LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1969, Page 145

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RESOLUTIONS 145

Wuereas, The committee finds the “Ten Guiding
Principles” enunciated in the document (CW, pp. 383 to
385) deserving of further study and consideration;
therefore be it

Resolved, That congregations of the Synod study
the document carefully; and be it also

Resolved, That the Synod commend the staff and the
committee for the thoughtful, Biblically based approach
it has taken on social issues and ask the staff to give
further and continuing thought to the complex social
welfare issues that face our world.

Action: Adopted (16).

To Create Housing Staff Position
RESOLUTION 9-15
Overture 9-08 (CW, p. 392)

Wuereas, The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod
already in New York in 1967 resolved to undertake
a program of education and action with regard to hous-
ing for people who were restricted for racial or other
reasons; and

Wuereas, The Board of Social Ministry accepted this
responsibility for administration and implementation;
and

Wuereas, The opportunities for service in this area
represent an ever-growing challenge; and

Wuenreas, The “Keys for Christ” venture evoked spe-
cial interest within our Synod in this cause as another
way of witnessing to our faith; and

Wuereas, The continued administration and respon-
sibility for this venture impose undue burdens on the
Board of Social Ministry and staff as now constituted;
therefore be it

Resolved, That we express our sincere appreciation
to Dr. Eugene W. Linse, who has served with theological
and sociological competence on a temporary basis; and
be it further

Resolved, That in the interest of good stewardship
and good administrative procedure a staff position be
filled by a competent person who under the direction
of the executive secretary of the Board of Social Minis-
try shall devote himself primarily to the special minis-
try and the opportunities facing the church in the areas
of housing; and be it finally

Resolved, That insofar as possible and practical the
administration and operation of this program and ser-
vice be made self-supporting.

Action:. Adopted (16).

To Train and Utilize Institutional Chaplains
RESOLUTION 9-16
Overture 9-27 (CW, p. 399)
Wuereas, Clinically trained institutional chaplains
have many and special opportunities to bring the Gos-
pel of our Lord to troubled people; and

Wuereas, Our church has not kept pace in meeting

the increased need for clinically trained chaplains;
therefore be it

Resolved, That each District of our church through
its duly appointed Board of Social Ministry and/or
Board of Missions take immediate action to —

1) encourage capable pastors to consider this spe-
cialized ministry, so that the corps of clinically trained
chaplains can be increased by a sizable number during
the next biennium;

2) provide funds for such clinical pastoral training
for qualified persons;

3) seek out additional opportunities for placement
of such chaplains in public institutions;

4) use our institutional chaplains to conduct and
offer various training opportunities for pastors and lay
people to equip them to function effectively as volun-
teers; and

5) to make further use of our trained chaplains as
resource people for District ministerial health commit-
tees,

Action: Adopted (16),

To Train 5,000 Volunteers for Institutional
Chaplaincy Program
RESOLUTION 9-17

Overture 9-26 (CW, p. 399)

Wuereas, It is impossible to provide full-time chap-
lains for all major institutions; and

Wuereas, Parish pastors on a part-time basis, as well
as lay people, can provide a ministry of service in the
25,000 nursing homes,. as well as other hospitals and
institutions; and

Wuereas, These institutions would welcome the well-
trained lay or clergy volunteer; therefore be it

Resolved, That in consultation with our District
Boards of Social Ministry and under the supervision of
our full-time chaplains the Synod engage in a “Pro-
gram of Compassion” to train 5,000 of our members for
volunteer service in the institutions, hospitals, and nurs-
ing homes of our country; and be it also

Resolved, That the Synod’s Board of Social Ministry
provide guidelines, principles, and other helps for such
volunteer services and report at the 1971 convention on
the results of this resolution.

Action: Adopted (16).

To Adopt Polity Statement re Accreditation
of Welfare Agencies
RESOLUTION 9-18

Overtures 9-28, 9-29 (CW, p. 400)

Wuereas, The Board of Social Ministry of The Lu-
theran Church + Missouri Synod has been given the
responsibility to serve as the administrative agency of
the Synod for social ministry interest of and in the
Synod; and