# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2001_S142 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 142 CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES high schools that have operated as inter-Lutheran ministries for many years. Such ministries have served countless numbers of chil- dren and young people with the Good News of the Gospel, thereby touching their lives with God’s love; and be it further Resolved, That the Board of Directors of the Texas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod memorialize The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention in 2001 to recognize the importance and the validity of inter-Lutheran ministries as they carry out the work of touching lives with God’s love; and be it fi- nally Resolved, That the Texas District memorialize The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention in 2001 to continue to place the matter of congregational involvement in inter-Lutheran ministries (RSOs) in the hands of the congregations involved in these ministries. Texas District 2-26 To Continue ELCA/LCMS RSOs WHEREAS, The LCMS and the ELCA have in the past and con- tinue to respond jointly to human needs worldwide through agen- cies such as LWR and LIRS; and WHEREAS, The work is done in the name of Christ, and RSOs affirm unity in service and education and not in al] doctrinal points; and Wuereas, The efforts of the LCMS are multiplied by these co- operative efforts, and our Synod is in no way doctrinally compro- mised by these efforts; therefore be it Resolved, That our RSOs be encouraged to continue efforts to reach out with social and educational ministry; and be it further Resolved, That LCMS/ELCA tensions regarding doctrine not be allowed to subvert godly and confessional relationships; and be it finally Resolved, That the LCMS in convention spend a moment in silent prayer, thanking God for our RSOs and asking God’s bless- ings as they cooperate in channels for the goal and good of God’s kingdom. Village Bronxville, NY 2-27 To Affirm Congregational Involvement in RSO Ministries WHEREAS, Resolution 2-06A of the 1998 convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod calls for congregations in- volved in inter-Lutheran associations known as Recognized Ser- vice Organizations (RSOs) of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, such as Lutheran high schools and Lutheran social service organizations, to review their relations with these organizations; and Wrereas, A synodical task force has been appointed to review these inter-Lutheran organizations currently operating as RSOs of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and to present a report to the 2001 convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in regard to the status of these RSOs; and WuereEasS, The approach of this review may limit and discour- age the cooperative efforts of inter-Lutheran groups working to- gether in Christian ministry; and WHEREAS, This resolution may prevent the startup of new inter-Lutheran activities and cooperative efforts in Christian min- istry; and WHEREAS, There are many inter-Lutheran schools and other inter-Lutheran programs that are carrying out important Christian ministries, and have been doing so for many years; and WHEREAS, Decisions of this nature, as indicated in Article VII of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, 2001 Convention Workbook should be and remain with congregations as they study this in rela- tion to the Word of God; therefore be it Resolved, That congregations of the Northwest District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod study this matter, including current ministries that fall into this setting, in particular, Lutheran elementary and high schools that have operated as inter-Lutheran ministries for many years, serving countless numbers of children and young people with the good news of the Gospel. and thereby touching them with God’s love; and be it further Resolved, That the Northwest District memorialize The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention 2001 to recog- nize and reaffirm the importance and the validity of inter-Lutheran ministries as they carry out the work of touching lives with God’s love; and be it finally Resolved, That the Northwest District memorialize The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention in 2001 to affirm that the matter of congregational involvement in inter-Lutheran ministries (RSOs) is a matter that congregations themselves deter- mine in accord with Article VIf of the Synod’s Constitution. Northwest District; Trinity, Portland, OR 2-28 To Reject Recommendations of RSO Task Force WHEREAS, 1998 Res. 2-06A calls for congregations involved in inter-Lutheran associations known as Recognized Service Organi- zations (RSOs) of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, such as Lutheran high schools and Lutheran social service organizations, to review their relations with these organizations; and Wuereas, A synodical Task Force has been appointed to re- view these inter-Lutheran organizations currently operating as RSOs of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and to present a report to the 2001 convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in regard to the status of these RSOs; and WuereaS, The implementation of the Task Force recommenda- tions will threaten or terminate the continuing existence of many of these inter-Lutheran ministries, including at least seven high schools and other agencies such as the Bethesda Lutheran Home and many other social service agencies; therefore be it Resolved, That the recommendations of the Task Force on Rec- ognized Service Organizations be rejected. St. James Myrtle Point, OR 2-29 To Reject TF Report and Support RSO School Associations Wuereas, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has a long history of teaching the Good News of Jesus Christ through educa- tion; and Wtereas, Schools are a wonderful way to affect lives and fam- ilies with the Good News of Jesus; and WHEREAS, The mission of the educational system is changing through the years from educating members of the congregation to educating those from outside our parishes; and WHEREAS, In many parts of the country LCMS congregations are not strong enough to support schools on their own; and WHEREAS, The report of the Task Force on Recognized Service Organizations (schools) would eliminate the presence of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod from many associations, thus limiting our voice; therefore be it Resolved, That we support the Lutheran school associations; and be it further Resolved, That we affirm the ministries in areas where Lutheran congregations are not as strong or as plentiful; and be it further