AGLC, and they meet at the building of an existing congregation of the LC-MS. Every other Sunday, the LC-MS congregation meets, and is led in worship by its pastor. On alternating weekends, AGLC meets there, and Jaynan leads worship. Most folks from both congregations worship there weekly.
Blessings
TS
“Religion is about what we do for God; Christianity is about what God has done for us.” – Anon.
Now that is what I call good use of space.
“ELCA President”?
Reading Jaynan Clark’s letter, one thing that becomes very clear to me is that the conflict in the ELCA is not only about sexuality. Nor is it just about the interpretation and authority of Scripture. It is also, and perhaps primarily, a clash of world views.
Yes, she ran for the job a few years ago and lost. In the Bible Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt. Maybe it is time for Jaynan to stop looking back and lead forward. Her Facebook page shows her with big boxing gloves on.
@Lilly
Lilly, I think Lance’s point was that the ELCA does not have a president. We a Presiding Bishop and a volunteer Vice President.
Of course, but I am getting old and my memory goofs in the morning. Anyway she lost.
@Lilly
Not to put too fine a point on it, but technically no one runs for Bishop in the ELCA. However, it appears that Jaynan Clark Egland (this must have been before her divorce) did make her interest in the position known in 2007, to the point of publishing a platform. It can be found here:
http://www.lutheranconfessions.com/item.php?itemset=022&item=6
I don’t have the full election results from 2007 Churchwide Assembly available, but the ELCA website indicates that Bishop Hanson missed re-election on the first ballot by 2 votes. He was elected on the second ballot. If I am reading the results correctly, Clark must not have had enough votes to be carried over to the second ballot.
http://www2.elca.org/assembly/votingmatters/results.html
If I’m not mistaken, Jaynan Clark is “on leave from call.” Whatever work she is doing with Amazing Grace LC must not constitute a call in the ELCA. I would also think that it is not in keeping with LC-MS policy, since they do not recognize female ordination.
*raises hand*
Do you have to be a bishop to become presiding bishop? Or can any rostered clergy be appointed Presiding Bishop?
*totally in the dark about the process*
Interesting, when I have found some strong anti divorce sentiment from our LCMC pastor. He told me that my kids hadn’t asked to have their divorces blessed but to have their sins forgiven. Well, divorce does happen in the clergy. Our previous pastor divorced and I think that is one reason there is so much anti “sin” feeling in our church. Again, I think the lady needs to tone things down or get some meds . I do hope Word Alone is giving her a stipend for her work. Working without a real job is very stressful.
@Kelly
Hi Kelly, Your turn.
@Kelly
Any pastor of the ELCA can be elected bishop or presiding bishop.
@Brant
Amazing Grace is not an ELCA congregation. And one of the less disturbing parts of LC-MS is that as long as you are not technically violating a synodical rule, congregational decisions hold. I believe it is an LC-MS congregation in Northfield that, a few years ago, was questioned about the fact that they had a woman congregational president. They responded that there was no rule against is, and they had studied the Scriptures and determined it was ok. And that was that, last I heard.
@Kelly
Any distress pastor of the ELCA is eligible to be elected as Presiding Bishop. Of course not all are qualified.
I was sitting in my backyard typing on my iPod when I made the post above. I typed “rostered.” For some reason auto-complete did not like the word and changed it to “distress.” So, my last post should read “Any ROSTERED pastor of the ELCA is eligible to be elected as Presiding Bishop. Of course, not all are qualified.”
Some days, believe me, there is little difference between “rostered” and “distress.”
I was amazed at the letter. This speaks volumes about Jaynan. If she likes country music, I would suggest she listen to “A Recovering Pharisee” sung by Del McCoury.
Wow! She is a powerful writer with many good points. It is good to hear the truth come through from here after the Bishops deceit, lies and for turning his back on the word of God.
Our congregation is meeting next month to leave the ELCA and she is an amazing leader for us to join with!
On my first day as a UCC member, I found prayer and praise and fellowship. I found a genuine concern for our fellow men/women. The hymns were familiar. We had communion and the grape juice was fine. Yes, we didn’t have the mass but we did worship God. He is the same God that Lutherans worship believe it or not. There are a few things I will have to get used to– forgiving debts instead of trespasses but over all I think I will be glad to be in my husband’s grandmother’s church.
I wouldn’t call her a powerful writer. The way she writes is not coherent and reveals a person full of herself not the Spirit. When you say turn your back on the Word of God, what does that mean? I have experienced Bishop Hanson express the Gospel clearly and succinctly and also have deep concern for those on both sides of this issue. I will pray that your congregation stays in the ELCA and allow true healing to take place. I have seen church splits at various levels and in them the Gospel is not served.