First, from February 27 . . .
LCMS President Kieschnick's letter to President Bush:
Dear President Bush:
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
These are trying times for the American people and for many people around the world. In confronting Saddam Hussein, and others of his ilk, we face a new kind of danger—a danger portending the disruption of the peaceful pursuit of life, a danger placing not only our own citizens but also those of other nations under an anxious pall of terror.
As I mentioned to you in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on September 19, 2001, you are not in the position of leader of the free world by happenstance. God’s hand moves behind the thrones of this world, lifting up those whom He will, while removing those whose time has come to an end. In God’s gracious providence, He has provided for our common good in the United States both sound government and also leaders of that government to whom He has given the sword—a sword to preserve the peace as well as to punish evildoers (Romans 13:1-5). You, Mr. President, carry that sword as God’s appointed servant in the secular kingdom called the United States of America.
To lecture or advise you on the question of whether to go to war would be presumptuous on my part. You are privy to much special intelligence and highly classified information, which, along with the wise counsel of your able advisors, will help you to determine the most prudent course of action. It is a heavy burden to have to make such a decision—a decision made in the light of the time-honored principle espoused by the Church since the days of St. Augustine: that nations are to declare war only in cases of a just cause and for the purpose of self-defense. In the case of possible military conflict with Iraq, it is for you and your advisors to decide the justness of the cause and the question of self-defense.
Members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod have long played an active role in the government of our country, in helping to address social needs, and in serving in the military. In this time of uncertainty, we pray the Lord will grant you wisdom in your decision-making and courage in your leadership. I know you are a man of faith and prayer, devoted to our Savior Jesus Christ. I know you take His Word and message very seriously. Likewise, I am convinced that you take your high office most earnestly.
Mr. President, please be assured that you have my full support personally and as President of one of the 10-largest Christian churches in America, together with the prayers of all 2.5 million members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. We stand with you as you endeavor to preserve world peace, to protect the United States of America, to end human suffering, and to spare human life.
God’s call to government leaders is to carry out their responsibilities justly for the people they serve, for it is by his justice that a leader gives his country stability. To that end, may the Lord give to you, as He gave to Solomon, a wise and discerning heart for administering justice (1 Kings 3:11). And may He "let that justice roll on like a river . . . like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5:24).
Terry and I hold you and Laura in our prayers. God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you both!
Sincerely in Christ,
Gerald B. Kieschnick, President
The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod
And secondly, from March 4 . . .
LCMS President Kieschnick's statement on "Peace":
Peace
These are trying times for all Americans and for people around the world. In confronting Saddam Hussein, and others like him, we face a new kind of danger--a danger threatening the disruption of the pursuit of a life of peace, a danger placing not only our own citizens but also those of other nations under the anxious pall of terror.
War, terrorism and fighting have characterized this world’s history and are clear testimony to the imperfection of the human race. In fact, human nature has a desperately evil side, which draws people into quarrels that can eventually develop into war. Many wonder how to reconcile the teachings of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, with the horrors of war. In the early centuries of the Church, this very question arose and was addressed by one of the great church Fathers, St. Augustine. He understood that flawed human hearts sometimes pursue the path of evil, seeking to oppress and even destroy one’s fellowman. Can there be times when people of good will may resist such evil? What is the role of the state in protecting its citizens from aggression, whether within its own borders or from another country?
St. Augustine understood that the state is a God-ordained institution and that its primary leader is "God’s servant...who does not bear the sword for nothing...but is an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the evildoer."
He wrote that nations, in defense of their own people and in order to preserve the peace, may declare war in the case of a just cause and for the purpose of self-defense.
Martin Luther, the great 16th century Christian reformer, spoke of the reality of this tension in terms of two kingdoms, both under the rule of God but each ruling differently. The kingdom of the left hand is the secular kingdom ruled by kings, presidents and governors. Its guiding principles are human reason and the sword. The kingdom of the right hand is the Church, whose power lies in the forgiveness and mercy won by Christ’s death and resurrection.
All people live in the kingdom of the left, whether they are or are not believers in Christ. It is here that our elected officials rule by reason and, when necessary, by the sword.
President Bush faces a great challenge when confronting a new kind of evil that no longer is neatly contained or defined by political borders. He is charged with protecting American citizens and American interests from those who would destroy the peace and terrorize.
Our President has been entrusted with the sword. He may have to use it. We pray for God’s wisdom to guide him in the execution of his duty, that peace may prevail for us and for all people.
The Bible tells of a peace in Christ that gives confidence and hope for the future. It is a peace borne of His mercy and forgiveness. We pray this peace for all people everywhere and that our world may be spared the crucible of war.
Gerald B. Kieschnick, President
The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod
While I have serious disagreements with President Kieschnick on many controversial issues now confronting our synod, on this matter, however, I have no major criticisms and I agree with the thrust of what he has written.
Our Sunday school is doing a class for teens and up on Just Wars..this was one of the quotes in our hand out
Larry King is going to have this discussion with MacArthur, Bob Jones and Maz Luccado on Tuesday's show....for the interested
As I mentioned to you in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on September 19, 2001, you are not in the position of leader of the free world by happenstance. God’s hand moves behind the thrones of this world, lifting up those whom He will, while removing those whose time has come to an end. In God’s gracious providence, He has provided for our common good in the United States both sound government and also leaders of that government to whom He has given the sword—a sword to preserve the peace as well as to punish evildoers (Romans 13:1-5). You, Mr. President, carry that sword as God’s appointed servant in the secular kingdom called the United States of America.
A strong AMEN