Religious Freedom Threatened in United States
LCMS President Matthew Harrison has issued a response to the recent HHS decision that denies First Amendment rights to Americans. The Reporter, an official LCMS periodical, notes,
Harrison's statement followed the Jan. 20 announcement by HHS that nearly all employers – including religious charities, hospitals and schools – will be required for the first time by law to provide and pay for insurance coverage that includes contraceptives, abortion-inducing drugs and sterilization procedures.
"This action by HHS will have the effect of forcing many religious organizations to choose between following the letter of the law and operating within the framework of their religious tenets," Harrison said. "We add our voice to the long list of those championing for the continued ability to act according to the dictates of their faith, and provide compassionate care and clear Christian witness to society's most vulnerable, without being discriminated against by government."
You can read the full text of the Reporter article here.
LCMS News Release
PDF of President's Letter
Late last week, the HHS offered an "accommodation." Leading Lutheran ethicist Gilbert Meilander—along with Princeton Professor Robert George and other major figures in law, religion, and ethics—has signed a letter titled "Unacceptable," detailing the problems with the HHS accommodation. You can read the letter here.
It is critical for all Americans to educate themselves on this issue, as what is at stake is not simply the matter of government-mandated funding of abortifacients (as horrific as that is), but the fundamental freedoms guaranteed to all citizens, religious and non-religious alike, in the Bill of Rights.
Your unworthy undershepherd,
Pastor Esget+
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