Karner spotlights 'real issue' behind controversial mandate

By Kim Plummer Krull LCMS Life and Health Ministries Director Maggie Karner said she hopes her participation in a Feb. 27 panel discussion in Washington, D.C., helps spotlight what she calls the “real issue” behind the controversial mandate recently issued by…

COP commends Harrison, issues resolution of support

By James Heine ST. LOUIS — At its regular meeting Feb. 18-21, The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod Council of Presidents (COP) commended Synod President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison for the statements he made in response to the recent United States Department of…

Karner to address religious freedom concerns in Washington

By Kim Plummer Krull LCMS Life and Health Ministries Director Maggie Karner will participate in a panel discussion Feb. 27 in Washington, D.C., spotlighting what many Americans call religious-liberty violations in the wake of the recent government mandate on health insurance…

Southern Baptists mull whether 'Southern' still fits

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (RNS) — For the Rev. Jerry Henry, pastor of First Baptist Church of Fairhope, being Southern Baptist is a defining aspect of life. He embraces the denomination’s conservative social values, extols its evangelism — “We reach out to people…

Nonprofit groups oppose change in charitable deductions

WASHINGTON (RNS) — For the fourth year in a row, President Obama is proposing lower tax deductions for the wealthy on donations to churches and other nonprofit organizations. And for the fourth year in a row, nonprofit groups say the…

N.J. lawmakers approve gay marriage, but veto looms

TRENTON, N.J. (RNS) — Even as Gov. Chris Christie’s threat of a “swift” veto looms, gay-rights activists are celebrating after the state Assembly voted on Feb. 16 on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey. With supporters imploring lawmakers…

Harrison calls for prayers in Lenten video

LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison shares Lenten blessings through a video message to the church where he encourages believers to use Martin Luther’s method of praying: instruction, thanksgiving, confession and prayer, or “ITCP.” He encourages church members to lift…

British High Court rules against prayer at town meetings

LONDON (RNS) — A British High Court justice has triggered dismay and anger across England and Wales with a recent decision that declares prayers at town hall meetings are against the law. Justice Duncan Ouseley ruled Feb. 10 that local government…

Sparks fly as House GOP blasts contraception mandate

WASHINGTON (RNS) — Exhibit A in the fight over President Obama’s mandate for religious institutions to provide insurance coverage for contraception: a ham sandwich. At a hearing Feb. 16 convened by House Republicans to cast opposition to the mandate as a…

LCMS reaches out after Madagascar cyclone

LCMS ministry leaders have assured Lutheran leaders in Madagascar of disaster response assistance if such help is needed after Cyclone Giovanna pounded the African island nation Feb. 14. As damage assessments continue, at least 16 people are reported killed and more…

LCMS, Canadian Lutherans work together for Haiti

By Kim Plummer Krull Leaders of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) and the LCMS call their first joint visit to Haiti a promising first step in bringing together Haitian Lutherans to strengthen theological education in a country with a severe pastor shortage.  “Since the…

'Amazing Desert Journey' is CPH's 2012 VBS

Concordia Publishing House is offering an all-inclusive Starter Kit for its 2012 vacation Bible school (VBS) program titled “Amazing Desert Journey.”  With the theme “Where Jesus Leads Us Home,” the new VBS materials provide a backdrop for a clear presentation of…

Southern Illinois District elects Scharr

The Rev. Timothy J. Scharr of Aviston, Ill., was elected on the first ballot to his first full three-year term as president of the LCMS Southern Illinois District during the district’s Feb. 16-18 convention in O’Fallon, Ill. Scharr, 54, had filled…

Events aim to engage rural congregations

By Roland Lovstad The Rev. Mark Nebel recalls that when he began serving his first call at a small congregation in Southern Illinois, there were no children in the worship services. “The mentality was ‘We’re too old, we’re too small,…

LCMS, ELCA reps discuss cooperation

CHICAGO — Leaders of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) met here Feb. 8 as the Committee on Lutheran Cooperation (CLC) to discuss church-to-church cooperation and to share denominational updates. The LCMS, with about 2.3…

LEA announces 2012 awards

Lutheran Education Association (LEA) has announced the eight recipients of its 2012 educator awards, including Dr. Jeffrey Burkart of St. Paul, Minn., for the top Christus Magister (Teacher of Christ) Award.  In addition, the LCMS Recognized Service Organization has named…