To Condemn Anti-Semitism

WHEREAS, Scripture declares that God “made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth” (Acts 17:26), and that God “shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34–35); and

WHEREAS, Jesus sends his church to declare the Gospel to all nations (εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, Mark 13:10) and to make disciples of all nations by baptizing and teaching them (Matt. 28:16–20), including ethnic Jews; and

WHEREAS, In light of international political controversies, especially related to thesad conflicts between Palestinians and Jews in Gaza since October 7, 2023, there has been increased attention on the Jewish people and their relationship to the land of Israel; and

WHEREAS, There is much confusion in churches today concerning the role of Israel in prophecy and the end times, especially as it relates to the necessity of the conversion of the Jews and the exclusivity of justification by faith in Christ; and

WHEREAS, There has been a similar rise in anti-Semitism within many political movements and online conversations in recent years, some more explicitly Christian than others; and

WHEREAS, Certain writings of Martin Luther have been cited in support of anti-Semitism, which has misled some into believing Lutheranism itself is anti-Semitic; and

WHEREAS, The Synod in convention has clearly denounced racism of all sorts(2023 Res. 11-02A; 2019 Res.11-04A;1992 Res. 3-03; 1981 Res. 8-07), but specifically anti-Semitism, stating that “we condemn any and all discrimination against others on account of race or religion” and “disassociate ourselves from Luther’s negative statements about the Jewish people” (1983 Res. 3-09, “To Clarify Position on Anti-Semitism”); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention reaffirm its opposition to racism of any sort, and to anti-Semitism as a particular kind of racism; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod confess that salvation comes solely to those who are justified by faith and confess Jesus as Lord; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod direct responsible entities, such as the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, Concordia Publishing House, the seminaries, among others, to provide resources to better explain the relationship between the Church and modern-day Israel.