LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1998, Page 143

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HUMAN CARE
are placed in a trust fund to be paid to qualified members
at retirement, but workers and employers may not adequately understand the benefits and functions of the Concordia Retirement Plan (see Ov. 6-15); therefore be it
Resolved, That the convention commend the Board of
Managers for faithful management of its very complicated
and technically demanding responsibilities (such as working with the Board of Directors and the Board for Higher
Education regarding student health-care needs) (see Ov. 611); and be it further
Resolved, That this convention encourage the Synod employers to seriously study the possibility of paying the cost
of health-care coverage for both the enrolled workers and
eligible dependents (see Ov. 6-09); and be it further
Resolved, That the Board of Managers be instructed to
continue pursuing all avenues to promote and encourage
wellness and preventive medicine for the welfare of active
church workers, retired workers, and their dependents (see
Ov. 6-12); and be it further
Resolved, That this convention affirm the action taken
in Res. 7-18 (1992 Proceedings), “To Continue Concern for
Synodical Retirees and Widows of Retired Workers,” and in
Res. 6-04A (1995 Proceedings), “To Commend, Instruct, and
Encourage Board of Mangers of Worker Benefit Plans,” and
encourage the Board of Directors of the Synod and the
Board of Managers—Worker Benefit Plans to continue assisting retired workers and surviving spouses with special
financial hardship assistance (see Ov. 6-10 and 6-16); and
be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS retain a defined benefit plan
(i.e., the Concordia Retirement Plan) as the foundation for
benefits provided to retiring church workers, and that the
Board of Managers continue to study and implement appropriate Plan improvements to strengthen the retirement
security for all workers (see Ov. 6-15); and be it finally
Resolved, That the Worker Benefit Plans continue to improve and expand communications with participating workers and the Synod employers to help ensure the greatest
possible understanding and appreciation for the value and
magnitude of protection available through the Worker Benefit Plans.
Action: Adopted as amended (10)
(The resolution was amended by deleting the words and holistic before medicine in the third resolve and by inserting and between wellness and preventive.)

To Reaffirm and Encourage Caring
and Biblical Ministry to Homosexuals
RESOLUTION 6-06A
Overture 6-32 (CW, p. 235)
WHEREAS, God instituted marriage, which is one man
and one woman becoming one flesh (Gen. 1:26–27; 2:22–24;
Eph. 5:31); and
WHEREAS, Homosexuality is included as one of the sins
condemned in 1 Cor. 6:9, “Do you not know that the wicked
will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived:
neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers
nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders ...” and are
also included therefore in those referred to in 1 Cor. 6:11,

143

“and such were some of you but you were washed, you were
sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ and by the Spirit of our God”; and
WHEREAS, Many homosexuals are hurting and feel isolated though they desire healing and freedom from the
bondage of this sin; and
WHEREAS, Extended families may also feel isolation, and
deep pain; and
WHEREAS, Many Christians need education and understanding on how to use Law and Gospel to respond to those
involved in the homosexual lifestyle; therefore be it
Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
affirm the scriptural teaching about homosexual behavior
and the bondage that it brings rather than the freedom it
promises; and be it further
Resolved, That we, our leaders and members, be encouraged to make use of Lutheran and other appropriate Christian tools and programs to minister in love, mercy, and
grace to homosexuals and their families.
Action: Adopted as amended (10)
(The resolution was amended with the addition of the reference to 1 Cor. 6:11.)

To Actively Seek Ways to Minister
to People in Institutions
RESOLUTION 6-07
Overture 6-35 (CW, pp. 236–37)
WHEREAS, There are many people, both those who know
Christ and those who need to know Him, in hospitals, nursing homes, etc., in our communities; and
WHEREAS, Often there is no regular Gospel ministry provided by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to patients and residents of these facilities even though they are
hungry for the Word; therefore be it
Resolved, That the congregations, schools, and pastors
of the Synod be encouraged to actively seek ways to minister to the patients and residents in the facilities of their
communities; and be it further
Resolved, That the Board for Human Care Ministries,
working together with the Districts, encourage and provide
resources to the congregations of the Synod to enable ministries in health-care facilities.
Action: Adopted (10)

To Expand Housing Ministries
RESOLUTION 6-08
Overture 6-34 (CW, p. 236)
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has
demonstrated its commitment to housing ministry in response to our Lord’s wish that His people might be servants, particularly to those in need; and
WHEREAS, Hundreds of Missouri Synod parishes and
thousands of volunteers are involved with local and international housing projects, including Habitat for Humanity
projects; and
WHEREAS, Cooperation between Habitat for Humanity
International and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod