# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1977_S192
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

192 RESOLUTIONS

Resolved, That the Synod encourage its pastors,
teachers, and other professional workers to investigate
the opportunities offered in the public sector to become
more sensitive to the human condition and to develop
more fully the skills needed to help persons in their
need.

Action: Adopted (7).

(The committee removed Overture 8-03 from the heading
since that overture had been withdrawn.)

To Show Concern for the Unemployed
and the Underpaid

RESOLUTION 8-09A
Overture 8-06 (CW, p. 302)

WHEREAS, There are people in many of our com-
munities who cannot find work or who, if working, are
paid so little that they cannot meet the expenses of
basic human needs and for this reason are made to
suffer deprivations; and

WHEREAS, Our Lord’s example of caring urges on us
an attitude of concern and a willingness to share with
those less blessed; therefore be it

Resolved, That we encourage congregations to
either establish crises-help centers, or affiliate with
existing organizations which render assistance for
food, rent, medical care, clothing, provide employment
information, and other help to those who are un-
employed or underpaid; and be it further

Resolved, That as responsible Christian citizens we
serve as advocates in behalf of the unemployed and
underpaid in the legislative process of government at
all levels; and be it finally

Resolved, That our congregations and synodical
institutions review the salary schedules of those who
work for them that they themselves not be found guilty
of underpaying their employees.

Action: Adopted (11).

To Encourage Concern for Criminal
Justice and Prisoner Rehabilitation

RESOLUTION 8-10
Overtures 8-07A—B (CW, p. 302)

WHEREAS, The problem of major crime continues
despite existing methods of arresting, convicting,
sentencing, and incarcerating the law offender; and

WHEREAS, The church is vitally interested in the
quality of life of the victims, those accused of crime but
not yet tried, the staff of penal workers who deal daily
with these offenders, and the convicted law offenders
who need guidance, since most of them will be
returning to their communities; and

WHEREAS, The New Orleans convention adopted a
resolution that our church body show concern for this
situation (Res. 9-13, 1973: “To Work Toward Prisoner
Rehabilitation and Prison Reform”); and

WHEREAS, The Board of Social Ministry and World
Relief has recently provided “Guidelines for Jail
Ministry”; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm its previous
statement on criminal justice, adding a concern for the
victims of crimes; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board of Social Ministry and
World Relief prepare and distribute appropriate
guidelines and suggestions to Districts, congregations,
and individuals for implementing those guidelines; and
be it finally

Resolved, That the funds for this task be included in
the operating budget of the Board of Social Ministry
and World Relief.

Action: Adopted (7).

To Support Ongoing Work
of Social Ministry

RESOLUTION 8-11
Report 8-01 (CW, pp. 297—301)

WHEREAS, The area of social ministry covers a wide
and varied field of interests, concerns, and human
needs; and

WHEREAS, The Synod’s Board of Social Ministry
and World Relief has approached its responsibility with
vision, ingenuity, and creativity to serve these needs, as
manifested in its report to the Synod; and

WHEREAS, It is important in the interest of efficien-
cy, effectiveness, and economy to use avenues and
structures available to implement its task; therefore
be it

Resolved, That the Synod commend the Board of
Social Ministry and World Relief for the stewardship of
its task and the development of means and methods to
enable our church to serve the important needs of
people; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage the Board of
Social Ministry and World Relief to continue its efforts
as outlined in its report.

Action: Adopted ( 7).

To Note LHRAA 25th Anniversary

RESOLUTION 8-12
Overture 8-17 (CW, p. 305)

WHEREAS, In past conventions The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod has acknowledged with
gratitude to God the ministry of the Lutheran Human
Relations Association of America and has recommend-
ed that its Districts and congregations support it, pray
for it, and utilize its services; and

WHEREAS, The association is now in its 25th year of
ministry; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod express gratitude to God
for the blessings He has wrought through this ministry

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