LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2010, Page 141

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

6. Human Care
To Commend LCMS Disaster Relief Work,
Particularly in Haiti
RESOLUTION 6-01
Report 6-01 (CW, pp. 102-112)
Whereas, The past triennium has seen creation being subject to futility and groaning (Rom . 8:20–23) in the wake of
severe natural disasters; and
Whereas, These disasters brought loss of life, the displacement of families, and horrific damage and devastation, along
with the disruption of domestic life and employment; and
Whereas, The nation of Haiti suffered one of the most
devastating earthquakes in recent memory, with over 200,000
dead, a generation of amputees, and the loss of livelihood and
property; and
Whereas, The LCMS, through its World Mission staff
in the Dominican Republic and through LCMS World Relief
and Human Care, had the capacity to respond to people in
need in Haiti and to assist the Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Haiti and the Lutheran Church of Haiti within ten days of the
earthquake, both in their needs and in their outreach to their
neighbors; and
Whereas, The LCMS responded to the earthquake in Chile
and many other disasters during the past triennium; and
Whereas, The LCMS, through its World Relief and
Human Care department, awarded 210 domestic and 53 international disaster grants during the past triennium; and
Whereas, The LCMS, through its World Relief and
Human Care partnerships with recognized service organizations, has assisted millions of people; and
Whereas, LCMS World Relief and Human Care has
developed significant capacity both internally and among its
partners throughout the world; therefore be it
Resolved, That the people of the LCMS give thanks to the
Lord for the good work He has done among us through untold
numbers of people and organizations, in particular LCMS
World Relief and Human Care, LCMS World Mission, Orphan
Grain Train, the districts of the LCMS and their congregations,
the Haitian mission societies, the Evangelical Lutheran Church
of Haiti, and the Lutheran Church of Haiti; and be it further
Resolved, That in thankfulness to the Lord for His blessings upon His church, the Synod seek to preserve and maintain
the disaster response and human care capacity that has been
developed, so that it will be prepared to respond in Christ’s
love to our brothers and sisters in need when the next disaster
strikes; and be it finally
Resolved, That enlivened by the gifts of Christ, the LCMS
continue to make a bold witness to the world through works
of mercy . Soli Deo Gloria.
Action: Adopted (10)
(After a lengthy introduction of the resolution, including remarks by Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti President Marky
Kessa and LCMS Human Care representatives, Res . 6-01 was adopted as presented [Yes: 1,110; No: 9] .)

Committee 6 Vice Chairman Herbert Mueller

To Be a Light for Life
RESOLUTION 6-02A
Overtures 6-02–03 (CW, p. 207)
Whereas, The Bible clearly states that the child in a mother’s womb is a living human being (Jer . 1:5; Ps . 139:16; Is .
49:1, 5; Luke 1:41, 44); and
Whereas, The Fifth Commandment, “You shall not murder,” along with the Small Catechism’s explanation “not to
hurt nor harm our neighbor, but help and support him in every
physical need” celebrate God’s gift of life; and
Whereas, Christians are called “to speak up for those who
cannot speak for themselves” (Prov . 31:8–9); and
Whereas, The “Mexico City Policy” has been rescinded
by executive order, allowing for the use of federal tax dollars
to fund abortions outside the United States; and
Whereas, Recent national health care legislation (“Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act”—March 30, 2010) has
raised a number of concerns regarding the use of federal funds
for abortions; therefore be it
Resolved, That with one voice the LCMS in convention
denounce any legislation or action that supports or funds abortions; and be it further
Resolved, That all LCMS congregations be encouraged to
work at the grassroots level with local crisis pregnancy centers; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS commend the work of Lutherans
For Life and LCMS Life Ministries, and encourage the Synod’s
congregations, pastors, and congregational members to affirm
the sanctity of life; and be it further
141

2010 Convention Proceedings