# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1969_S377 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 9, SOCIAL ACTION AND WELFARE (9-01) Report of Commission on Social Action The Commission on Social Action, since its creation by the Cleveland convention in 1962, has concerned itself with issues which are important in the life of the contemporary church and world. We have made efforts to encourage and guide our people in what we believe to be a right understanding and a correct and helpful course of Christian action and witness. We have also believed it to be our Christian office and duty, where God gives express direction in His Word, to identify that which is wrong in the church and in today’s society. There is also need to critically evaluate some activistic tendencies in Christian social witness in our day. Studies, outlines, and position papers have been pre- pared on the following subjects: Effective Christian Social Action The Theological Basis for and Methodology of Cor- porate Action by the Church in Social Issues Propositions Concerning Civil Disobedience Guidelines for the Christian Study of Social Ques- tions The Christian’s Attitude Toward Cigarette Smoking in the Light of Recent Surveys Synodical Policy on the Patronage of Institutions Which Practice Racial Discrimination Tax Exemption of Church-owned Property The Christian World View and the New Era in Science Statement to the Church Concerning the National Collapse in Sexual Morality Questions for Christians to Think About and Discuss Concerning the War in Vietnam Propositions Concerning the Church and Nuclear Warfare Propositions on Work and Leisure Dr, Oliver Harms and the Synod's Department of Public Relations have been most helpful in disseminat- ing approved materials which have been written by our commission. Limited scope of our materials is due to the fact that we have been without the services of a full- time executive secretary up to this time. Dr. Eugene W. Linse Jr., who was unanimously named to the position in our meeting of Oct. 28, 1968, has declined our appoint- ment. We are still engaged in the search for a full-time executive secretary for our commission. Rev. Leslie F. Weber, Executive Secretary of the Board of Social Ministry, has given us invaluable advice and service. District Social Action Committees are now functioning units in many areas of the Synod. The Lu- theran Human Relations Association of America, oldest voluntary national church group in our nation in the field of racial justice, continues to serve church and state in its area of special concern and competence. Our church periodicals have carried many editorials and articles dealing with questions of pressing personal, national, and world concern. Congregations are increasingly concerning them- selves with social action and are engaging in community activities and programs with local civic and service organizations. Some congregations are looking beyond their own parochial concerns to the city, the state, the nation, and the world. Revolutionary changes and de- velopments have brought the realization that the world is at the threshold of every home and parish. The Mis- sion Affirmations’ stress on concern for and service to the “whole man” is gradually having a wholesome effect throughout our fellowship. “The Failure of the Church” Recent interest in social witness had produced charges accusing the churches of institutional “failure” in concern and work for people. Critics have often overlooked the long-term, substantial, and contempo- rary contribution of all the Christian churches in the field of social service and welfare. Some of the talk and energy presently being expended on the calling of meet- ings and the issuing of pronouncements and condemna- tions could perhaps result in more solid and helpful achievements if concerned Christians would simply help in the work now being done by congregations, Dis- tricts, and institutions and in joint Christian endeavors. There is a crying need for greater efforts than are pos- sible with existing personnel and facilities. The Synod’s effort to raise one million dollars as “seed money” in the promotion of suitable and open housing, and the Council of Lutheran Ministries effort to raise six million dollars for the relief of handicapped persons, are worthy of wholehearted, wide, and more generous support. These and similar efforts should be implemented on the local level. The Christian Consensus in Racial Justice and Fellowship The Christian conscience of believers in many de- nominations has produced a virtually unanimous con- sensus on one great issue of our day. The matter of racial justice in society, and inclusive racial fellowship within the church, is an outstanding example of an ecumenical social witness. Religious groups are in virtual agreement on general principles on questions of race and class. Clear witness to the essential equality and worth of all people as the work of the Creator has been offered by all groups in the Judeo-Christian tradi- tion. Christians have the all-important saving Gospel of Christ's love as the incentive for their work and wit- ness. There are, of course, individuals and groups within the churches who do not agree with official state- ments on matters of race, justice, and fellowship. Yet many local Christian congregations do attempt to carry out good resolutions within the parish and local com- munity.