LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1989, Page 159

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HUMAN CARE 159

at every stage of development with infanticide, euthanasia,
fetal transplants; and various procedures raising grave
biomedical issues; and

Wuerreas, The LCMS must be prepared to provide
Scripture-based, pro-life assistance for searching, con-
fused, and often hurting individuals and families within
our congregations; therefore be it

Resolved, That congregations and Districts be urged to
address life issues, working toward local, state, and federal
legislation which upholds the sanctity of all human life,
including that of the unborn child; and be it further

Resolved, That this convention direct the Sanctity of
Life Task Force of the Board for Social Ministry Services
to accomplish the following:

1. Keep the church and community aware of Biblical an-
swers to issues that threaten the sanctity of all human
life

2. Continue to provide information regarding alternatives
to abortion

3. Serve as a resource to congregations and Districts who

seek to address pro-life concerns in their unique local
and state contexts

4, Provide encouragement and support for social ministry

agencies recognized by the LCMS as these agencies

minister to those facing sanctity of life issues; and be

it finally

Resolved, That individuals throughout our Synod and
our nation be encouraged by this resolution to reaffirm the
sanctity of human life through the exercise of civic re-
sponsibilities and through a winsome Christian witness.

Action: Adopted (15).

To Encourage Synodical
and Congregational Support
for Prevention of Child Abuse

RESOLUTION 7-15A
Report R7-01 (CW, p. 132)

Wuereas, Jesus showed special concern for children,
admonishing His disciples, “Let the children come to. me,
and.do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom
of heaven.” (Matt. 19:14 RSV); and

Wuereas, Child abuse and neglect are major problems
in our country and a definite hindrance to a child’s faith;
and

Wuereas, Child abuse is cyclic, often perpetuating god-
less life-styles in victims, including abuse of their own chil-
dren, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and the inability to
form relationships; therefore be it

Resolved, That the congregations of the LCMS be en-
couraged to recognize April or some other month as Child
Abuse Prevention month with sermons, prayers, and ed-
ucation of members in prevention strategies and methods
of reaching out into the community; and be it further

Resolved, That schools of the LCMS be encouraged to
develop prevention education curriculums to use with their
students; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board for Social Ministry Services
provide congregations with appropriate materials to carry
out this ministry; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Board for Parish Services be en-
couraged to develop and assess already existing prevention
education curriculums for Lutheran schools to use with
their students, working jointly with the Board for Social
Ministry Services in this effort.

Action: Adopted (18).

To Address Problem of Domestic Abuse
RESOLUTION 7-16
Report R7-01 (CW, p. 132)

WHEREAS, Domestic abuse is an escalating problem; and

Wuereas, Domestic abuse degrades the family, in-
creases human suffering, prevents healthy growth and de-
velopment, and perpetuates unchristian life-styles; and

Wuereas, Ministry to those affected by domestic abuse
follows from our strong commitment to pro-life and family
concerns; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board for Social Ministry Services
through its Standing Committee on Human Care

1. sensitize congregations to the problem of domestic
abuse;

2. provide resources and recommend models for ministry
to assist families in dealing with domestic abuse;

3. encourage the Board for Higher Education Services to
develop programs in synodical institutions that train
professional workers to provide Christ-focused care to
needy and damaged individuals and families.

Action: Adopted (15).