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)
Testimony of the Reverend Dr. Matthew C. Harrison
President,
The Lutheran Church -
Missouri Synod
[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.