LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1973, Page 202

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202 RESOLUTIONS

1.4 million are newcomers to this group annually, and
at least 300,000 members of our Synod are in this age
bracket; and

Whereas, Aging people in the church including re-
tired church workers, and especially those outside the
church, face serious problems such as loneliness, loss
of status, failing health, social isolation, dwindling fi-
nances, and spiritual frustration; and

Wuereas, The dignity and worth of every person is
derived from his creation, redemption, and sanctifica-
tion by our Triune God, which dignity and worth are
not diminished by advancing age; and

Whereas, Aging Christians should have the oppor-
tunity to share as active participants in the mission and
ministry of the church; therefore be it

Resolved, That the LCMS affirm the importance of
our aging people by instructing the Board of Social Min-
istry and World Relief to:

1. Develop a department of services to the aging
through a subcommittee of its present membership
which is to give attention to the needs of the aging as
well as providing opportunities in which they may
serve;

2. Sensitize our congregations to the importance of
the contributions that can be made by our older people
in the mission and ministry of their church;

3. Prepare a religious ceremony or rite, in consulta-
tion with the Commission on Worship, which will give
recognition to our members as they reach retirement
age, thereby acknowledging their valued membership
and service in the church;

4. Develop, in consultation with the Board for Parish
Education and other appropriate synodical departments,
suitable materials and workshops which will assist our
aging people in retirement planning as well as equip
them for continuing service in the church;

5. Encourage congregations to involve retirement
age persons in such programs as Project Compassion,
meals-on-wheels, telephone assurance, etc.; and finally

6. Request the Synod and its Districts to include on
their boards, commissions, and committees retirement
age men and women wherever feasible.

Action: Adopted (16).

To Strengthen Project Compassion
and Assist Institutional
Chaplaincy Programs

RESOLUTION 9-09
Overtures 9-09, 9-10, 9-11, 9-12 (CW, pp. 321—322)

Wuereas, Project Compassion, established by the
Denver convention for the purpose of enlisting and
training volunteer workers in nursing homes and other
similar institutions, has recruited over 10,000 persons
in the Synod for such a ministry; and

Wuereas, This effort has opened the way for many

among our laity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ by
word and deed; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board of Social Ministry and
World Relief be encouraged not only to continue but
to strengthen the Synod’s involvement in Project Com-
passion, urging all Districts to continue recruiting par-
ticipants as well as to provide effective training pro-
grams which meet the needs of their respective areas;
and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod during the next biennium
provide the necessary funds already requested in the
board’s budget for that period so that a full-time staff
person may be employed who shall offer the necessary
guidance, supervision, and promotion of this important
ministry in the church; and be it finally

Resolved, That this staff person shall also relate to
all institutional chaplains, assist them in their profes-
sional ministry, and provide staff services for the Clini-
cal Pastoral Education program of the Synod.

Action: Adopted (16).

To Support Welfare Agencies
RESOLUTION 9-10
Overture 9-13 (CW, p. 322)

Wuereas, Our Lutheran social service institutions
and agencies have been an integral part of the mission
and ministry of our Synod throughout its history; and

Whereas, Many of these institutions have been de-
veloping and improving their programs to meet the
diverse human needs of our pluralistic society; there-
fore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention assembled
give thanks to almighty God for the works of these in-
stitutions and agencies; and be it further

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church — Missouri
Synod, its Districts and member congregations, be en-
couraged to more strongly support these institutions
and agencies by their offerings, prayers, and action par-
ticipation in their endeavors in the Lord’s name.

Action: Adopted (16).

To Work Toward Equal Rights for Women
RESOLUTION 9-11
Overture 7-14B (CW, p. 305)

WHEREAS, We recognize that women have not always
been accorded equal rights in our society; and

WuHereas, The Equal Rights Amendment is under
consideration in many states, having been accepted by
some and rejected by others; therefore be it

Resolved, That we urge all of our people to inform
themselves concerning the Equal Rights Amendment
and that we work toward the goal of giving women
equal rights before the law; and be it further

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