An Open Letter of Comfort
from the LCMS Council of Presidents
The following is an open letter of comfort adopted unanimously by the LCMS Council of Presidents on Feb. 21, 2013. It was first delivered to Pastor Rob Morris and Christ the King Lutheran Church, Newtown, Conn., by LCMS New England District President Rev. Timothy Yeadon. The Council of Presidents consists of the 35 district presidents, the five vice-presidents and the president of the Synod. Other documentation may be found at http://wmltblog.org/2013/02/
February 21, 2013
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In the name of Jesus Christ by whom God works all comfort.
The Council of Presidents of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod expresses God’s love and care for all involved in the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Our hearts break for all those who lost loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy. May God continue to work in you His peace even through tears and even amongst things we do not understand.
The Council of Presidents affirms our brothers who have worked through this community crisis with humility, repentance and forgiveness for the sake of Christ’s church and the world. The Council also affirms the continued ministry of all who have shown mercy and compassion to those affected by the Newtown tragedy.
We encourage all to strive in continued reconciliation in Christ who Himself reconciled us to God by His sacrifice on the cross.
In the shadow of Christ-crucified who overcame the power of sin we commit ourselves under God’s Word and the Lutheran Confessions to a study of how better to respond appropriately in a Christ-centered manner to community crises.
We invite the church at large to join us humbly in a study of God’s Word as we struggle against the power of darkness through our merciful God of love.
Thank you and may God bless you as we “look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV).
We remain yours in Christ,
The Council of Presidents
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
