I, too, believe that this should be open to all LCMS members, but probably not for the same reasons that others do. As a lifelong LCMS Lutheran, I love and respect the opinions of my beloved church. Yet, I believe, as Martin Luther did, that "my conscience is captive to scripture." Pastors, students, and lay people should be FREE to express opinions that might be contrary to what our church leaders (particularly, President Harrison) state should be stressed as major issues in Christ's Church, today. I am certainly opposed to same-sex marriage, abortion; and the issues that President Harrison mentions. However, I feel a sense of intimidation or pressure, when topics are STRONGLY SUGGESTED by our spiritual leaders that go so far as to influence the voting process or civil freedoms that we are privileged to have as Christian Americans. Some issues in society may cause one to lean toward the RIGHT of the political spectrum, and others, more to the LEFT. I have never, personally, experienced any suppression of my ability to worship or witness according to my LCMS beliefs in this country. I am certainly sad at heart that many in our church body believe that this is the case, but I simply have not seen as much evidence of it as the leadership of the LCMS promotes. Yet, I have felt a very strong influence from our denomination (as well as other Christian churches) for the membership to vote for a particular political party, or to criticize (sometimes, in a disrespectul manner) a particular party; as well as the President of the United States of America. I realize that our society, today, is sick from the "original sin" that has always plagued it, but this should evoke a response of faith, love, witness, and an urgency to unite and heal our nation. I sense a strong disunity, not only within civil society; but within the Christian Church. The Apostle Paul always emphasized the "Spirit of Unity, through the bond of Peace." When the Pharisees attempted to back Jesus into a corner, concerning the obedience of Civil Law, He chose to question whether the RELIGIOUS LEADERS of His day were truly practicing God's Word as the Creator of the Universe had intended. Jesus Christ left Civil Government to the Romans at this time, and focused on His kingdom; which was "not of this world." Instead, the Messiah targeted the arrogant, judgemental, legalistic (and often, hypocritic) teachings of the religious leaders of His day. The teachings of Jesus were certainly foreign to the Romans, but they should not have been to the religious leadership. After Jesus' death and resurrection, the Apostles continued to preach "Christ Crucified" to ALL people; Jewish, Greek, free, slave, etc. I am not stating that the issues that President Harrison uses for topics of essays, should not be addressed by faithful Christians, but I am concerned with the tendency to "force" our beliefs upon Civil society; rather than using the example set by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to witness in His Name to all people. The Great Commission begins to sound more like a "crusade", much like the Muslim world, in these times of religious and political turmoil. If the line between our faith and civil government become too obscure, we could find ourselves ruled as a Theocracy, as many countries in the Middle East are, now. I realize that this is an essay contest within our own denomination, but there is certainly an emphasis on what direction our future pastors should take; and I believe that this direction should include other devastating problems that plagure our society, that are often ignored behind a barrage of religious-political banter that becomes intertwined and divisive to Christians and our nation. We are not a Theocracy, we are a pluralistic society that is ruled by a democratic government, that includes many people of the Christian faith. Our nation is also comprised of people of different faiths, other than Christian, agnostics, humanists; and,even atheists. Throughout our history, many have fought and died to keep it that way. As much as we speak of suppression of our religious freedom; it is just as important not to attempt to suppress the freedom of those who do not believe as we do. I strongly believe in continued mission work and WITNESSING within our nation, and without; but, as much as we would prefer ALL people to believe as Christians do; we cannot force a belief system upon anyone. We can speak the "truth in love", pray without ceasing for our nation and the world, and carefully measure what is taught in our own pulpits according to the yardstick of Holy Scripture and the words of Jesus Christ; OUR LORD AND OUR GOD! I agree that we must be BOLD in our faith, and that Holy Scripture is not subject to change by man or government; but this does not mean that reasonable Christians cannot debate, and exercise the FREEDOM to question religious leaders about their interpetation of scripture. Often times, the Holy Spirit may use Holy Scripture to speak just as strongly to a lay person in the LCMS, as to an ordained minister. True FREEDOM comes only through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by His suffering, death, and resurrection for all mankind! Thank you.