LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1995, Page 140

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6. Human Care

To Affirm Sanctity of Life Position
RESOLUTION 6-01B
Overtures 6-01-06 (CW, pp. 219-20)

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod by
synodical and District convention actions has repeatedly
expressed its concerns and its position regarding develop-
ments in our society which have resulted in the disregard
and denial of the clear teaching of the Holy Scriptures re-
garding the sanctity of all human life beginning at concep-
tion; and

WHEREAS, These developments have led to equally tragic
actions by others whose use of violence resulted in physi-
cal harm and the destruction of human life; and

WHEREAS, Lutherans for Life has represented very ably
the interests of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod by
providing encouragement and education regarding the
principle of the sanctity of human life; and

WHEREAS, A Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Task
Force on the Sanctity of Life has existed for over a decade
and a President’s Commission on the Sanctity of Life has
been appointed, both of which exist to promote a distinct
and vigorous LCMS effort to honor and uphold the sanctity
of all human life; therefore be it

Resolved, That in the face of new societal threats and as-
saults upon this clear teaching of the Holy Scriptures, The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod again go on record reit-
erating and underscoring its unwavering position regard-
ing the sanctity of human life; and be it further

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
also go on record as deploring, renouncing, and repudiat-
ing in the strongest terms any use of violence as a means of
protest; and be it further

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
enthusiastically support the efforts of the Board for Human
Care Ministries, the LCMS Task Force on the Sanctity of

Life, the CTCR, the President’s Commission on the Sanc-_

tity of Life, Lutherans for Life, and all other proper efforts
to educate church and society regarding the important con-
siderations associated with life issues; and be it further

Resolved, That Districts, congregations, pastors, teach-
ers, and lay leaders be encouraged to use every opportunity
to affirm the Synod’s pro-life stand to their members and
encourage the use of appropriate pro-life materials; and be
it further

Resolved, That the members of The Lutheran Church—

Missouri Synod be encouraged to boldly exercise their re-

sponsibility as Christian citizens to influence legislation for
the protection of all human life; and be it further -
Resolved, That the Synod encourage its congregations to
commit themselves to active, nonviolent promotion and de-
fense of the sanctity of all human life; and be it finally
Resolved, That pastors and congregations be encouraged
to minister evangelically, through Law and Gospel, to those

141

Committee 6 Chairman William R. Diekelman
who support a position contrary to the teaching of the Holy
Scriptures regarding the sanctity of human life.

Action: Adopted (10).

(Res. 6-01A was introduced for consideration in session 3.
After some discussion it was referred back to the committee. In
session 10 Res. 6-01B was brought forward. By common consent
the word human was inserted before life in the first resolve. An
amendment to add the words deploring abortion, euthanasia, and
the newest threat, physician-assisted suicide at the end of the last
whereas was declined.)

To Speak Out against Legalization
of Assisted Suicide

RESOLUTION 6-02
Overture 6-08 (CW, p. 221)

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod af-
firms the sanctity of human life and recognizes the reality
of human suffering; and

WHEREAS, Any attempt to legalize assisted suicide is an
affront to the Lord, who gives life, and opens the door for
abuse and future legislation that would deny the freedom of
many; and :

WHEREAS, Suffering and depression are also opportuni-
ties for helping, healing, encouragement, and hope through
the Gospel; and

WHEREAS, Physicians in particular have a responsibility
to sustain and promote life; and ,

WHEREAS, We respect the individual’s right to refuse
treatment or to forbid life-support systems by a prior direc-
tive and to be allowed to die; therefore be it