In today’s News:
LCMS President Harrison speaks on reopenings
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod President the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison on Friday released a video statement of encouragement and resources for reopening of churches. Harrison noted that communities are in various stages of reopening in the wake of covid-19 crisis and its lockdowns. He told the faithful that we now face the challenges and the opportunities of reopening: gathering your flock back together and reaching out to your community. Harrison suggested resources are available for congregations planning reopening of services. One is the Centers For Disease Control Guidelines For Community And Faith-Based Organizations and the welcome back kit provided by the LCMS Office Of National Mission and The LCMS Communications Department.
Seminary electors meet tomorrow
The electors charged with calling the next president of Concordia Seminary will resume the search at a virtual meeting set for 1 p.m. CDT tomorrow. A call was extended may 16 but was declined earlier last week. Thus, in accordance with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Bylaws, the Seminary’s Board Of Regents has called this meeting of the electors and, as prescribed in the bylaws, will either reissue that call, elect another person from the remaining five finalists, create a new slate from the original assembly of nominees or issue a new call for candidates. He new president will succeed Dr. Dale A. Meyer, who will retire June 30.
Missouri’s last abortion facility stays open
Missouri’s only abortion clinic on Friday won its legal fight to stay open, as an independent arbiter found the State’s Health Department was unjustified in denying the clinic’s application to renew its license. Missouri health officials last year declined to renew the license of the St. Louis Clinic, operated by women’s abortion provider Planned Parenthood, on the grounds that it failed to meet their safety standards. They threatened to close the clinic and make Missouri the only U.S. state without legal abortion services. The administrative hearing commissioner overruled the state on Friday after finding the Planned Parenthood clinic, “provides safe and legal abortion care.” A spokeswoman for Missouri’s Republican Governor Mike Parson said in an email the governor’s office would review the decision and consult with the State Attorney General’s Office on next steps.
Pro-life advocate wins settlement
Pro-life advocate Mark Mayberry will receive $50,000 in a settlement with the city of Portland, Oregon. According to Oregon Live, the settlement was approved by the Portland City Council on Wednesday and the city has admitted to violating Mayberry’s rights in June 2019 when a park ranger at Tom Mccall Waterfront Park tried to force him to leave while Mayberry was holding a pro-life sign. Mayberry was banned from the park for 30 days. When Mayberry refused to leave, the ranger issued a citation and called the police. This act was a violation of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, which states that people can’t be legally removed from public areas when engaging in free speech. Mayberry’s citation and 30-day ban were dismissed.
