LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2019, Page 120

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1. NATIONAL WITNESS

To Promote Adoption of Policies that
Continue Vigilance in Child Protection

To Give Thanks to God for 100 Years
of LCMS Campus Ministry

RESOLUTION 1-07A

RESOLUTION 1-08

Overture 1-09 (CW, 389)

Report R1.2 (CW, 44–46)

WHEREAS, Many congregations and recognized service
organizations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
(LCMS) have significant ministries in schools and early
childhood learning centers; and
WHEREAS, The devil prowls about like a roaring lion,
seeking someone to devour, and Christians are called to
resist him, standing firm in the faith (1 Peter 5:8); and
WHEREAS, The LCMS Council of Presidents has adopted a
zero-tolerance policy with respect to sexual abuse; and
WHEREAS, Synod has provided resources to districts,
congregations, schools and others within the Synod for the
prevention of child abuse, e.g., www.lcms.org/socialissues/child-abuse; and
WHEREAS, The President of the Synod and the Council of
Presidents (COP) in April 2019 resolved unanimously to
assert and re-affirm the COP’s long-standing zerotolerance policy with respect to child sexual abuse;
therefore be it
Resolved, That Synod in convention encourage
congregations, schools, and early childhood centers to
adopt policies and actions to protect children in their
churches and schools; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod commend the COP for their
zero-tolerance policy with respect to child sexual abuse;
and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod encourage church and school
leaders to be aware of the mandatory reporting laws of
their states and/or local jurisdictions as they develop and
adopt child protection policies; and be it further
Resolved, That all congregations and schools of the Synod
be vigilant in protecting children from abuse; and be it
finally
Resolved, That the Office of National Mission provide
recommended policies and strategies toward the same
through the Making Disciples For Life initiative.
Action: Adopted (3)
An amendment to line 16 was moved and seconded to change
“encourage” to “require.” Upon guidance that such would be
contrary to the Synod’s polity, the amendment was withdrawn.
An amendment was moved and seconded to add, after “local
jurisdictions” in line 21, the words, “insofar as they do not violate
the seal of the confessional.” After debate on the amendment, a
vote to close debate prevailed [Yes: 813; No: 81] and the
amendment failed [Yes: 242; No: 651]. Noting the orders of the
day, the chair called the question; this carried [Yes: 837; No: 62]
and Res. 1-07A was adopted as presented [Yes: 919; No: 13].

WHEREAS, 2020 will mark the 100th anniversary of the
first Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod campus ministry
at the University of Wisconsin in Madison; and
WHEREAS, Many districts, congregations, church
workers, and lay people have taken great initiative over
these years to do the pioneering work of planting,
cultivating, and expanding campus ministries, big and
small, throughout the Synod; and
WHEREAS, The work of LCMS U continues to build on the
foundations of their work as evidenced by the now nearly
250 campus ministry chapters and a biennial National
Campus Ministry Conference that attracts 400 college
students on average for a time of worship, study,
fellowship, and collaboration; and
WHEREAS, Local LCMS U campus ministries continue to
provide solid Biblical teaching and caring Christian support
during an extremely critical time in the lives of young
people; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for the work
of all our LCMS campus ministries and their important
work of teaching and supporting college students from our
own congregations as well as witnessing to students from
around the world and confessing the faith in the public
square; and be it further
Resolved, That to mark the occasion LCMS U prepare an
accessible history of the first 100 years of campus ministry
and that the Synod communications department highlight
the centennial in various media formats; and be it further
Resolved, That districts, congregations, church workers,
individuals, and all other campus ministry stakeholders be
commended for their ongoing support of LCMS campus
ministries, through their prayers, service, and financial
gifts; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Office of National Mission be
commended for its support of campus ministry and
encouraged to continue to develop and expand the work of
LCMS U in supporting college-age students and local
campus ministries.
Action: Adopted (1)
In discussion, an amendment was moved and seconded to replace
“LCMS U” in line 25 with “Concordia Historical Institute.”
After discussion, it was moved and carried to close debate on the
amendment [Yes: 868; No: 58]; the amendment failed [Yes: 273;
No: 684]. The resolution was adopted as originally introduced
[Yes: 914; No: 52].

120 | PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2019 (67TH) LCMS CONVENTION

Resolutions