Lines Crossed: Separation of Church and State.

Has the Obama Administration Trampled on Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Conscience?

US House of Representatives
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

16 February, 2012

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[PDF File] Chairman Issa, Ranking Member Cummings, and other members of the committee:

Thank you for your public service to our nation, and thank you for the opportunity to share our church's concerns regarding the recent federal mandate.

We are unconditionally committed to preserving the essential teachings of our faith, to guard our religious rights, and to act as conscience dictates as informed by faith.

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is apprehensive. Our church's history is rooted in religious liberty. Our Lutheran forefathers left Europe seeking religious freedom in America, and since their arrival in 1837, Missouri Synod Lutherans have rigorously guarded these beliefs and practices. We are unconditionally committed to preserving the essential teachings of our faith, to guard our religious rights, and to act as conscience dictates as informed by faith.

The recent federal mandate has prompted our church to voice public concern about federal intervention into religious beliefs and practices. Specifically, we object to the use of drugs and procedures used to take the lives of unborn children. We oppose this mandate since it requires religious organizations to pay for and otherwise facilitate the use of such drugs by their employees-a requirement that violates our stand on the biblical teaching of the sanctity of life, which is a matter of faith and conscience. Furthermore, we believe and teach that freedom of religion extends beyond mere houses of worship. We must be able to exercise our faith in the public square and, in response to Christ's call, demonstrate His mercy through our love and compassion for all people according to the clear teachings of Holy Scripture.

We deem this recent government mandate as an infringement upon the beliefs and practices of various religious communities. Therefore, we voice our public objections in solidarity with those who cherish their religious liberties.

We deem this recent government mandate as an infringement upon the beliefs and practices of various religious communities. Therefore, we voice our public objections in solidarity with those who cherish their religious liberties. The decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to require virtually all health plans to comply with this mandate will have the effect of forcing many religious organizations to choose between following the letter of the law or operating within the framework of their religious tenets. We add our voice to the long list of those who have championed their God-given right to freely exercise their religious beliefs according to the dictates of their faith, and to provide compassionate care and clear Christian witness to society's most vulnerable, without government encroachment.

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, a church body of sinners redeemed by the blood of Jesus, has affected the lives of millions of people by providing aid, housing, health care, spiritual care and much more. Our church has been a proponent for good in this nation-promoting education (our congregations operate the nation's largest Protestant school system), upholding marriage, and providing people with the tools and assistance to be good citizens.

Furthermore, we follow St. Paul's admonition to pray for governing authorities as "God's servant for good" (Romans 13:4). Therefore, we pray for our President and those in authority. We encourage our sons and daughters to serve our nation in uniform-some achieving the highest enlisted and commissioned ranks in the armed forces. Our people have faithfully and honorably served Congress and the Senate. We cherish our nation; yet, we grow increasingly uneasy with government intrusions into Christian conscience and practice. We stand united with our religious forefathers who sought first to serve the kingdom of God, and we will stand with all who share these concerns against the erosion of our religious liberties. May God grant us wisdom and His peace.