Hello, friends:

I've started this fundraiser to support the Fredericksen family, as Pastor Wayne Fredericksen is making a sudden and unexpected transition out of service as an ordained minister of 30+ years in The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS).

For those unfamiliar with recent events, I think it's best to share Pastor Fredericksen's account. The following is an excerpt from a message he sent to his congregation, Our Savior Lutheran Church - Arlington, VA, on November 29:

"This week, I was informed that the President of the Synod was reviewing accusations that were brought up against me concerning my ministry. The accusations included the pastoral care I offered to a transgender individual five years ago, including a picture of me wearing a stole created by the individual as an art project with images of which I was not aware of the meaning. I do not own the stole nor did I ever wear it in worship. The photo's purpose was to show the individual's professor how the stole looked on a person. Alongside this, my attendance at my daughter's legal union to her female partner renders me ineligible to continue serving as a pastor in the LCMS, including as Senior Pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church. While I did not participate in the ceremony, offer prayers, or give my daughter away, my presence with her in photographs has been cited as one of the reasons for this decision.

As this week unfolded, it became evident that my continued service on the clergy roster would no longer be possible. After prayer and reflection, I share with you, heavy of heart, that I will resign from the clergy roster of the LCMS effective December 1, 2025."

I believe Pastor Fredericksen to be earnest in the above account.

It’s my understanding that Pastor Fredericksen did not feel he had any other choice without putting the whole ministry of Our Savior further at risk. In any case, it sounds like the congregation is heartbroken to lose him as their pastor.

WHY DONATE?

As you might imagine, a sudden transition from decades of ordained ministry is not easy emotionally, logistically, or financially. Every gift is helpful, no matter the amount, as it will also be a welcome show of support for the well-being of the Fredericksen family.

To be clear: the intention of this fundraiser and any subsequent donations is not to challenge LCMS doctrine or teaching on sexuality or gender. This is about supporting the Fredericksen family. Whatever religious or cultural background you come from, we can all empathize with the complex and nuanced choices that arise in all relationships, especially within families.

With that in mind, I believe a donation will not only be a show of mercy and support for the Fredericksen family, but for every ordained pastor and commissioned church worker in The LCMS concerned about the implications of an apparent prohibition on attending legal unions or other new restrictions on family relationships and pastoral care.

Thanks in advance for your gift!

Josh Salzberg