On Sept. 15, Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) will explain to LCMS Lutherans why he doesn’t shy away from a challenge, especially when it comes to introducing legislation that may impact LCMS pastors and congregations.
In a webinar hosted by “Free to be Faithful” — the Synod’s education and awareness campaign promoting life, marriage and religious liberty — Lee will outline a bill he recently co-authored that would prevent any federal agency from denying tax exemptions to an individual, association, business or church based on the belief that marriage is a union between one man and one woman.
Interested individuals are invited to join the webinar at 9 a.m. Central time, when the senator will discuss this legislation — titled the First Amendment Defense Act — along with his staff members Leslie Ford and Conn Carroll. Lee will explain the act and take questions from webinar participants both about tax-exempt status and its future.
Church workers and members of congregations concerned that the IRS could strip the LCMS and its congregations of tax-exempt status can register for the free webinar by completing the online registration form, by emailing infocenter@lcms.org or calling 888-THE LCMS (888-843-5267). Spaces for live participation in the call and webinar are limited.
A recorded version of the webinar will be available online shortly after the live call.
Posted Sept. 1, 2015
Print page
While I am VERY interested in this, and praying it can happen, the sad reality of 2015 is that about the only question that matters is whether he can find 59 other senators who support this. And based on what I have seen, there just does not seem to be enough constituents holding their senators feet to the fire, holding them accountable to what should be core issues like this. Right now, the number seems to max out at around 53 or 54.
All that is left then is to pray for our nation, especially in the next round of elections. But what will happen in the meantime, especially on this issue? It really is scary to think, but that would be my other question to the senator – “Considering that will fail, what else can be done?”