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Over the past few years it has become evident that our NGO resettlement operations - I mean, denominations - have begun using the office of the keys in a mercenary fashion. Those who are in impenitent sin or hold to outright heresy are given Communion in churches, while anyone who holds to "racism" or "antisemitism" or any other fake sin is summarily disciplined, likely excommunicated. It also applies to anyone who criticizes the operations of the denominational body. Don't like their shiny new doctrinal books? Prepare for the ban. Ask too many questions about where the money is going, or where it comes from? Prepare for the star chamber.
We know this is happening and we know it's only going to get worse. Complaining about it will not help you when it happens to you.

So let's get prepared. What do you do if "Church Discipline" is used against you? What do you do if you're on the receiving end of a BS excommunication?
-First, forgive the people involved. Don't nurse hatred for them, it will only keep you from moving on and being a productive independent Christian. Forgive, mark and avoid - they have no spiritual authority over you anymore.
-Second, have the Minor Divine Service and the Communion Addendum readily available. You can find the PDF here: verylutheran.biz/resources
Do not deprive yourself of Sunday worship just because some minister misused his office against you.
-Third, give yourself two or three weeks to recover. It takes a bit of time to get your footing back, especially since clerical authorities like to ambush people with these sorts of things. Let me provide the sermons and Sunday School, take a breather for a while, then decide what you'll do next.
-Fourth, after a two-three week recovery period of devoting yourself to prayer, decide on what to do next. I'm happy to help you set up a Catacomb Synod house church; if that's not your style, look around and start getting in contact with the other pastors in the area to see if any of them are a good fit.
-Fifth, move forward with the dedication to please God and not man. Don't return to the old congregation, don't pine for the old days, affix your mind firmly on the present and the future: maintain your joy this way.

If it happens to you: do not budge, do not grovel, do not give an inch. You have the entirety of the Catacomb Synod rooting for you, we are the patrons of all who are unlawfully excommunicated. If you want to email me and ask questions, feel free. But at any rate, we're here for you by the Grace of God. Do not be afraid.

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