Protest? Demonstration? Or...

Pr. Weedon is correct to question the use of words like "protest" or "demonstration" when preparing for the April 14 event to show support for the recently canceled Issues, Etc. These words usually carry the baggage of violence by those who have little better to do or by those who merely seek their 15 seconds of fame on the evening news. These terms can even draw more attention to the protesters themselves than to the cause they are trying to promote. So, let's be aware (and beware) of such unwanted and unintended baggage.

Pr. Weedon then suggests the salutary term "vigil." Very good! Allow me to suggest yet another term: "peaceful witness."

Before I explain, I must concede that Pr. Wilken himself had a good take on the wording. As we discussed the terms, "demonstration" would be the least preferable term as it wants to draw attention to the demonstrators themselves. "Protest," though, mighty very well be used in a more salutary fashion as it can focus attention on the issue - in our case, the matter of the unjust and largely unexplained (or at least mysteriously explained) cancellation of Issues, Etc. Or to say it more succinctly, the cause of our "protest" is the simple question "Why?"

Be that as it may, I'll still advocate the term "peaceful witness." I borrow and modify the term from the annual "peaceful pro-life witness" called Life Chain. As a frequent participant in these rallies from year to year, I appreciate the focus on bearing silent witness as one holds placards with various slogans on them (such as "Abortion Kills" or "Jesus Forgives"). On the backs of these placards are prayers, Scripture verses, and hymn verses for the "peaceful witnesses" to say and pray as they stand along the street.

The response to such a "peaceful witness" is twofold. On the one hand, one hears honks of support and encouragement. On the other hand, one hears jabs and insults, as well as sees certain one-fingered salutes. That's to be expected with an issue as highly charged and Abortion in our land. But "peaceful witness" means that participants don't elate over manifested support, nor do they get upset at the hostilities thrown their way.

What would a "peaceful witness" mean for the Issues, Etc. crowd? I doubt that the average passersby in St. Louis would know much of this matter, unless they know of and come specifically for this event. (So, I won't be expecting many honks of support or any "F-bomb" salutes.) However, for those who will participate, a "peaceful witness" reminds us that we are testifying - the "witness" part - to the faith handed down to the saints through the ages, the very Gospel and faith to which Issues, Etc. consistently bore witness. The "peaceful" part reminds us that we are Christians first and foremost - not demonstrating to get our mugs on TV, and not protesting just to cause a scene. Far from it! We will gather to show support for Issues, Etc., for Pr. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz.

In keeping with Pr. Weedon's term of "vigil," then, let's gather for a "peaceful witness" to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let's gather for the purpose of asking "Why?" regarding the silencing of the Gospel on radio airwaves and Internet sound systems operated by the LCMS. And, most of all, let's pray - pray that God would keep all of us (Issues, Etc. supporters, LCMS "suits," and others interested in this event) in repentant, joyous faith in His forgiveness and lovingkindness.

And, if there are placards to be held, I'll humbly lobby for the use of my homespun "Why? No Issues, Etc." logo that I keep plastering on this blog! :-) (Though I won't be disappointed if that doesn't transpire and something better comes along.) Who knows, maybe some thoughtful organizer can even print pertinent Bible verses, Catechism sections, and hymn verses on the backs of the placards so that we can devote our time to prayer and the Word of God as we stand to ask "Why?")

Christians need not "demonstrate" or "protest" in the usual senses of those terms, but we certainly can provide "peaceful witness" as we seek the truth and pray for God's will to be done in our synod and the Church at large!