By Adriane Heins
It is one day particularly worth celebrating, but it also doesn’t garner decorations or turkeys, a day off work or a special stamp from the post office. It’s Jan. 16: Religious Freedom Day.
No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod prizes that freedom still today, and its “Free to be Faithful” education and awareness campaign was launched in 2012 in an effort to protect freedom of religion as well as assist Christians in responding articulately and faithfully to increasing intrusions by the government in the realm of the church.
In light of this year’s nod to Religious Freedom Day, the following resources are available for free download at lcms.org/freetobefaithful:
- infographics on the two kingdoms, the changing face of marriage in America today and how youth can get involved in supporting the sanctity of life.
- shareable, downloadable social-media banner images supporting religious liberty — a visual way to let one’s social media following know that Lutheran Christians aren’t afraid to engage the public square.
- an article by LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, titled “Genius and Courage,” starts a conversation on what sets the LCMS apart from other denominations in how to understand church and state.
- the winning entries from Free to be Faithful’s essay contest have been compiled into a three-part Bible study — including articles on marriage, life and religious liberty as well as accompanying questions — and can be used in Bible class, youth meetings and other discussion groups. The authors and titles of the winning essays are “Land of the Free, Home of the Brave? Defending Religious Liberty, Blessing Those Who Seek to Take It” by the Rev. Peter Speckhard; “Proclaim Life!” by the Rev. Philip H. Young; and “What Is Marriage?” by the Rev. Richard C. Eyer.
Also visit lcms.org/freetobefaithful for a variety of other resources available for congregational, home and school use.
Adriane Heins (adriane.heins@lcms.org) is managing editor of The Lutheran Witness.
Posted Jan. 2, 2015 / Updated Jan. 12, 2015
