LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1986, Page 129

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CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRIES 129

to facilitate and to enhance the observance and celebration
of Black History Month; and

Wuereas, The momentum and aids for observance of
black history and culture can be observed in the media,
such as television, radio, newspapers, etc., during Febru-
ary; therefore be it

Resolved, That we continue an annual emphasis on
black ministry and challenges because of its positive effects
in our congregations; and be it further

Resolved, That the Department of Stewardship and Fi-
nancial Support, the Board for Parish Services, etc., pre-
pare undated materials enabling congregations to use any
Sunday in February, which is Personal Evangelism Month,
or even later as the conditions of their congregations may
dictate; and be it finally

Resolved, That we give praise and thanks to God for
His abundant blessings upon this emphasis in our
churches and pray His continued favor in the years to
come.

Action: Adopted (12).

To Facilitate Inclusive Ministry

RESOLUTION 2-06
Overture 2-59 (CW, p. 93)

Wuereas, Our Savior directs us to be inclusive, preach-
ing the Gospel to all people, loving all neighbors as our-
selves, following His own example; and

Wueneas, Increasing numbers of our parishes have re-
sponded to our Lord’s direction, making their churches ac-
cessible both by removing physical barriers and opening
hearts and minds to any person, no matter what “handi-
cap” a person may experience; and

Wuereas, Too often both visible and invisible barriers
in many congregations hamper their being inclusive in
their mission and ministry; and

Wuereas, A Board for Parish Services staff person,
namely a secretary for ministry with disabled persons,
could sensitize congregations to needs and existing bar-
riers and also provide resources to facilitate the ministries
of congregations and districts with persons who are men-
tally, emotionally, or physically “handicapped”; therefore
be it

Resolved, That the Synod request and encourage the
Board for Parish Services to (1) continue program and ed-
itorial efforts to equip congregations and districts to min-
ister inclusively with all persons with any handicap, and
(2) continue efforts to secure a secretary for ministry with
disabled persons through the Synod’s annual program-
ming and budgeting process; and be it further

Resolved, That all congregations and districts of the
Synod be encouraged through urgent prayer and work to
strive in all their work to include all people, especially
those persons with “handicaps.”

Action: Adopted (12).

To Support
Urban Lutheran Elementary Schools

RESOLUTION 2-07
Overture 2-50 (CW, pp. 91-92)

WueErEAs, The cities of America are home to thousands
of people whose hearts have not been reached by the Gospel
message; and

Wuereas, The Lutheran elementary school is often the
most effective agency the Synod has to bring the message
of the Gospel to urban areas; and

Wuereas, Many of the Lutheran congregations and
elementary schools located in urban neighborhoods have
dwindling financial resources because of declining mem-
bership, economic depression, and costly old facilities; and

Wuereas, Urban schools are continuously in danger of
closing because of financial difficulties; and

Wuereas, The closing of an urban Lutheran elementary
school is often the forerunner of the abandonment of the
congregation that supported it; therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
in convention assembled express its thanks to God for the
dedicated pastors, teachers, and lay leaders in congrega-
tions and schools in urban areas of America for their val-
iant efforts to maintain and expand their ministry under
difficult circumstances; and be it further

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
affirm its support for urban Lutheran elementary schools
and request the Board for Parish Services, working
through those districts that have urban schools within
their geographical region to develop, in cooperation with
the Department of Stewardship and Financial Support,
creative programs through individual, group, and congre-
gational involvement that will bring financial support to
urban Lutheran elementary schools; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Board of Directors consider this a
priority resolution.

Action: Adopted (14).

To Intensify Efforts to Curb
Pornography, Violence, Obscenity,
and Indecency

RESOLUTION 2-08
Overtures 2-16—19B, 3-90 (CW, pp. 84-85, 132)

Wuereas, Members of the congregations of The Lu-
theran Church—Missouri Synod are increasingly con-
cerned about the effects of pornography, violence,
obscenity, and indecency on fellow Christians as individ-
uals and families and in the communities they serve; and

Wuereas, There has been a proliferation of indecent
material, distributed through such media as network, ca-
ble, and VCR television, movies, radio, and the printed
page, including violence, sexual immorality, profanity, and
the use of anti-Christian themes; and

Wuereas, God tells us through His Word to avoid such
influences and to bring up our children in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord; and