Is the LCMS Threatening "Issues, Etc." with a Lawsuit?

Just got this with a request for immediate posting.  It is from Chris Rosebrough's Extreme Theology blog.  Here's the link (Click here: Extreme Theology: Kieschnick Threatening Lawsuit Agaist Todd Wilken and Jeff Schwarz).

According to Chris:

"Last march the LCMS cancelled the Issues, Etc. radio program. It created a huge brouhaha and ultimately the Issues, Etc. radio program was resurrected and their audience is larger and stronger than ever.

Apparently, this isn't sitting well with LCMS President Gerry Kieschnick who is now threatening a lawsuit against Todd Wilken and Jeff Schwarz over the Issues, Etc. trademark (a trademark that the LCMS abandoned in 1999 and a trademark that the LCMS has no intention of ever utilizing again)

What is the real reason why Kieschnick wants to sue Todd and Jeff? He wants to silence them."

Don't you just love church bureaucrats?  I wonder how Ablaze is working, and if its "growing" the church?

Comments

[John Y]

It is starting to get nasty- www.steadfastlutherans.com is keeping all Lutherans in the LCMS up to date on the issue. It seems to me that the governing structure of the synod needs to be rethought to protect the individual congregations. I really should not be commenting on the issue since I have only been a member of the LCMS for about 7 months now. It is interesting to follow the story on the website though. When business concerns, target markets, efficiency and such things as that take precedence over the main mission of the Church (which should be doctrine oriented, spreading the Gospel and making disciples in all nations) then trouble is bound to ensue.

["lee n. field"]

Issues, Etc. has a bit on the trademark issue just posted, here: http://www.issuesetc.org/podcast/Openmics5.mp3 .

[Mike]

I wish there was a WELS congregation in my area. This is a huge mark of shame for the denomination, especially in light of St. Pauls remarks about taking a brother to court. What a pity.

[Lloyd]

Hi Mike:

Just go to WELS.com, and you should find a WELS in your area. If not, try the ELS (Evangelical Lutheran Church). We are in fellowship with them, and they are a great Lutheran church body as well.

I love WELS. They are the most Biblical, and they love the great Lutheran tradition!

[Lloyd]

Correction: ELS (Evangelical Lutheran Synod). WELS is in fellowship with 21 other Lutheran church bodies as well (CELC), around the world.

[Helen]

Sin, I'm sad to tell you, is everywhere. WELS has its own "church growth" proponents, just a little behind lcms. They've also (but they will be furious to have it said in print) bounced at least a couple of good parish pastors for no reason that would pass the Book of Concord.
ELS, I'm even sadder to say, has done the same lately.