LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1992, Sheet 175

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HUMAN CARE 173

Wuereas, This situation has caused thousands of Hai-"

tian people to flee their country in search of safety and
security; and

Wuereas, The difficulties which have arisen concerning
their resettlement has placed thousands of Haitians in des-
perate straits regarding their lives and future; therefore
be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention commend and
encourage efforts toward the reestablishment of these refu-
gees; and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage the Board for Human Care
Ministries and our congregations to respond to this situ-
ation as they are able, so that our commitment to share
the compassion and love of Christ for hurting people might
be evident. -

Action: Adopted (8).

To Give Assistance and Support
to Refugees

RESOLUTION 7-16
Overtures 7-11-12 (CW, pp. 285-86)

Wuenreas, Millions of people in countries all around the
world are victimized by violence, oppression, war, and pot
litical-economic strife resulting in their flight to North
America in increasing numbers seeking refuge and peace:
and .

Wuenreas, Holy Scripture directs Christians to show
love, care, hospitality, and assistance toward the strangers
and foreigners in our lands; and

Wuereas, The ministries of Lutheran Immigration and
Refugee Service (LIRS) offer ways in which we can show
greater compassion for the uprooted, both here and abroad;
therefore be it

Resolved, That the members of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod continue their strong support for LIRS i in,
resettlement and ongoing support of refugees; and be it
further

Resolved, That individuals and congregations be
strongly encouraged to continue to grow in compassion and
love through Bible study, prayer, monetary contributions
to LCMS World Relief, and local resettlement efforts.

Action: Adopted (8).

To Support Programs to Alleviate
Domestic Poverty and Homelessness

RESOLUTION 7-17
Overture 7-14 (CW, p. 286)

Wuereas, Domestic poverty and homelessness have
continued to increase dramatically and present a growing
problem in a country of great wealth; and

Wuereas, Much of the support for homeless families
and individuals must be provided by churches and other
nongovernment and private agencies and individuals; and

Whereas, A number of congregations and other Lu-
theran entities, some of them with the assistance of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod World Relief domestic

grants, have successfully assisted many poverty-stricken
and homeless people in a variety of ways and continue to
do so; therefore be it

Resolved, That individuals and congregations of the
Synod and Lutheran social ministry organizations be en-
couraged to establish more programs independently or in
cooperation with other agencies that assist those who are
impoverished or homeless; and be it further

Resolved, That individuals and congregations of the
Synod be encouraged to financially support the work of
LCMS World Relief in order that it may increase its sup-
port of congregational programs to alleviate domestic pov-
érty and homelessness.

' Action: Adopted (12).

To Continue Concern for Synodical
‘ Retirees and
7 Widows of Retired Workers

RESOLUTION 7-18
Overtures 7-28-30 (CW, p. 290)

Wueneas, There have been numerous initiatives at this
and prior conventions addressing the issue of the impact
medical cost is having on the older retired workers and
widows; and

' Wuereas, The committee on Human Care, Floor Com-
mittee 7, revisited and restudied the content of such ini-

' tiatives; ‘and

‘Wuereas, During the last triennium seven extra benefit
checks were issued to the older retired workers and widows
of such retired workers (and the practice is continuing);
and

‘Wuereas, Providing either partial or full subsidization
of the cost of medical coverage to retired workers and wid-

- ows would require an annual amount between $4 million

and $15 million, depending upon the level of subsidy pro-
vided; and

Wuereas, Providing the funding for retired workers
and widows health coverage from the Concordia Retire-
ment Plan could not be accomplished without violating the
terms of the Trust and certain IRS requirements; and

Wuereas, The Board of Directors of the Synod and the
Board of Managers—Worker Benefit Plans continue to
show active concern for retired workers and surviving
spouses, especially those experiencing economic hardship;

_ therefore be it

Resolved, That the convention affirm the action taken
in Res. 7-10 (1989 Proceedings), “To Continue Concern for
Synodical Retirees and Their Spouses,” and encourage the
Board of Directors of the Synod and the Board of Man-
agers—Worker Benefit Plans to continue assisting retired
workers and widows with exceptional financial hardship.

Action: Adopted (14).

‘