03/06/2026
From the LCMS President:
Luther and Walther assert that all Christians have a “general vocation” to speak the Gospel and, even more, to speak forgiveness to their families and neighbors in the context of their lives and many vocations. A layperson does not take over altar, font and pulpit, or meddle by acting like a junior pastor, absolving shut-ins or trying to do the Sacrament at home. But each of us carry on what Luther called “the mutual conversation and consolation of the brethren.” In fact, Luther says that the absolution in the mouth of a good friend, spoken in God’s name, is just as valid as that of the pastor. Luther even told someone to confess to a lay brother: “If your conscience torments you, consult a godly man, cast your burden before him. If he forgives you, you should accept it; he needs no papal bull for that.”
None of this takes away from the pastor’s ministry. It rather takes what he gives and gives it to others in need of it. This is done when a mother forgives a child or when a teacher says, “You are forgiven by Jesus, and I forgive you,” to a student. We live in an era of tortured consciences. Those consciences need the clear reality of the Law which condemns, but all the more they need the very Gospel of Jesus Christ to be spoken to them.
Read President Harrison's letter in the March issue at the link in the comments.
