To Address the Relationship between Church and State in an Increasingly Hostile Environment

WHEREAS, God has given the Word and Sacraments and instituted the Office of the Ministry that we may obtain saving faith (Matt. 28:18–20; John 20:21–23; Augsburg Confession [AC] IV; V); and

WHEREAS, God has commanded His people to gather to hear His Word and receive His Sacraments for the forgiveness of sins, refreshment, comfort, and strength (Matt. 26:26–29; Acts 2:42; 1 Tim. 4:13; Heb. 10:25; 1 Cor. 11:23–26; Large Catechism [LC] V 72); and

WHEREAS, When we gather together in person to receive God’s gifts, we are strengthened to withstand the attacks of the evil one (Eph. 6:10–18; LC V 80–82); and

WHEREAS, Historically, the Church has continued its essential work during times of plague, and pastors have brought God’s Word and Sacrament to the sick and homebound; and

WHEREAS, Mandated closings of congregations and banning of pastors from healthcare facilities during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic caused harm to members of congregations of the Synod and others residing in our communities; and

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic exposed an increasing hostility of culture and governmental authorities toward the church in her Word and Sacrament ministry; and

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic also engendered ambiguities concerning faithful church membership, faithful citizenship, and love of neighbor, leading to polarization and division among Christians of our Lutheran confession;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod affirm that gathering together in person to receive God’s gifts in Word and Sacrament is essential for the health and well-being of God’s people; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod assert that the State has no God- given authority to dictate the sacramental and liturgical practices of churches; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod affirm that in times of pandemic or public crisis the church in Christian love should seek to implement measures that serve the public good while continuing to carry out her essential role of offering the Word and the Sacraments; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod affirm that in Christian freedom (Gal. 5:1), and in consideration of local conditions, some congregations may choose to temporarily suspend public gatherings, but that Word and Sacrament ministry must continue; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod acknowledge that reasonable minds can disagree in Christian love on how a congregation may respond to a plague or public crisis in an increasingly hostile State and culture; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod will support to the best of its abilities the conscientious acts of its members; and be it further

Resolved, That the Commission on Theology and Church Relations address the relationship among Church, State, and Christian love of neighbor, especially in light of an increasing hostility toward the Christian faith; and be it further

Resolved, That the congregations of the Synod continue boldly to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and provide spiritual care for their members and communities; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod confess to the world that only the Gospel of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ can provide final victory over sin, sickness, and death