Website offers photos, videos from life march, conference

Lutherans are marking the 40th anniversary of legalized abortion by taking part in the national “March for Life” on Jan. 25 in Washington, D.C., and attending the first-ever LCMS Life Conference Jan. 25-26 in Arlington, Va. (Washington, D.C., area).

The LCMS is providing same-day, online coverage of the March for Life and the Life Conference that will include photos and videos spotlighting Luthera n participants (at www.lcms.org/life), and Twitter posts by LCMS Special Projects Coordinator for Life Ministries Ed Szeto (@edszeto4life) and the LCMS (@thelcms).

To follow LCMS coverage of both events on www.twitter.com, search #LCMSMFL or #LCMSLifeconf.

The March for Life takes place annually on the National Mall in Washington to protest the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States. This year’s event is expected to draw more than 300,000 people.

“The right to life is at the foundation of human existence,” said LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison. “Life and death belong to God, not government. Christians must come together in defense of life, speaking out as our consciences and religious principles dictate. This is our duty before God and our right as citizens of this land.”

Events on Jan. 25 include a 9 a.m. EST LCMS Divine Service of worship at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Va., with Harrison delivering the sermon.

A pre-march rally begins at noon EST on the National Mall. The march is expected to conclude around 3 p.m. EST at the U.S. Supreme Court building.

The LCMS Life Conference is being held in conjunction with the March for Life. The conference title is “Lutherans and Pro-Life Advocacy — Good and Acceptable Service,” based on 1 Tim. 2:1-4. Conference sessions will be held at t he Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel on Jan. 26.

The LCMS Life Conference is designed to equip individuals, groups and congregations to conduct pro-life advocacy at the local, state and national levels and to discuss theological motivation, encouragement and practical suggestions for becoming more active in the public arena.

“Given the milestone anniversary of the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, it is particularly appropriate this year that pro-life Lutherans gather together to give witness to the tragedy we see around us caused by the disrespect for human life,” said Maggie Karner, director of LCMS Life Ministries and conference organizer. “This conference is the perfect way to educate ourselves on the issues and prepare to boldly witness for life to the world in new and effective ways.”

Conference speakers include Harrison; Dr. Robert Benne, author of Good and Bad Ways to Speak about Religion and Politics; Steve Macias, West Coast regional coordinator for Students for Life; Mollie Hemingway, Lutheran journalist and blogger; Scott Klusendorf, director of the Life Training Institute; Tim Goeglein, vice-president of external relations for Focus on the Family; Carol Tobias, executive director of National Right to Life; and others involved in pro-life advocacy. A youth track with special breakout sessions for high-school and college students also is offered.

Posted Jan. 25, 2013