[1] This year, 2025, marks the 500th anniversary of Katie and Martin Luther’s wedding. Notably, Martin Luther wrote in 1519 (six years before his own marriage and seven years before the birth of his first child) that raising children is a parent’s highest calling. In 1520, in his Letter to the Christian Nobility, he tells all Christians that they should provide for their children and their poor neighbors’ children; he tells the ruling class that they should provide health care for the poor and education for all children. Once he became a father himself his sermons and table talk were full of paternal illustrations: his delight with his children, his mourning of the death of his two daughters, his use of discipline.
[2] Thus, it is fitting, for Lutherans to think about the ethics of raising healthy children, whether these children be in our own households or be our neighbors’ children. The essays in this volume of Journal of Lutheran Ethics are written by women who are both mothers and activists. Both find their faith as a ground for their love and work.
[3] The first essay, by Mia McNulty, educator and activist, looks at the effects of racism on health outcomes for mothers, babies, and children. The data she shares in regard to the racial disparities in maternal health, maternal death, and child mortality are alarming. This information should be broadly distributed. The matter is of deep concern for all who seek to act to help their neighbors flourish. She provides a long list of resources for those readers who wish to know more, as well as ethical demands for those who wish to help society to do better.
[4] The second article is an interview with Deanna Branch. Readers may know Deanna Branch, who was featured during the 2024 State of the Union Address and at the Democratic National Committee this past fall for her activism on reducing lead poisoning in children. In this interview, Branch, shares her son’s story of lead poisoning and her journey in parenting him. She also gives data driven advice on how to keep babies and children safe from lead poisoning and urges readers to consider ways to make all children “lead free superheroes.” In her advice, readers also hear the need for patience and empathy for all children and the great value of welcoming children into church community.
[5] The interview is followed by a poem written by Branch for her sons. This poem speaks not of the lead poisoning, but the poison of racism. Her words help readers see the beauty and goodness of the black male child.
[6] The Journal of Lutheran Ethics publishes many types of papers on many topics; this month the three essays speak very tangibly about how to help the bodies and spirits of mothers and babies. This feels like the right way to start this year that marks the half millennium of the Lutheran family. With Luther, McNulty, and Branch, we remember that taking care of a child is a holy act; there are opportunities for all of us to give this care.
