Life Resources
We encourage everyone to learn more about the two abortion initiatives that will be on the ballot in the state elections this fall.
A note from the District President regarding the two November ballot initiatives about abortion:
Fellow pastors and all brothers and sisters in Christ,
God calls us in His Word to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, to speak for the unborn, to protect life and not promote death. The ballot for the November 5th election will include two initiatives concerning life, both requiring our response. It is important to vote on both initiatives.
Initiative #434 has language consistent with the law passed in 2023 that prevents elective abortion after 12 weeks; though God calls us to protect all life, this initiative does not prevent future legislation from being enacted and is considered by Nebraska Right to Life as an incremental step toward the goal of protecting all life from conception to natural death. Vote YES on #434!
Initiative #439, on the other hand, is a pro-abortion initiative. This initiative would establish a fundamental right to abortion until fetal viability “without interference from the state”, which would negate several pro-life laws currently in effect in Nebraska. This includes the 12-week protection law, the ban on dismemberment abortions and partial birth abortions, parental consent, informed consent, and other pro-life mandates. Vote NO on #439! Again, it is important to vote on both initiatives.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod believes that abortion is contrary to God’s Word and “is not a moral option, except as a tragically unavoidable byproduct of medical procedures necessary to prevent the death of another human being, viz., the mother”. (Source: LCMS FAQ)
Some resources for you and your congregation include:
- A free Bible study from Concordia Publishing House, Called to Vote: Navigating through Political Extremes. Available at THIS LINK.
- In the Creator’s Hands: The Value of Human Life, an article from Rev. Scott Bruick, Nebraska District Fourth Vice-President. Available at THIS LINK.
- A number of resources are available from the Nebraska Family Alliance’s resource center, including:
- Clear guidance on how churches can and cannot engage in political issues
- Half-page comparisons of the two initiatives for use as bulletin inserts
LCMS Life Library
The LCMS has compiled a large number of resources on various life issues including: abortion, adoption, bioethics, child rearing, Christian ethics, Christian living, cloning, death, disabilities, domestic violence, euthanasia, family, marriage, miscarriage and stillbirth, post-abortion, procreation, sanctity of life, sexuality, suicide, suffering, Two Kingdoms, and vocation. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS
Explore Sanctity of Life content here
Life Issues Resources from Lutherans for Life
Lutherans for Life has various resources available on the topics of abortion, abortion and the church, adoption, after an abortion, bioethics, Christian responsibility, contraception, creation, crisis pregnancy, and end of life. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS
Life Teams
Lutherans for Life encourages all congregations to start Life Teams. “A Life Team is a Gospel-motivated group of church members that communicates and shares the abundant love of Christ, in life issues within the church, and outward into the community. Members are equipped through specialized training to be a relational conduit of expertise and practical resources pertaining to the multifaceted aspects of life ministry.” Learn more about Life Teams and what they can do in your community HERE.
Y4LIFE (Youth for Life)
Y4Life seeks to equip high school and college age youth to be Gospel-motivated voices for life. Find out more at https://y4life.org
Below you will find various resources related to sanctity of life and abortion:
Looking at Life in the Womb: Content designed for ages 3–teens
Developed by LCMS Life Ministry in partnership with LCMS School Ministry, Life in the Womb resources are available for early childhood, elementary students, and teens. (Life Ministry resources may require you to register for an Ambassador account at no cost to you or your congregation.)
Access Looking at Life in the Womb Here
The early childhood content (ages 3–5) includes activity mats, posters, and drawing pages.
Curriculum developed by LCMS Life Ministry in coordination with LCMS School Ministry with two sets of material, one for upper elementary and one for middle and high school. The resources help students understand God’s creation of life and value life as God’s gift from conception. Included are videos, PowerPoint presentations, and student and teacher booklets to guide discussions. “Looking at Life in the Womb” was developed by LCMS curriculum experts and university faculty in consultation with ultrasound experts. The curriculum meets state and national teaching standards.
“Looking at Life in the Womb” focuses on accurate and reliable ultrasound technology. Students see actual ultrasounds of unborn children and learn about prenatal development — from the first three-month trimester (seeing the heartbeat and movements of the arms and legs), to the second trimester (seeing facial features, eyes opening and closing), to the third trimester (seeing individual toes and fingers).
Also available for elementary students is an activity book called I Am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.
Abortion and Recovery Resources: Word of Hope
To help congregations and individuals respond to the needs of those around them who are considering or recovering from abortion, please contact Word of Hope, which provides after abortion care, pregnancy assistance, and spiritual care.
End-of-Life Resources
CLICK HERE to download Synod’s document Mercy at Life’s End: A guide for laity and their pastors
A variety of resources related to death and dying are available from Synod AT THIS LINK
Life Ministry Newsletters
Sign up for LCMS Life Ministry newsletters HERE
LCMS Life Ministry newsletter archive CLICK HERE
Life News — Monthly Lutherans for Life bulletin insert CLICK HERE
Parish Health Resource Library (topics such as disabilities, suffering/death, etc)
A variety of health ministry topics produced by various Synod entities can be found AT THIS LINK.
Pro Life Flyers and Brochures
Please note: not all of the resources below are from LCMS organizations
Abortion Pill Reversal rack card in English and in Spanish
How to Defend Pro-Life Views in 5 Minutes