LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison and the Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, executive director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, are two of the signers of “Created Male and Female: An Open Letter from Religious Leaders.”
The Synod is among 22 states, 144 members of Congress and numerous other organizations filing amicus briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that could block California’s mandate for abortion advertisements in pro-life pregnancy centers.
Upon hearing oral arguments for Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission Dec. 5, the U.S. Supreme Court now must decide, in effect, whether Christians have the same liberty as others to live consistently according to their religious beliefs.
The brief’s basis is that the government cannot force Americans to use their abilities and vocations to perform services that violate their faith and conscience.
The Wyoming Supreme Court rules to admonish Judge Ruth Neely for alleged ethics violations, but finds that she did not break any law in expressing her beliefs.
It remains unclear if Department of Defense (DoD) officials will respond to the Synod’s Sept. 8 request to ensure protections for chaplains, service members and others, following the DoD’s recently mandated LGBT policies.
The amicus brief supports Richland, Wash., floral designer Barronelle Stutzman, who faces two lawsuits for refusing to use her artistic abilities for a same-sex wedding ceremony.
The Synod sends a formal request to the Secretary of Defense to ensure specific protections for chaplains, service members and other defense personnel, as Christian service members face increasing pressures in today’s military.
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