LCMS News
President Harrison’s Response to the SCOTUS Ruling on Homosexual Marriage:
In a landmark 5-4 ruling June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a right to marry in any state in America, even in states where same-sex marriage currently is not recognized.
“Today was a tragedy in the history of Western and world civilization,” LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison said soon after the ruling. “Five justices cannot rewrite all of history, much less can they redefine what God has defined.”
Speaking to the future, he said, “We will continue to be faithful to the institution of marriage as conceived by our founders. If those who wrote the Fourteenth Amendment could have known that it would be misused for this purpose, they would be absolutely shocked and horrified. Truth does not change. God’s Word does not change.”
As for the LCMS, Harrison noted, “We will continue to be faithful to God’s institution of marriage and natural law, and we will also be compassionate to people who are damaged by this misdirection.”
Harrison also released a letter to the church today, noting that “We respect the divinely given dignity of all people, no matter their sexual preference. We recognize that, under the exacting and demanding laws of God, we are indeed sinners in thought, word and deed, just as are all (Rom. 3:9ff.). We confess that the ‘blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanses us from all our sins’ (1 John 1:7).”
In his letter, Harrison also encouraged LCMS Lutherans to “continue to reach out to those who continue to be harmed by the ethic of radical sexual freedom, detached from God’s blessing of marriage.”
Read President Harrison’s letter
In a landmark 5-4 ruling June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a right to marry in any state in America, even in states where same-sex marriage currently is not recognized.
“Today was a tragedy in the history of Western and world civilization,” LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison said soon after the ruling. “Five justices cannot rewrite all of history, much less can they redefine what God has defined.”
Speaking to the future, he said, “We will continue to be faithful to the institution of marriage as conceived by our founders. If those who wrote the Fourteenth Amendment could have known that it would be misused for this purpose, they would be absolutely shocked and horrified. Truth does not change. God’s Word does not change.”
As for the LCMS, Harrison noted, “We will continue to be faithful to God’s institution of marriage and natural law, and we will also be compassionate to people who are damaged by this misdirection.”
Harrison also released a letter to the church today, noting that “We respect the divinely given dignity of all people, no matter their sexual preference. We recognize that, under the exacting and demanding laws of God, we are indeed sinners in thought, word and deed, just as are all (Rom. 3:9ff.). We confess that the ‘blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanses us from all our sins’ (1 John 1:7).”
In his letter, Harrison also encouraged LCMS Lutherans to “continue to reach out to those who continue to be harmed by the ethic of radical sexual freedom, detached from God’s blessing of marriage.”
Read President Harrison’s letter
Doxology Response to the SCOTUS Ruling on Homosexual Marriage:
With today's landmark decision, the Supreme Court of the United States has negated the express will of the citizens of several states with laws limiting marriage to one man and one woman. More significantly, it has introduced a definition for marriage contrary to the express will of God and opened the door to persecution of those who for reasons of conscience hold the biblical view.
Though today's ruling effectively redefines marriage legally in our land, it does not set aside the scriptural definition of marriage any more than the infamous 1973 Roe v. Wade decision changed the scriptural definition of life.
Marriage was instituted by God in Eden as a holy estate and comprehensive union between one man and one woman for their mutual support in both joy and sorrow and the procreation and nurture of children. This union of holy matrimony is a picture of the mystic union and communion of Christ Jesus and His Bride, the Holy Christian Church.
Reflecting on what the Court's decision means in the days and years ahead, DOXOLOGY's Executive Director for Spiritual Care, Harold Senkbeil, commented: "Though dark and uncertain times lie ahead, this is a time for Christians everywhere to shed light and truth in a world of darkness and confusion. We remain steadfast and immovable in the faith delivered once to all the saints, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for in the Lord our labor is never in vain."
"While people of faith who hold to the historic definition of one-man/one-woman marriage may find themselves on the receiving end of attack or ridicule," Senkbeil continued, "Let there be no ugly acrimony and negativity. Let's be known for what we stand in favor of, not merely what we stand against. And let there be compassion and care for same-sex attracted family, friends, and neighbors."
Senkbeil concluded, "Thank God, there is hope and encouragement for all of us who wrestle with sexual temptations of every sort in the forgiveness and renewal won by Christ. We look to the future with confidence and joy. Jesus Christ remains the light of the world, the light no darkness can overcome. Even the gates of hell cannot prevail against His church."
With today's landmark decision, the Supreme Court of the United States has negated the express will of the citizens of several states with laws limiting marriage to one man and one woman. More significantly, it has introduced a definition for marriage contrary to the express will of God and opened the door to persecution of those who for reasons of conscience hold the biblical view.
Though today's ruling effectively redefines marriage legally in our land, it does not set aside the scriptural definition of marriage any more than the infamous 1973 Roe v. Wade decision changed the scriptural definition of life.
Marriage was instituted by God in Eden as a holy estate and comprehensive union between one man and one woman for their mutual support in both joy and sorrow and the procreation and nurture of children. This union of holy matrimony is a picture of the mystic union and communion of Christ Jesus and His Bride, the Holy Christian Church.
Reflecting on what the Court's decision means in the days and years ahead, DOXOLOGY's Executive Director for Spiritual Care, Harold Senkbeil, commented: "Though dark and uncertain times lie ahead, this is a time for Christians everywhere to shed light and truth in a world of darkness and confusion. We remain steadfast and immovable in the faith delivered once to all the saints, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for in the Lord our labor is never in vain."
"While people of faith who hold to the historic definition of one-man/one-woman marriage may find themselves on the receiving end of attack or ridicule," Senkbeil continued, "Let there be no ugly acrimony and negativity. Let's be known for what we stand in favor of, not merely what we stand against. And let there be compassion and care for same-sex attracted family, friends, and neighbors."
Senkbeil concluded, "Thank God, there is hope and encouragement for all of us who wrestle with sexual temptations of every sort in the forgiveness and renewal won by Christ. We look to the future with confidence and joy. Jesus Christ remains the light of the world, the light no darkness can overcome. Even the gates of hell cannot prevail against His church."