Congregations and Choice dollars
What is the WELS position on organizations and congregations accepting Choice Dollars from Thrivent Financial? This question was partially addressed in Q&As from 2014, and a restatement of the answer again in 2018. The gist of the reply was, "Members will need to make their own decision as to whether or not they continue to direct their Choice dollars to organizations. Congregations, schools, and organizations, while not compelled to refuse Choice dollars, are encouraged to consider carefully whether or not the Thrivent name should be publicly promoted in congregational or organizational literature.” This issue has become contentious within our congregation and may lead to a serious divide. The issue is due to be brought up at an upcoming Voter's Meeting. Our pastor sees the merits of both sides of this argument and stated that he sought further guidance from the Synod. Please provide a current answer to this question, rather than another restatement of a 5 year old answer. While it appears that WELS itself doesn't accept Thrivent money, it appears that many WELS organizations do, and publicly acknowledge it. 1 Corinthians 8 comes to mind in this matter. Is this a parallel to the Thrivent issue?
Because circumstances have not changed, this response will largely be another restatement of answers already available on this website. Perhaps, in response to your question, I can emphasize the “consider carefully” phrase of previous responses.
Careful consideration of the issue will take into account principles outlined in 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14. Among those principles is thinking of fellow Christians and being ready to withhold action out of consideration for them. If there are congregational members whose Christian judgment leads them to object to Choice dollars, the congregation and its leaders will want to deal with those concerns evangelically and lovingly. It could very well be the case that a congregation would decline such funds if the issue becomes a source of division or controversy.
Romans 14:17-20 (“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.”) puts matters of Christian judgment in perspective and encourages Christians to do what they can to maintain peaceful relations with one another and build each other up in the faith. May God lead you all to a peaceful resolution of the issue.