Synod President A.L. Barry dies in Orlando hospital
© LCMSNews
Barry was the church body's 11th president and the first to die in office. The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod is the second-largest Lutheran and the eighth-largest Christian denomination in North America, with 2.6 million baptized members in 6,121 congregations.
While on vacation, Barry, 69, had entered the Orlando Regional Medical Center Feb. 25 for treatment of pneumonia. During his hospitalization, he contracted an antibiotic-resistant staph infection that required specialized treatment. His condition worsened March 20, when he experienced kidney dysfunction. He died in the hospital, with family members at his side, of complications arising from kidney and liver failure.
Upon Barry's death, the Missouri Synod's First Vice President, the Rev. Dr. Robert T. Kuhn, became president. Kuhn will serve as president until a new president is installed in September. The new president will be elected at the Synod's 61st Regular Convention, July 14-20 in St. Louis.
Kuhn, 63, announced last May his intention to retire after his present term expires this summer. He is not expected to stand for election to either post.
"Alvin Barry was more than my colleague -- he was my friend," Kuhn said. "We have known each other for more than 15 years and worked closely for the past six. He was always ready to listen and available to help. The church will move forward without him, but he will be missed very much."
Dr. Donald K. Muchow, chairman of the Missouri Synod's Board of Directors, said he and his fellow Board members "are saddened by the death of Dr. Barry. Not only did Dr. Barry so helpfully bring his experience and devotional offerings to the Board, he always sought to keep the telling of the Good News about Jesus foremost on our agenda.
"Our brother and leader who so faithfully gave himself to our Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod in such a medley of ministries," Muchow continued, "we release to the arms of our loving Lord. Our prayers continue for his family, friends and all the people of the Synod in this time of sorrow."
Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America said Barry's goal "was to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ."
"Despite his many administrative responsibilities, he never lost his pastoral heart," Anderson said. "I extend my sympathy to his family and to his colleagues."
