Jon, I don’t mean to be argumentative, but your response shows a misunderstanding. A Lutheran Pastor is neither a Priest nor a Bishop. LCMS pastors would be the first to assert that. Are they ordained Reverends? Yes. But this is not the same as receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders conferred through Apostolic Succession, an indelible gift of the Holy Spirit. It rather represents a theological education, authorization by the Synod, and a Calling by an individual congregation. And true, it certainly has valuable elements of equivalency of work with a Catholic priest -to preach, to care for the flock, etc. But they do not have the authority to absolve sins or confect the Eucharist. Realizing this led me back to the Catholic Church after many years as a Lutheran.
Peace, my brother!
John