To Condemn Anti-Semitism

Official Workbook overture source text

4-21 
To Condemn Anti-Semitism 
WHEREAS, Scripture declares that God “made from one man 
every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth” (Acts 
17:26), and that God “shows no partiality, but in every nation 
anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” 
(Acts 10:34–35); and 
WHEREAS, Jesus sends his church to declare the Gospel to all 
nations (εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, Mark 13:10) and to make disciples of all 
nations by baptizing and teaching them (Matt. 28:16–20), including 
ethnic Jews; and 
WHEREAS, In light of international political controversies, 
especially related to the sad conflicts between Palestinians and Jews 
in Gaza since October 7, 2023, there has been increased attention 
on the Jewish people and their relationship to the land of Israel; and 
WHEREAS, There is much confusion in churches today 
concerning the role of Israel in prophecy and the end times, 
especially as it relates to the necessity of the conversion of the Jews 
and the exclusivity of justification by faith in Christ; and 
W
HEREAS, There has been a similar rise in anti-Semitism within 
many political movements and online conversations in recent years, 
some more explicitly Christian than others; and 
W
HEREAS, Certain writings of Martin Luther have been cited in 
support of anti -Semitism, which has misled some into believing 
Lutheranism itself is anti-Semitic; and 
WHEREAS, The Synod in convention has clearly denounced 
racism of all sorts (2023 Res. 11-02A; 2019 Res. 11-04A; 1992 Res. 
3-03; 1981 Res. 8 -07), but specifically anti- Semitism, stating that 
“we condemn any and all discrimination against others on account 
of race or religion” and “disassociate ourselves from Luther’s 
negative statements about the Jewish people” (1983 Res. 3-09, “To 
Clarify Position on Anti-Semitism”); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention reaffirm its opposition 
to racism of any sort, and to anti -Semitism as a particular kind of 
racism; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod confess that salvation comes solely to 
those who are justified by faith and confess Jesus as Lord; and be it 
finally 
Resolved, That the Synod direct responsible entities, such as the 
Commission on Theology and Church Relations, Concordia 
Publishing House, the seminaries, among others, to provide 
resources to better explain the relationship between the Church and 
modern-day Israel. 
Board of Directors, Minnesota South District; 
 
Circuit 2 (St. Paul Metro), Minnesota South District;  
Circuit 9 (Decatur), Indiana District