# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1959_S159
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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MISSIONS 159

and this can take place only in an enlightened Christian social con-
sciousness; and

Wuereas, All churches are vitally affected by population move-
ments which necessitate ongoing study of the usefulness and func-
tion of our churches at their present location; and

Wnuereas, Inner-city churches frequently provide the greatest
mission challenge in a metropolitan area; and

Wuereas, The program of the inner-city church frequently
requires more in personnel and continued support than mission
ventures in other urban areas; and

Wuereas, Our entire Synod, through its Districts, shares with
all the congregations of the area responsibility and concern for
these inner-city problems, including that of the use of abandoned
facilities; therefore be it

Resolved:

1. That this convention reiterate and re-emphasize its 1956
resolution regarding race relations in national and worldwide
church work, urging Districts, boards, and agencies to implement
this resolution;

2. That District Mission boards give utmost encouragement and
support to congregations located in the inner city that they may
meet the challenge of their communities;

3. That District Mission Boards seriously consider the estab-
lishment of an effective mission program in those inner-city areas
which are not being served adequately by one of our congregations
and that suitable facilities be rented or acquired for such a pro-
gram,

4. That all congregations be encouraged to conduct a self-study
program as suggested by Synod’s Board for Missions in North and
South America, refraining from relocating or vacating an area
until such a study has been completed and until conferences held
with sister churches and District Home Mission Boards reveal that
their profitable service to the community in which they exist has
been exhausted;

5. That District Home Mission Boards avail themselves of
financial assistance for such inner-city ventures from Synod’s
Board for Missions in North and South America, the latter to
solicit and receive such funds by appropriation of the Fiscal
Conference;

6. That all District Mission Boards be encouraged to bring this
resolution to the attention of all the congregations located in the
inner-city areas.

Action: This resolution was adopted.