To Affirm and Encourage Parents as Primary Teachers of the Faith

WHEREAS, In the Scriptures, we read: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4); and

WHEREAS, Luther writes in the Small Catechism, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4)” (SC Table of Duties, For Parents); and

WHEREAS, Luther, in his Large Catechism explanation to the Fourth Commandment states, “But [parents] should consider that they are obligated to obey God. First of all, they should seriously and faithfully fulfill their office, not only to support and provide for the bodily necessities of their children, … but, most of all, they should train them to honor and praise God [Proverbs 22:6]” (LC I 168–69); and

WHEREAS, Luther further declares, “let everyone know that it is his duty, on peril of losing the divine favor, to bring up his children in the fear and knowledge of God above all things [Proverbs 1:7]” (LC I 174); and

WHEREAS, Parents are, therefore, entrusted with the ultimate responsibility of teaching the faith and catechizing their children; and

WHEREAS, Contrary to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, parents may neglect their role as the primary teacher of the faith in the lives of their children or be given the impression that faith formation in their children is a primary work of the pastor, teacher, or other called minister of the congregation, rather than the father and mother; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention clearly and unequivocally reassert and affirm the scriptural truth that God has given to parents to be the primary teachers of the faith in their children; and be it further

Resolved, That parents within the church be regularly encouraged to undertake and fulfill the duty God has given them to bring up their children in the fear and knowledge of God; and be it further

Resolved, That the pastors, teachers, and other commissioned ministers of the church be encouraged to affirm parents in their God-given duty and to support, equip, and encourage them, through prayer and other means, to fulfill the duty God has given them; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod use its resources and influence to encourage parents in their God-given role as the primary teachers of the faith for their children.