LCMS President Gerald B. Kieschnick Nov. 5 congratulated the people of California, Arizona, and Florida for their successful efforts to preserve traditional marriage for the good of civil society and for the protection of children.
Voters in all three states Nov. 4 approved amendments to their state constitutions that define mar
riage as between one man and one woman and that ban recognition of same-sex marriages. This brings to 30 the number of states that have approved constitutional amendments to preserve marriage as between one man and one woman.
“The states of California, Arizona, and Florida have provided great and important victories for marriage,” Kieschnick said. “I am pleased the LCMS played an important role in support of traditional marriage.”
In the weeks leading up to the election, Kieschnick worked with district presidents, other Synod leaders, and pro-family groups in the three states to emphasize the Synod’s strong support for natural marriage and to encourage Christians to vote.
Kieschnick said the LCMS was honored to join a large coalition that worked together to preserve marriage. He said the LCMS will continue to offer education, counsel, and support to those who are actively engaging our country and the culture on issues involving marriage and the family.
Despite the inevitable cultural challenges ahead, Kieschnick said he and others in the Synod will work to lead and support efforts to preserve marriage in all 50 states.
“The 2008 election cycle has proven that traditional values and biblical instruction continue to be essential supports to public policy,” Kieschnick said. “Voters who center their choices in those principles have shown that they still have impact on state ballot initiatives.”
The 2004 Synod convention affirmed, “on the basis of Scripture, marriage as the lifelong union of one man and one woman.” It urged members of LCMS congregations “to give a public witness from Scripture against the social acceptance and legal recognition of homosexual ‘marriage.'”
Posted Nov. 6, 2008
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