In today’s News:
Governor vows to fight for ‘heartbeat law’
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee promised Tuesday to do “whatever it takes” to defend unborn babies from a lawsuit filed by several prominent pro-abortion groups. On Monday, the pro-life republican signed a broad pro-life law to protect unborn babies from abortions once their heartbeats are detectable, about six weeks of pregnancy. However, a judge blocked the law just 45 minutes later after Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union and The Center for Reproductive Rights sued. Responding to the lawsuit, Lee said he is committed to defending the law in court, the AP reports. The pro-life legislation includes informed consent measures as well. It requires abortion facilities to inform women about the abortion pill reversal procedure and the size and gestational age of their unborn babies. It also requires abortion facilities to allow the mother to hear her unborn baby’s heartbeat and see the baby on an ultrasound.
Lutherans worldwide keep the faith
As people across the globe struggle with the effects of the covid-19 pandemic, confessional Lutherans are reaching out with the comfort of the Gospel and practical care. Since April, the International Lutheran Council (ILC) has been chronicling the response of member church bodies around the world in a series of reports at the ILC website. To date, the ILC has highlighted the response of 24 Lutheran church bodies across the globe, including churches in Argentina, Australia And New Zealand, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, India, Japan, Nicaragua, The Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Sweden, South Africa, South Sudan, Togo, the United Kingdom and the United States. Many of these nations have restricted church gatherings to limit the spread of the coronavirus. In response, churches have acted quickly to provide online resources for members during the pandemic — through livestreamed worship services, downloadable devotional resources and social media outreach.
Life Ministry director is installed
Deaconess Tiffany Manor joined the Office of National Mission as director of LCMS Life Ministry on April 14, but due to covid-19 restrictions, her installation was delayed until June 12. LCMS President the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison preached for the installation on John 3:1–17, telling Manor, “You come at an interesting moment. … the Lord will bless. He will give you everything you need.” Manor is married to the Rev. Jonathan Manor, pastor of Lutheran Church of the Savior in Bedford, Mass., and they have four children. She enjoys walking, crafts, swimming, kayaking and “all things water.” The Manors are expecting their first grandchild in November.
