Sorry, I guess I misunderstood your comment, "I understand the difference between Luther's view re: Christ's presence in the Supper compared to Calvin's and I reject both! I believe that neither went far enough from Rome in their respective positions. For me, Bullinger expressed most correctly what Scripture teaches on this issue..." I'll go back and read Bullinger.
1) No. A church does not forfeit its orthodox character through the casual intrusion of errors, provided these are combated and eventually removed by means of doctrinal discipline. Acts 20:29-31; 1 Tim. 1: 3. After Dr. Benke admonished Rev. Benke and suspended him for teaching contrary to scripture and the Book of Concord, he was not removed from the synod but he was, instead, vindicated by the governing convention. At that point, the LCMS became a false church body.
2)Statements are not persecution. Burning people at the stake (Hus), firing them from their job(Schulz), etc. is persecution.
My denomination is not infallible. By clearing Rev. Benke of all charges, they falsely teach that introduction of idolatry into worship is a matter of indifference. Just as in Reformation times, it is a time of confession.
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Formula of Concord, Solid DeclarationWe believe, teach, and confess also that at the time of confession, when the enemies of God's Word desire to suppress the pure doctrine of the holy Gospel, the entire congregation of God, yea, every Christian, but especially the ministers of the Word, as the leaders of the congregation of God are bound by God's Word to confess freely and openly the doctrine, and what belongs to the whole of religion, not only in words, but also in works and with deeds; and that then, in this case, even in such adiaphora, they must not yield to the adversaries, or permit these to be forced upon them by their enemies, whether by violence or cunning, to the detriment of the true worship of God and the introduction and sanction of idolatry.
