The reminders are everywhere—television, radio, yard signs, and bumper stickers, to name a few. Though, we really need no reminder. We know that this November 6th is the Presidential Election. It is an important event for our nation. Some may assert that it is the most important election in our nation’s history.
Regardless, it is a fitting time to speak briefly about the role and responsibility of the Lutheran-Christian American as he or she lives here in the world where the church and the state often intersect. This is an especially relevant time as the church and the state recently intersected in the early part of this year when the United States government proposed a provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) mandating health plans of many religious employers to cover contraceptives, including emergency contraceptives that can act to cause abortions. This raises questions about religious liberty and the role of the government in matters of religion and the role of the church in matters of Christian citizenship. And so it is important to ask these two proactive questions given below:
Regardless, it is a fitting time to speak briefly about the role and responsibility of the Lutheran-Christian American as he or she lives here in the world where the church and the state often intersect. This is an especially relevant time as the church and the state recently intersected in the early part of this year when the United States government proposed a provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) mandating health plans of many religious employers to cover contraceptives, including emergency contraceptives that can act to cause abortions. This raises questions about religious liberty and the role of the government in matters of religion and the role of the church in matters of Christian citizenship. And so it is important to ask these two proactive questions given below:
What can I do?
Where can I find out more?
Go to www.lcms.org/freetobefaithful to check out:
Nearly two centuries ago, the founders of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod came to this great country seeking religious freedom. Like immigrants from many nations and many faiths, they found that freedom under the First Amendment of our U.S. Constitution. Today it is just as critical that our religious liberties be preserved. As Lutheran-Christian Americans, we must be free to put our faith into action in the public square. We must be able to provide a witness to the Gospel message as we demonstrate Christ’s mercy through our love and compassion for all people.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s "Religious Liberty: Free to Be Faithful” campaign serves to inspire church leaders and lay members, arming them with Synod resources for taking informed action to protect the freedom of religion.
www.lcms.org/freetobefaithful • 888-THE LCMS (843-5267)
- Pray for our country, for our president and other officials, for those who serve in the armed forces, and for all those who work to preserve freedom, peace and justice in this and every place (1 Tim. 2:1–2).
- Learn more about the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services birth-control mandate, which is causing a conflict of conscience for religious employers and individuals.
- Engage in informed discussions with friends and family.
- Educate yourself about the issues, participate fully in the political process, and let your representatives know that these issues are important to you.
- Be sure to exercise your right to vote this November.
Where can I find out more?
Go to www.lcms.org/freetobefaithful to check out:
- Articles such as “God Values Life” and “Repeating History”
- A timeline of the fight for religious liberty
- Tips on how to talk to your neighbor about religious freedom
- Frequently Asked Questions on a variety of helpful topics
- Educational and informative videos such as The Intersection of Church and State found at http://www.intersectionofchurchandstate.com.
- A sample letter you can personalize and mail to your representatives
Nearly two centuries ago, the founders of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod came to this great country seeking religious freedom. Like immigrants from many nations and many faiths, they found that freedom under the First Amendment of our U.S. Constitution. Today it is just as critical that our religious liberties be preserved. As Lutheran-Christian Americans, we must be free to put our faith into action in the public square. We must be able to provide a witness to the Gospel message as we demonstrate Christ’s mercy through our love and compassion for all people.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s "Religious Liberty: Free to Be Faithful” campaign serves to inspire church leaders and lay members, arming them with Synod resources for taking informed action to protect the freedom of religion.
www.lcms.org/freetobefaithful • 888-THE LCMS (843-5267)
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