Archbishop Listecki extends a special LOVE ONE ANOTHER message for Fortnight for Freedom

June 21, 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Tonight, we officially begin the initiative set by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the “Fortnight for Freedom.” While this specific call to action began with the Catholic Church, we are learning more and more that the idea of fighting for religious freedom is universal.

In fact, many faith leaders have stood in agreement with USCCB president Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, including the president of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison.  Harrison is vocal in his opposition to the current healthcare guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, expressing his sentiments through various formats including the written word, and even Congressional testimony.

In a letter to the Roman Catholic Church, Harrison writes, “As creedal and confessional Lutherans committed to the life giving Word of God without reservation, and to the church catholic, we are thankful for your witness in the wake of the HHS mandates. We stand with you against government intrusion into the principled practices of what is a violation of a religious conscience. We stand with you in concern for the unborn. We stand with you for the sanctity of marriage. The first amendment defines our most cherished liberties, including the free exercise of religion. That free exercise is not limited to assemblies of Christians in sanctuaries.”

This morning, I accepted an invitation to attend a catechetical meeting from his faith organization, at a Pewaukee conference center.  There, LCMS leaders presented me, as Archbishop of Milwaukee, Resolution 6-04.  This resolution, adopted at their district convention on June 10, officially commends the Roman Catholic Church for its stance on religious freedoms and defense of the rights of the unborn.

I received a copy of the framed resolution from Rev. Dr. John C. Wille, president of the LCMS South Wisconsin District, and Rev. Peter Bender, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, Sussex. I am proud that my brothers and sisters of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod stand with us in our struggle to preserve and protect our religious freedom.

We will not permit any government entity or group to restrict the practice of our faith to worship services. Additionally, we will reject any attempt to remove religion from the marketplace of society or attempts to define who we are as faith communities.

This is our God-given right, protected by the Constitution. As we initiate our Fortnight for Freedom, may our prayers and actions raise our consciences and strengthen our resolve to protect and preserve the freedom of religion. Together, we must engage our best efforts, for the Lord commands us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.