What we did in 2012

In his February 3 letter, LCMS President Matthew Harrison wrote, “I encourage the members of the LCMS to join with me in supporting efforts to preserve our essential right to exercise our religious beliefs.” We are further encouraged and strengthened by his clear and courageous stand before Congress on February 16.

Although American Lutherans have traditionally avoided much involvement in affairs of the State, today the State is invading the realm of the Church. This violates both our Constitution and our American traditions, as Pastor Harrison noted in his testimony before Congress. It is also a tragedy, because the State is not very efficient or very effective at works of love and mercy – it’s instrument is the sword.

Our suggested plan is quite flexible. Each congregation can adapt it to its own situation and interests. It is interactive in that some aspects are yet to be finalized, depending on feedback from pastors and congregations. The proposed general approach is as follows:

• Saint Paul’s is in the process of gathering, preparing and posting extensive background materials and resources. This material is now beginning to be posted on this website and on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/sureLiberty .
• More in-depth resources and analysis will be added in the coming days (and weeks). This is an interactive effort: users may offer additional high-quality materials for consideration for posting.
• These resources are being developed under leadership of Chris Barnekov, a St. Paul’s member with a doctorate in economic policy and four decades’ experience as a senior policy analyst in seven federal agencies. In recent years, Dr. Barnekov has focused almost exclusively on issues of Church and State.
• Congregations are encouraged to discuss these issues in adult classes or other appropriate forums. The resources are meant to facilitate these discussions, gathering background information and analysis in one place.
• After study, each congregation is encouraged to send a letter in care of St. Paul's Fort Wayne, signed by as many individual members as wish (here is a sample letter a congregation might send; but of course congregations may write their own: we simply urge that letters be kept succinct and positive in tone). At St Paul's we used a bulletin insert with the sample letter on the back, so members could more easily read it before signing.

• For strategic reasons, we suggest that the letters be addressed to Fort Wayne’s Roman Catholic Bishop Kevin Rhoades.
• The main reasons for this are (1) Catholics are currently the main target (we’re next), and (2) the letter can be positive and encouraging in tone, rather than negative (as a letter to HHS would have to be – but we’ll send copies to appropriate government officials).
• Congregations are encouraged to send their letters to St. Paul’s by shortly after Easter. They will be presented in a public event including as many pastors (and members) as wish to participate, with media invited.
• The public event has been set for April 17, beginning at St. Paul's at Noon. More precise details are being developed and will be announced on the website and Facebook page. Pastors (or congregational representatives) who would like to participate in person should contact St. Paul's, so we know how many wish to bring and present their own letters. This event may include congregations from the wider Christian community (parallel efforts are being considered in some other denominations).
• The tone of this event, as of the letters, is meant to be joyful, a celebration of thanksgiving to Our Lord for His gracious blessings of liberty. We do not, of course, have in mind a public worship service (it will involve other denominations), rather a celebration that will have the effect of a demonstration, but not the tone of a protest.