Misquoted in McAllen Newspaper

An observant reader in the congregation noted I was misquoted in the lead article of the August 8 McAllen newspaper. I had spoken at the vigil in McAllen the night before and said the ELCA is 94% Anglo. In the article, I am quoted as saying First Lutheran Church is 94% Anglo - obviously not correct.

Many younger reporters these days have never been exposed to church and do not know the difference between a denomination and a congregation. The reality that many Protestant congregations in the valley are non-denominational adds to the confusion.

I have learned to show grace to the news media. As our country becomes more secular, I expect more of these mistakes will occur.