Photo essay: Teaching the World to See

Story by Kevin Armbrust; Washington, D.C., photos by Erik M. Lunsford; Chicago photos by Frank Kohn

“We don’t yell, but we pray and sing.”

That’s how Emmett Bartens, a student at Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis., characterizes the voice of Lutherans at events like the 2017 March for Life Jan. 15 in Chicago and Jan. 27 in Washington, D.C.

“We are here to witness to the life we have been given from above, from Christ through Baptism and the Lord’s Supper,” Bartens said.

In both Chicago and Washington, green hats provided warmth and witness to the world that the LCMS sees with eyes of life, as marchers carried “Eyes of Life” banners and signs to join the voices that speak for all life.

Chicago’s streets around Federal Plaza were filled with life — breathed in and out in a city known for wind — life promoted and protected by speeches and marchers. LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, a featured speaker in Chicago, encouraged all in attendance to have compassion — just as Jesus came to have compassion on all — as they speak for life.

Voices lifted in harmony and in love announced the presence of the LCMS at the March for Life in Washington. Classical architecture framed current issues, as tradition and truth marched to remind the world of a basic reality: God is for life.

Even when they were waiting their place in the Washington march, the LCMS contingent sang the praises of Him who defeated death. Those who marched by saw the eyes and heard the voices. Singing and praying continued during the march.

Marching Lutherans looked and sounded like those who know
the Author of life.

Join the conversation about life at eyesoflife.org. March when you can. Serve those who are faced with difficult life situations and choices. Teach the world to see with eyes of life.

Dr. Kevin Armbrust (kevin.armbrust@lcms.org) is manager of Editorial Services with LCMS Communications.

Erik M. Lunsford (erik.lunsford@lcms.org) is managing photojournalist for LCMS Communications.

Frank Kohn ( frank.kohn@lcms.org) is editorial coordinator and photographer for LCMS Communications.

Posted March 17, 2017