LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 113

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Whereas, Congregations are privileged to cooperate with
others (cooperation in externals), working actively in their communities to address human needs; and
Whereas, Lutheran theology commends the Church’s ministry
of mercy as an essential fruit of her faith, as exemplified in President
Matthew Harrison’s booklet, Theology for Mercy; therefore be it
Resolved, That every congregation of the LCMS be challenged
to engage purposefully in extending Christ’s ministry of mercy in
their communities, including
• Intentional study of the Lutheran Church’s theology of mercy;
• Careful examination, in consultation with the community,
of their ministry contexts in order to discover God-given
opportunities for merciful service;
• Preparation and implementation of a plan of service in the
community; while
• Seeking opportunities, when possible, for cooperation with
other community agencies in carrying out this ministry; and
be it further
Resolved, That this convention commend to LCMS congregations the booklet Theology for Mercy to provide framework for this
engagement.
Action: Adopted (5)
(Res. 2-08 was adopted without discussion [Yes: 913; No: 22].)

To Encourage Christian Citizenship
and Vigilance
RESOLUTION 2-09A
Overtures 2-02–2-04 (CW, pp. 143–145)
Whereas, Christians are called to obey governing authorities
(Rom. 13:1–8, AC XVI 6); however, when human authority violates
God’s will, Christians are bound to “obey God rather than men”
(Acts 5:28–29, AC XVI 7); and
Whereas, The teaching of the two realms affirms that civil government is to be concerned with things other than the Gospel and
should not exercise its authority in the church (AC XXVIII 11–12),
also allowing the Christian to use political laws and public redress
for the benefit of civil life (Ap XVI); and
Whereas, Recent years have witnessed increasing challenges
to the right to the free exercise of religion as protected by the First
Amendment, such as actions taken by federal, state, or local governments that mandate that religious employers provide contraceptives
which include abortifacients under their employee health insurance
plans (such as 77 Fed. Reg. 8725—HHS Mandate); and

Whereas, Science describes the beginning of human life as fertilization—that is, the formation of a human embryo, a unique
human being, takes place the moment sperm and egg are joined;1
and
Whereas, On October 5, 2012, the LCMS launched the “Religious Liberty: Free to Be Faithful” campaign (www.lcms.org\
freetobefaithful) aimed at inspiring LCMS rostered and lay members to “take action to protect the freedom of religion” (10/5/12
launching letter); therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention encourage all Christians
earnestly to pray for federal, state, and local elected and appointed
officials, that they may carry out their duties faithfully in a manner
consistent with God’s Word and His will, for the general welfare
and benefit of all citizens (1 Tim. 2:1–2); and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS call upon all Christians to be loyal citizens, adhering to the laws of the United States of America and state
and all local governments, insofar as such laws of said governments
do not contradict or contravene the eternal and everlasting truth
set forth in God’s Word; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod gathered in convention show its strong
support by delegate vote for the “Religious Liberty: Free to Be Faithful” campaign and for the Synod leaders as they speak on these
issues; and be it finally
Resolved, That this convention give thanks to those working
with it in the civil realm (Beckett Fund, the Alliance Defending
Freedom, and all others who share the Synod’s concerns) for their
support and help in defending the religious freedoms accorded by
the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Action: No action taken (5)
(During discussion, a motion to amend the second resolve paragraph by replacing the words “so long as the actions and” with
the words “insofar as such” was accepted by the committee as a
friendly amendment. Discussion was interrupted by the calling of
the Orders of the Day, and the resolution was not brought again to
the convention floor for action.)
Notes
Notes: LCMS Sanctity of Human Life Committee, “Response to
Resolution 6-10: Guidance on Contraceptive Methods,” n.d., http://
www.lcms.org/page.aspx?pid=864 (Accessed February 20, 2012), 3:
Maureen Condic, “A Biological Definition of the Human Embryo,”
chapter 11 in Persons, Moral Worth, and Embryos: A Critical Analysis of Pro-Choice Arguments, ed. Stephan Napier (Springer Science
+Business Media, 2011).
1

Whereas, The Holy Scriptures clearly teach that human beings
are created in the image of God, formed and knit together by God
Himself in the womb, and therefore prohibit every sort of murder,
including abortion (Gen. 1:26–27, 9:6; Ps. 139:13; Ex. 20:13; Matt.
5:21–22; James 3:9–10); and
R e s olu t i on s

2 0 1 3 C o n v e n t io n P r o c e e d i n g s

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