LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1981, Page 202

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To Intensify Resettlement
of Refugees

RESOLUTION 8-01

F Overtures 8-11, 8-13 (CW, pp. 305—306)

WHEREAS, The Lutheran churches of the United

4 States and Canada have carried on effective programs
e of refugee resettlement through the Department of
. Immigration and Refugee Services of LCUSA and
f Canadian World Relief, and

WHEREAS, More than 465,000 refugees have come to

. the U.S. since April 1975, of which number Lutherans
* have resettled approximately 15% (15, 295 persons in

1980); and

WHEREAS, The number of refugees (people who are
victims of war, disaster , or oppression from hostile
governments) in our world currently stands at about 15
million (1% million in Somalia and approximately
16,000 Haitians in Florida); and

WHEREAS, The Lord of the church has encouraged
His people to “reach out to the stranger” and to “demon-
strate hospitality”; and

WHEREAS, Recently the congregations of our Synod
have not responded with a sufficient number of sponsor-
ships; and

WHEREAS, Assistance to the oppressed and the
refugee needs to be viewed as part of the ongoing social
ministry of our church; therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod commend the governments of the United States
and Canada and call upon them to continue their
involvement in the resettlement of many refugees from
around the world; and be it further

Resolved, That this convention encourage our mem-
bers and our congregations to become sponsors (assur-
ing persons of housing, employment, and assistance for
daily needs for a limited period of time) of refugee
persons through the programs of Lutheran Immigration
and Refugee Service.

Action: Adopted (12).

To Alleviate World Hunger
RESOLUTION 8-02
Report 8-01 (CW, pp. 301—305)

WHEREAS, One of the key problems which people of
the world face today and in the decade ahead is that of
hunger and malnutrition; and

WHEREAS, Hunger, malnutrition, disease, illiteracy,
and poverty are the enemies that continue to claim more

than five million people each year, most of whom are
children under the age of five; and

203

8. SOCIAL MINISTRY

WHEREAS, These conditions exist because of natural
disasters, exploitation of human beings, inadequate
means for distribution, overpopulation of certain areas,
and insufficient technology; and

WHEREAS, Our Lord has clearly spelled out His will
regarding feeding the hungry, showing mercy to the
poor, and helping the needy; therefore be it

Resolved, That we encourage our congregations and
their members to discuss the subject of hunger and
human needs in Bible classes; Christian day schools;
worship services; women’s, men’s and youth organiza-
tions and to generously support the World Relief/World
Hunger programs of the Board of Social Ministry and
World Relief.

Action: Adopted (8).

To Convene Conference
on Social Need

RESOLUTION 8-03
Overtures 8-03, 8-09 (CW, pp. 304—305)

WHEREAS, Rapid changes are occurring in society
that affect the physical, mental, spiritual, and social
conditions of our Christian people as well as our total
population; and

WHEREAS, The church must give attention to its total
ministry in the changing conditions of our world; and

WHEREAS, The Scriptures reminds us that we are to
“do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our
God” (Micah 6:8); and

WHEREAS, Planning for the various facets of ministry
is essential if our church is to make an appropriate and
effective witness of Christ’s concern and love; therefore
be it ee

Resolved, That the staff of the Board of Social
Ministry and World Relief be directed to consult with
the Board of Directors of the Synod to seek funds to
convene a national conference of top LCMS policy-
makers (Board of Directors, administrators, heads of
departments, Black Ministry Commission, District
social ministry staff and chairpersons, and representa-
tives of the Synod’s schools) to study the topic “The
Church in Service to Society,” exploring the theological
and practical concepts of Luther’ s two kingdoms; and
be it further

Resolved, That the conference review the Social
Ministry Affirmations and make appropriate recom-
mendations through the Board of Social Ministry and
World Relief to the Synod.

Action: Adopted (8).