LCMS Lutherans Commend Roman Catholics

Jul 3rd

Posted by Jon Vieker in Jon's Posts

News Story: June 28, 2012

Religious Freedom and Defense of the Unborn

On behalf of the South Wisconsin District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Pastor Bender and District President Rev. Dr. John Wille, commended the Roman Catholic Church and Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki for their courageous stand on religious freedoms and defense of the unborn. The resolution from the district and a letter to the Archbishop from synodical President the Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison was presented to the Archbishop at the 19th Annual Symposium of the Concordia Catechetical Academy on June 21, 2012. Watch the presentation and CBS 58 News story on the event.

Links:
Fortnight for Freedom: Lutherans Commend Catholic Commitment
“Love One Another” A Letter from Archbishop Jerome Listecki

Presentation Video

CBS 58 News Story

Feast of the Visitation, A Time for Celebration

Jul 1st

Posted by WMLT Contributor in Greg's Posts

42 and she lifted up her voice with a loud cry, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me?

44 For behold, when the voice of thy salutation came into mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

45 And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord.

Luke 1:42-45

For the 236th time Americans will celebrate Independence Day. Patriots from Maine to California will fire up barbecue grills and ice down beer in anticipation of the evening’s fireworks. It is the perfect end to a perfect day.

Traditional celebrations sometimes lose their mystique over time. The more frequently we experience holidays, the less they have to offer. After all, how much fun can a celebration be after 236 repetitions? Plenty!

That’s right. No matter how many times Americans celebrate Independence Day, it continues to bring ‘oohs and aahs’ with the explosion of multicolored fireworks in the July night sky.

Reading one more time about the prenatal encounter between John and Jesus is one of those celebrations that simply does not grow old. It is an encounter filled with ‘oohs and aahs.’

John’s prenatal celebration begins with a leap in the womb. Elizabeth shares her joy, and proclaims the reason for her happiness. It is not that she is with child; rather, it is that Mary is with “the Child.” She bears the Savior of the world.

Salvation is at hand, even among us. Coming in the flesh is forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. What joy there is for sinners! Jesus is near; He is among us and in His life, suffering, and death there is the promise of eternal life.

Washed in the waters of baptism and renewed in the Eucharistic meal sinners find hope. No matter how many times one receives the gift of life at the altar; it never grows old. It continues to fill the sinners’ response with ‘oohs and aahs’ of thanksgivingfor God’s continued grace and mercy.  Amen.      

 Gregory K. Williamson
Chief Mission Officer

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President Harrison issues statement in response to Supreme Court ruling on health-care law

Jun 29th

Posted by Jon Vieker in Jon's Posts

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday, June 28, that largely let stand the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, LCMS President Harrison issued the following statement: A Statement in Response to U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Health Care Reform Law

Find additional resources at www.lcms.org/hhsmandate to read, pray and share. Look for:

  • Bulletin inserts
  • Prayers
  • Reference materials
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Religious Liberties and Prohibition

Jun 24th

Posted by Barb Below in Barb's Posts

Recently I have spent time skimming through some of the historical convention proceedings of our Synod. I found an interesting report in the 1917 Convention Proceedings that is very similar to current events. Back in 1917, President Pfotenhauer established a committee to look into the impact of recent federal legislation that made it impossible for pastors in some states to secure communion wine. In June 1917, the Post Office Department of the United States issued an opinion based on recently passed legislation in the Congress that made “unmailable all matters containing advertisements or solicitation for order for intoxicating liquors without exception.” Based on the committee’s recommendations, the convention delegates, in the summer of 1917, agreed to send a letter to the president of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, referring to the new legislation as “interference with the religious liberty, constitutionally guaranteed to our and other Churches”. The convention also developed a “protest” that was prepared and forwarded to members of Congress. Additionally, 9,000 copies of the protest were printed and distributed at convention so that each delegate had three copies for each congregation in his circuit. Here is a link to read the pages from the 1917 Convention Proceedings.

Pages from 1917 Proceedings

-Barb Below

President Harrison issues open letter on religious freedom

Jun 21st

Posted by Jon Vieker in Jon's Posts

In response to the incursion of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) into the realm of religious freedom with its controversial contraceptive mandate issued earlier this year, we are compelled to offer “Free Exercise of Religion: Putting Beliefs into Practice,” an open letter to our members and, indeed, all Americans.

Twenty-four leaders of religious organizations across the country have joined with us in signing the letter. Together, these signatories represent more than 10 million American men, women and children. They represent religious organizations that stand with us in opposition to the contraceptive mandate on the grounds that it is an infringement of our God-given right to act according to the tenets of our faith.

>>Read Letter

Rev. Jon D. Vieker
Senior Assistant to the President

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