RESOLUTION 8-04

Overture 7-19 (CW, pp. 373–374); President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, pp. 21–31)

WHEREAS, Lutheran schools are a vital expression of religious freedom in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Our Lutheran schools encounter rapid societal changes starkly contradicting Biblical truth, such as the redefinition of marriage, family, and human sexuality; and

WHEREAS, Our Lutheran schools may face federal and state mandates that contradict the Word of God and our confession of faith; and

WHEREAS, Such societal and governmental changes may result in significant legal and financial consequences; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) school ministry in cooperation with the Alliance for Defending Freedom (ADF) and Synod counsel has produced the “Protecting Your Ministry” document, which includes sample policies that are designed to help protect the religious freedom of our schools; therefore be it

Resolved, That our Lutheran schools maintain their commitment to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions; and be it further

Resolved, That all LCMS schools evaluate the implications of their financial dependence on government programs and aid; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod thank ADF for assisting with the “Protecting Your Ministry” document and commend this document and other resources available on the LCMS Website to all congregations and schools; and be it finally

Resolved, That districts encourage their member congregations with schools to adopt written policies and practices that boldly and clearly confess the Christian faith and protect the religious freedom of the school.