Lutheran (LCMS) Ping!
Be rooted in Christ!
Posted on 06/28/2012 4:29:26 PM PDT by T Baden
LCMS President Issues Statement in Response to U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Health Care Reform Legislation
ST. LOUIS, June 28, 2012—In response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling today to largely let stand the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, issued the following statement:
“In light of today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), we remain opposed to the controversial birth control mandate, which is one of the requirements included in the law.
“The Court’s decision today guarantees that we will continue to bring awareness to the threat to religious liberty represented by the birth control mandate, which requires virtually all health plans, including those of religious organizations, to cover birth control drugs and products that could cause the death of the unborn. We are opposed to the birth control mandate because it runs counter to the biblical truth of the sanctity of human life and creates a conflict of conscience for religious employers and insurers, who face steep penalties for non-compliance based upon their religious convictions.
“We will continue to stand with those who have filed suit in the many religious freedom cases pending against the birth control mandate. Through education and civic advocacy, we will continue to educate the public about the vital necessity of protecting our First Amendment right to act according to the tenets of our faith. We remain steadfast in our opposition to the birth control mandate and will continue working to ensure our right to refrain from paying for products and services that conflict with our doctrine about the sanctity of all human life.
“And, regardless of the Court’s decision on the health care reform law, we in the LCMS will continue to uphold the sanctity of all human life while we care for the sick and work to restore the health and well-being of people in our communities and around the world.”
Sancticy of ALL human life: I agree!
LCMS Ping!
As an LCMS member I would expect nothing less.
Well stated....But stock up on ammo too...
Be rooted in Christ!
I can well imagine what the largest Lutheran body in North America will spew forth: A press releases gushing with praise for how this ruling has secured “justice for the poor”—maybe even a reference to Isaiah 61. Naw. Citing scripture would be too LCMS.
Holy Father, You know how divided we have been as a nation on the question of health care as on many other public policy issues. Forgive us where we have failed to explain our neighbors’ actions in the kindest ways, when we let tempers flare and sully each others’ reputations. You have commanded us to pray for all our public servants and so we come to You now putting them all in Your omnipotent hands. We thank you for each branch of our state and federal governments. Grant them Your guidance in these difficult days. Help them to pursue policies that protect the rights of all the citizens of this nation to practice their faith without coercion or interference, and yet give them Your wisdom that together we might find ways to meet the deep needs and persistent challenges before us. Help us as a people to turn to You, to learn from You, to value what You value and to prize what You prize. Without Your blessing, we will surely bring it all to ruin; with Your blessing, we will not fail. We ask all these things in the name of Him who gave His very life in love for us and for all, even Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Leni
Bump
Indeed. Was reminded by this that Chief Justice William Rehnquist was LCMS. So trustworthy and steady as a rock.
Grateful “Amen’s” from this Catholic. I have been noticing Matthew Harrison for awhile: a big soul and saintly, it seems to me.
Nice tag line, Leni.
I may have to change mine, but I have serious reservations about voting for a modern day High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
These are tough times, but re: your tagline: Best construction on everything?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.