Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) Position on Abortion
NOTE: At the July 1979 convention of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) meeting in Watertown, Wisconsin, the church body adopted this position against the killing of babies in the womb. This 1979 position on abortion is found below.
On July 28, 2011, the WELS Convention delegates unanimously adopted a resolution on abortion that was submitted by Christian Life Resources. Click here to view this latest resolution.
WHEREAS 1) the Holy Scriptures clearly teach that the living yet unborn are persons in the sight of God and are under the protection of His Commandment against murder. (Job 10:9-11; Ex. 20:13; Mt. 5:21; Gen. 9:6; Ps. 139:13; Ps. 51:5; Jer. 1:5, Lk. 1:41-44): and
WHEREAS 2) our hearts are grieved over the millions of unborn who are being murdered each year through the sin of willful abortion; and
WHEREAS 3) our Synod has historically testified against abortion, except when it is medically necessary to save the life of the mother; therefore be it
RESOLVED, a) that we encourage the editors of our Synodical periodicals as well as our pastors and teachers to continue fervently and faithfully to testify against abortion; and be it further
RESOLVED, b) that ’e continue to urge our membership to make God’s will in this matter known to our fellow men whenever the opportunity presents iself; and be it further
RESOLVED, c) that we encourage our membership to express their concern and compassion for distressed pregnant women by supporting the development of alternatives to abortion programs which are consistent with God’s Word; and be it finally
RESOLVED, d) that we more zealously preach the Gospel of Christ which alone can change the wicked hearts of men and turn them from sin to righteousness.
[This Resolution was adopted by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Convention on August 3, 1979.]
