On Feb. 16, 2012, the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of the LCMS, was one of several witnesses to give testimony during the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's hearing: "Lines Crossed: Separation of Church and State. Has the Obama Administration Trampled on Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Conscience?" Pres. Harrison gave a powerful opening statement to the Committee, expressing our church body's opposition to the Jan. 20 US Health and Human Services ruling that required religious, non-profit organizations (such as the LCMS) cover contraceptives and abortifacients in their health-insurance plans. Harrison's entire statement can be found in this month's The Lutheran Witness (witness.lcms.org). Quoted below is the final paragraph of Harrison's statement.
We fought for a free conscience in this country, and we won't give it up without a fight. To paraphrase Martin Luther, the heart and conscience has room only for God, not for God and the federal government. The bed is too narrow, the blanket is too short. We must obey God rather than men, and we will. Please get the federal government, Mr. Chairman, out of our consciences. Thank you.
I thank the Lord that we have such a wonderful theologian leading our beloved Synod. God bless and be with Pres. Harrison.
