LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 87

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PARISH, YOUTH, AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES 87

House, if necessary, so that it may publish the theological
scholarly literature needed by the Synod’s constituency.

Faculty

Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary
St. Catharines, Ont.

Roger Humann, President

2-42

To Encourage All Schools to Celebrate
Black History Month

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has the
largest Protestant parochial school system in the nation and
therefore must set the proper Christian example for other
private schools; and

WHEREAS, The parochial school has the opportunity and the
responsibility to teach and indoctrinate in Christian principles
and giving proper human relationships a Christian founda-
tion; and

WHEREAS, Black ministry is by far the largest minority
ministry in our church, exceeding all other minority, racial,
and ethnic groups combined; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month is celebrated by public
schools throughout the country: and

WHEREAS, The observance of National Black History Month
provides an opportunity for all persons of all races, creeds, and
national origins to come to know the contributions of Blacks to
the American culture and history; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has been
commissioned by Christ to minister to the “whole man,” and
can aid Blacks by recognizing and acknowledging the contri-
butions made by Blacks, through a permanent means whereby
the Black experience can be communicated annually; and

WHEREAS, The Association for the Study for Afro-American
Life and History, Inc., based in Washington, D.C., since 1926,
has promoted an annual recognition nationally of the achieve-
ments of Afro-Amercians, which occurs during the month of
February: and

WHEREAS, The association each year proposes a different
Amercian history theme to be explored, which aids in the
expansion of one’s knowledge: and

WHEREAS, The sharing of one’s culture, history, and herit-
age, builds pride in and respect for one’s self and thus develops
a more productive citizen; and

WHEREAS, These annual observances in the words of James
Weldon Johnson encourages Afro-Americans to be “true to
their God and true to their native land”; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod would be
remiss in its educational duties if it omits or attempts to
diminish the innumerable and invaluable accomplishments
Black people have made in the development of this land: and

WHEREAS, All people must come to understand and appreci-
ate their heritage in order to develop a healthy sense of identity:
and

WHEREAS, When one knows his history and that of his
neighbor, he will feel pride in knowing we all have so much of
interest to share; and

WHEREAS, Many Black youth attending churches with
white pastors have little or no knowledge of Black pastors to
give them an image to relate to: and

WHEREAS, Many white Lutherans know nothing of the
history of Black Lutherans: and

WHEREAS, Black Lutherans are reminded annually through
the Reformation of their Lutheran heritage. it is fitting Black
Lutherans be reminded by the church of what benefits man-
kind has received from Black contributions by means of Black
History Month: and

WHEREAS, We urge all of our students in all of our schools—
elementary, high school, college. seminary. and others—to
actively seek to learn more of the history of Black Americans.
and thereby obtain an enhanced knowledge of America’s true
history: and

WHEREAS, We urge the Synod to adopt the national posture
of celebrating February as Black History Month; therefore be it

Resolved, That all parochial schools in the great protestant
school system of our church be encouraged to put forth special
efforts to celebrate Black History Month: and be it further

Resolved, That the Board for Parish Services provide
appropriate helps to our schools for effective and benefical
observance and celebration.

Commission on Black Ministry
Richard Dickinson. Executive Secretary

2-43

To Retain and Use the 1943 Catechism
in Its Present Format

WHEREAS, The Synod has profitably used our 1943 Cate
chism with only minor revisions in 1965: and

WHEREAS, An unbiased examination of the 1943 Catechism
reveals only a very few archaic words: and

WHEREAS, The Six Chief Parts and their explanation are
presented in clear, understandable, and memorizable English
language: therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod continue to use the 1943 Cate-
chism as it is currently published; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod encourage its pastors and teachers
to take the opportunity to explain the few archaic words that
may exist to their pupils: and be it further
Resolved. That the present catechism version continue to be
used in our hymnals and all educational material of the Synod;
and be it further
Resolved, That any proposed changes in the 1943 Cate
chism must be brought to the Synod in convention assembled
for approval; and be it finally
Resolved, That such proposed changes be published through-
out the Synod one calendar year prior to possible approval to
assure fullest possible dissemination to congregations.
Mount Hope Lutheran Church
Casper. Wyo.
John G. Evans III. Secretary
J.B. Brown, Pastor

2-44

To Update 1943 Translation of Luther’s
Small Catechism and Its Exposition

WHEREAS, The 1981 convention of the Synod directed the
Board for Parish Services to present a plan of action for the
updating of the Enchiridion and Exposition of Luther's Small
Catechism (Res. 7-02): and

WHEREAS, Recently produced teaching materials. though
valuable tools for teaching the truths of the catechism, do not
serve the function of “handbook” to Christian doctrine in the
same way as the 1943 catechism has done; and

WHEREAS, The need for a truly contemporary and faithful
translation of the catechism and reworking of the Exposition
remains: therefore be it

Resolved. That the Synod reaffirm its desire to update the
Enchiridion and Exposition of Luther's Small Catechism (1943
ed.): and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod direct the Board for Parish
Services to present a plan of action for this project to the Board
of Directors of the Synod by June of 1984 for approval and
implementation.

Lutheran Church of the Living Christ
Madison, Wis.

William A. Jordan, Executive Director
Harold L. Senkbeil, Pastor