# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1992_S174
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

172 RESOLUTIONS

in every way possible the blessings of reserving sexual re-
lations for marriage; and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage such behavior because it
has as its motivation and power our relationship in faith
as a new creation in Christ Jesus.

Action: Adopted (14).

To Address Sexual Abuse in Society _
and the Church

RESOLUTION 7-12
Overture 7-08 (CW, p. 285)

Wuereas, The Word of God clearly teaches the sacred-
ness of God’s gift of sexuality to each individual (Gen. 1:27,
31; 2:21-25) as well as under what circumstances a God-
pleasing expression of this gift can take place (Matt. 19:4—
6; 1 Cor. 7:2—4); and ‘ ‘

Wuereas, There is a growing awareness in today’s so-
ciety of numerous cases of sexual abuse; and

Whereas, Even within the church itself cases of sexual
abuse are becoming apparent both among members and
professional church workers; and

WuereaS, Instances of sexual abuse are not only con-
trary to the Word but also have a lasting effect on those
victimized by such acts; and

Wuireas, The church through its Spirit-guided min-
istry can offer unique help and leadership to today’s society
and its own professional workers in addressing these min-
istry needs; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod, Districts, and congregations
use every opportunity to address all forms of sexual abuse;
and be it further °

Resolved, That Districts intensify their efforts to min-
ister to both the victims and the abusers; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board for Human Care Ministries,
working with the Districts, take a leadership role in ad-
dressing these sexua! abuse issues at the congregational
and professional church worker level; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Board for Higher Education Services
work with the colleges and seminaries in developing and
implementing curricula on sexual abuse.

Action: Adopted (14).

To Heighten Understanding of AIDS and
Compassion toward People with AIDS

RESOLUTION 7-13
Overture 7-10 (CW, p. 285)

Wuereas, The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(AIDS) infection is reaching into all segments of our society
and affecting families and communities in epidemic pro-
portions; and

Wuereas, Many congregations are presently experi-
encing the impact of this epidemic; and

Wuereas, Jesus has set up before us His standard of

compassion, care, and unconditional love of the afflicted;
and

Wuereas, Lutheran Christians are called to witness
His grace and-love by the example of service, and

Wuereas, Both the Boards for Human Care Ministries
and Parish Services have produced biblically sound edu-
cational resources on both prevention and response to peo-
ple with AIDS; therefore be it

Resolved, That congregations be urged to increase their
commitment to Christ-centered care to those who have
tested HIV positive or who suffer from AIDS and that they
give personal assistance and support to their families and
care-givers; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board for Human Care Ministries
identify materials that the Synod and auxiliary organi-
zations have produced on AIDS for use within congrega-
tions; and be it finally ae

Resolved, That all congregations respond to those af-
fected by AIDS with God’s love.

Action: Adopted as amended (14).

(The words “have tested HTV positive or who” were added in
the first resolve after the words “Christ-centered care to those
who,” and the words “as taught in both the Law and the Gospel”
were deleted from the last resolve. A motion to delete the entire
last resolve as proposed by the committee was defeated.)

To Give Support to Lutheran World
Relief, New York

RESOLUTION 7-14
Overture 7-13 (CW, p. 286)

Wuereas, Millions of people in today’s world, including °
thousands of children, suffer and die from lack of food,
shelter, and medical care; and

Wuereas, Christ our Lord in the 25th chapter of the
gospel of St. Matthew calls us to feed the hungry, to shelter
the stranger, and to clothe the naked; and

Wuereas, For 47 years Lutheran World Relief, New
York, has answered this call by supporting the poor and
oppressed of less developed nations in their efforts to meet
their basic human needs and by alleviating human suf-
fering resulting from natural and manmade disasters;
therefore be it

Resolved, That the members of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod continue their strong support-of Lutheran
World Relief, New York, through contributions to LCMS
World Relief; and be it further

Resolved, That we ask God’s continued blessing on the
efforts of Lutheran World Relief, New York, to bring
Christ’s love to a world’of need in this decade of the 90s
and beyond.

Action: Adopted (12).
To Express Concern and Compassion
for Haitian Refugees
RESOLUTION 7-15

Wuereas, The nation of Haiti is undergoing tumultuous
political, economic, and social upheaval; and