National Lutherans for Life Convention.(Brief Article)

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - - "Living Under the Cross" was the powerful theme of the 19th annual convention of Lutherans for Life (LFL). More than 350 Lutherans gathered from across the United States and Canada. The only inter-Lutheran pro-life organization in the nation, LFL is based in Nevada, Iowa, with 15 state federations, 157 local chapters, and 657 life ministry coordinators nationwide.

The Rev. John Nunes both challenged and uplifted the gathering in a keynote address on "The Theology of the Cross." Nunes, author and pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas, shared an excerpt from his book, Voices from the City.

Rev. Nunes said "Since human life is a gift of God, it is inherently holy." He added, "How we live together, then, and how we preserve the inherent holiness of human life is fundamental to our confession of faith."

For Lutherans, Nunes explained, "Our lives are not merely biological or social or political. How we share life is primarily about theology; it is a God issue. Life, from conception to natural death, is a gift from God. And God cares about the poor."

In a pre-convention workshop, LFL Executive Director Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb and LFL President Linda D. Bartlett, shared the "Mission, Message, and Manner" of Lutherans for Life.

There is a mission "to witness to the sanctity of human life through education based on the Word of God," Rev. Lamb said. "Being based on the Word of God," he added, "is the defining factor of who we are and what we do!"

Mrs. Bartlett argued that the "real battle is a battle of world views." She emphasized how very important it is for pro-life people to speak the truth in love.