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This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It’s been a time of good news and not-so-good news.
First, the good news: These Lutherans just installed their first female bishop, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, of Cleveland. Her selection this summer came as something of a surprise. Most people expected the 12-year incumbent, Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, to be selected again.
Nobody will call it a palace coup, but some observers got the feeling church members were ready for a change at the top. This is where the not-so-good news kicks in.
More here-
http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20131011/OPINION/310110008/Lutherans-struggle-membership-decline