Religious Liberty at Risk: Protecting the Right to Preach Without Political Retribution

The freedom to preach and practice faith without government interference is a foundational principle of both our nation and our Lutheran tradition. Yet, this freedom is under threat. House Resolution 59 (H.R. 59) seeks to formally condemn a sermon given by Bishop Mariann Budde at an interfaith Service of Prayer for the Nation, labeling her message as a “distorted” interpretation of faith. This resolution is not just a political maneuver—it is a dangerous precedent that challenges religious liberty itself.

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At the heart of our Christian tradition is the call to speak truth to power. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state.”Our faith compels us to advocate for justice, mercy, and the dignity of all people, and our religious leaders must be free to express these truths without fear of political retribution.

Bishop Budde’s sermon spoke of unity, compassion, and the responsibility of leadership to care for the vulnerable. Her words challenged policies that harm immigrant families, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those on society’s margins. The backlash—ranging from public condemnation by the President to calls for her deportation—signals an alarming shift toward a government that seeks to control religious expression.

As Lutherans, we uphold both the separation of church and state and the call to live out our faith in the public square. We must resist efforts to stifle the voices of religious leaders who speak out against injustice. If the government begins deciding which religious messages are acceptable, all faith communities are at risk.

We encourage all members of the Grand Canyon Synod to take action by contacting their representatives and voicing their opposition to H.R. 59. A pre-written letter is available, or you can personalize your message to highlight why this resolution is a threat to the religious freedoms we cherish.

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Let us stand together in defense of religious freedom. The ability to preach the Gospel, advocate for justice, and serve our neighbors without government interference is not a privilege—it is a right. Let’s protect it.