Lund, Sweden - The president of the Lutheran World Federation urged members to resist U.S. evangelists who preach that following Christianity can bring wealth and success.
The Rev. Mark Hanson, who is also presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said Lutherans must challenge what he called a heresy being spread in their countries.
"We are now exporting not only products," Hanson said about the United States, "we are exporting prosperity-gospel preaching evangelists to your countries who are beckoning Lutherans away from their Lutheran churches."
He said the federation must teach true Christianity "rather than some other distortion of the Gospel that we so now export and is pure heresy."
Hanson spoke at a federation assembly, which ended Tuesday. It marked the 60th anniversary of the Lutheran group, which has 140 member churches in 78 countries, representing more than 66 million Christians.
Hanson noted it was difficult to remain in fellowship considering the diversity of viewpoints and beliefs of member churches, but called their global connection a "sheer gift."
At an opening news conference, the Rev. Ishmael Noko, the federation's general secretary, asked member churches to be respectful when they discuss the Bible and sexuality, along with marriage, family and polygamy, so conflicting views don't divide Lutherans.
Differences over Scripture and homosexuality are creating rifts within many Protestant groups.