From the President
of the LC-MS
We all saw the recent uproar in the media about the separation of children from their parents who have entered the U.S. illegally. We (the LC-MS) did not enter this fray with public statements because we recognized immediately the inherently political nature of the fight, which frankly seemed to be as much about scoring political points as it was about children.
We LCMS folks are pro-life because the Bible is pro-life. Just consider the unborn John the Baptizer, leaping with joy in the womb at the meeting of Jesus, Himself in Mary’s womb! Being pro-life means we are not just concerned about unborn babies, but also about children, adults, the elderly, the disabled and the mentally ill. As Luther put it, because Jesus had mercy on us and took on our flesh, so we also “take on the flesh” of our neighbor, by rendering him the service of love.
In the LCMS we recognize the Lutheran “two kingdoms” teaching. In the “left hand kingdom,” the government rules according to reason (or should!). In the “right hand kingdom” (the Church), the Bible rules as the highest authority. Both reason and the Bible teach that human beings should be just and loving and should care for those in need. The Bible does not specify, however, a particular immigration policy, levels of allowable immigration, or specific punishment for violation of immigration laws. Reasonable Christians in the LCMS can and do have differing views on this issue. However, in the “right hand kingdom,” we have Jesus’ clear teaching that we, as Christians, are to love our neighbor, no matter who that person is – whether legal or illegal, rogue or saint, hardened criminal or unjustly captive martyr. After telling the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus asked the lawyer, “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise” (Luke 10:36-37).
The LCMS has for its entire existence shown mercy to those in trouble. We have specifically aided and assisted anyone in need of Jesus and in need of love. And we do so within the law. Many of our Recognized Service Organizations (RSOs) have for many years cared for children who have entered this country illegally. And we will continue to do so.
The First Lady, Mrs. Trump, recently visited Upbring, known formerly for more than a century as Lutheran Social Services of the South. The CEO of Upbring is my friend and colleague, Kurt Senske. He served on Synod’s Board of Human Care during my entire tenure as executive director for LCMS World Relief and Human Care. He now serves on the Synod’s Board of Directors. Upbring currently cares for hundreds of these children. And they do so in a remarkable and loving way.
We are proud to be associated with Upbring and all the Lutheran agencies who are providing help. And through your generosity, we will continue to provide assistance as we are able.
Pastor Matthew C. Harrison
President, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
This article is copied from:
LCMS World Relief and Human Care
SHARING
newsletter
July 2018