LCMS President Harrison encourages Christians to vote

Nov. 1, 2024

• Letter from President Harrison on voting

• Prayer before entering the voting booth

• Resources for voting as a Christian

• 1986 LCMS Convention resolution on voting

Christians should take up the privilege and opportunity to vote in accord with God’s Word

My fellow family members in Christ,

In 1986, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod passed a resolution “To Encourage Political Involvement of Individuals as a Christian Witness” (1986 Res. 2-19). It acknowledged the “growing ungodliness” in the nation, exhorted Christians to prayer and repentance, and urged “all Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations to remind eligible members to register and to vote as a matter of good citizenship.”

It surely doesn’t seem like the situation has improved in the last 38 years. Our society has devolved into greater wickedness, further entrenching the “right” to take the life of unborn children and advocating for any number of other “rights” to ungodly deeds.

As Lutherans, we look at this political mess and understand that God works in the world in two different ways: through the church (the “kingdom of the right hand”) and through the state (the “kingdom of the left hand”).

In the church, He works through the proclamation of the Word of God and the administration of the Sacraments to bring about the salvation of sinners. In the state, He works through the laws and the sword to curb wickedness and enable us to live in peace. As Christians, we live in both kingdoms, submitting in love to Christ and in obedience to the government, insofar as we are not commanded to violate our Lord’s teaching (Rom. 13:1–7; Acts 5:29).

In the United States of America, we have the great privilege to help choose our leaders and direct them in their work. As God commanded the Israelites exiled in Babylon to pray for and to “seek the welfare of the city where” He had sent them (Jer. 29:7), so Christian citizens in the U.S. should seek the welfare of this country. We have a duty to pray for our leaders, and, where possible, elect and direct them in a godly course of action.

First, then, let me urge you to participate in this privilege. Vote. Pray for God’s guidance and vote. Participate in the governing duty you have as a citizen of this country and as a fellow brother or sister in Christ.

Second, vote according to God’s Word. You do not leave your beliefs behind you when you enter the voting booth. You may enter the booth by yourself, but you are not alone. The God who has redeemed you, who sanctifies you, who has made you in His image and is working to complete this work in you, enters that booth with you.

What does this mean? It means that when you vote, you must vote for the good of your neighbor. The LCMS does not align itself with any particular party or endorse any political candidate. But some things need to be said: Some issues have clear biblical mandates. We stand for the protection of life from conception to death. We stand for the protection of children from the predations of the LGBTQ+ agenda. As God’s people, we seek to protect the right to freely exercise our beliefs and practices in this great country.

Many other issues are also on the table. Workers should be paid fairly. Citizens — across the board — should not be unfairly taxed. The government should wield the power of the sword fairly and for the good of all. We should consider these issues and make the decision that best serves our neighbor, first and foremost. And Jesus, our Good Samaritan, has something to say about serving your neighbor in need (Luke 10:25–37).

It is not a violation of Lutheran teaching on the Two Kingdoms to encourage Christians to this task of voting. God calls His people to be salt and light in the world (Matt. 5:13–14). In our time, this includes voting for the good of our neighbor.

Let me encourage you:

If you are a pastor or church worker, discuss these matters with your congregational members this weekend. Help them understand that beyond the presidential election, a number of other issues on state ballots address deeply moral issues about which Scripture speaks.

If you are a pastor, please consider forwarding this email to your congregational members. Use the resources we’ve linked below and check your district office website for more information related to other state ballot measures.

If you are a member of an LCMS church, encourage your fellow members to vote. It is a unique privilege to participate in one’s own government and a blessed opportunity to serve your neighbor in need.

And finally, pray. Add the prayer below to your personal prayers over the next few days and to your congregational prayer this weekend.

In Christ,

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Prayer

Almighty God, Your wisdom created and upholds all things in heaven and on earth. You have placed me as a citizen in this nation, in which I am also given a vote and voice concerning its government. Give me discernment that I may exercise this civic duty as best I can for the benefit of our people now and in the future and in accordance with Your Word. Give wisdom not only to me and all other voters, but especially to the leaders who will be elected, that all foolish or wicked plans may come to no success, and that noble, fair and beneficial counsels be heeded and put into effect for the good of the country they serve. Spare us from harm, grant peace and security and let Your Gospel be preached unhindered in this nation, since You desire all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Resources

• “Christian hope in a hopeless world” by Matthew C. Harrison, a letter reflecting on the LCMS’ partner church in India and the political decisions facing Americans today

• “Beyond the Booth” by Joel Biermann, a guide for the Christian conscience in the voting booth

• “Issues Relating to Amendment 3 and the Election” by Lee Hagan, LCMS Missouri District president, an example of godly encouragement and guidance on thinking through political matters

• “Guidelines for Crucial Issues in Christian Citizenship”, a CTCR report encouraging responsible citizenship

‘To Encourage Political Involvement of Individuals as a Christian Witness’

From 1986 Convention Proceedings, pp. 134-35

RESOLUTION 2-19

Whereas, The Bible speaks to the morality of nations, saying, “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34); also “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Ps. 33:12); and

Whereas, There are strong and growing trends in our nation away from Christian morals and values, accompanied by a growing disrespect for God and the church; and

Whereas, God calls His people to repent of wickedness, to come to Him for the healing of their nation (2 Chron. 7:14), and further calls His people to be the salt and light of the world (Matt. 5:13–14); and

Whereas, Christians in a democratic nation have opportunity to speak out for morality and righteousness by being mindful of social and moral issues when voting for candidates for public office; therefore be it

Resolved, That as a Synod we publicly recognize and deplore the growing ungodliness in our nation, being mindful of the need for continued prayer and repentance on behalf of both our Synod and nation, that we may turn to God and seek His help and blessing; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod urge all Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations to remind eligible members to register and to vote as a matter of good citizenship; and be it further

Resolved, That all members of Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations be encouraged to inform themselves concerning the moral views of each candidate for public office, and to use their vote as a witness for Christian morality and values where such opportunities exist; and be it finally

Resolved, That members of Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations be encouraged to participate actively in local government, and qualified members be urged to run for public office and public school boards to ensure that a Christian voice is heard in government on behalf of public morality.

Action: Adopted (12).