Ashamed of Who We Are

This past week I learned that Walther Lutheran High School in Melrose Park (Illinois) has changed its name. It no longer wishes to identify itself with the name Lutheran. It is now Walther Christian Academy.

Four years ago their enrollment was near record highs (approximately 425 students). The name Lutheran gave the school a sure and certain anchor in a church that champions God’s Word of truth and a faithful confession of it.

Now, four years later, we are led to believe that the name Lutheran is the cause of their decreasing enrollment and financial troubles. That’s a straw man.

I had the privilege of leading several chapel services at Walther years ago when I served two nearby congregations. I was not ashamed of the name Lutheran then, nor am I now. I wish the folks at Walther who made this change weren’t either. What a sad day this is when Walther no longer wishes to identify itself with its own heritage and roots. The students deserve better.

Lord, have mercy!