LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1998, Page 148

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148 CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES

2-74

To Promote Guidance and Awareness
of Immoral Movie Programming and Public Policy

WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus taught by word and action that we
should live according to scriptural principles and values in a man-
ner pleasing to the Father, and as the Holy Spirit guides us; and

WHEREAS, The increasing immorality and lack of values and of
concern for other people is often reflected and compounded by vi-
olence, pornography, and abuse on television and in movie pro-
duction (example: Certain Disney movies of recent date); and

WHEREAS, The Synod, Districts, congregations, and agencies of
the Synod can and should address basic moral issues related to pub-
lic programming and policy but should not become generally in-
volved in partisan politics; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod shall in convention encourage the
Family Connection, The Lutheran Witness, the Reporter, the
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, the Lutheran Laymen’s
League, Lutheran Youth Fellowship, and pastors to give guidance
to Districts, congregations, and individual membership in exercis-
ing a responsible ministry with respect to issues of social concern
and Christian morals and values; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod, Districts, congregations, and agen-
cies of the Synod should encourage members as individuals to par-
ticipate fully as Christian citizens as the Lord leads them.

Midstate Circuit Forum
Southern Mlinois District

2-75

To Make Statistical Yearbook Available

WHEREAS, It is our understanding that the Statistical Yearbook
will not be printed after this year; and

WHEREAS, It was of value to congregations and is widely used
by District workers; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod reconsider its decision and make the
Statistical Yearbook available in either electronic or written format
at a nominal price.

South Wisconsin District

2-76

To Resume Publication of Statistical Yearbook

WHEREAS, The Statistical Yearbook was a valuable reference
tool for congregations and church workers for many years; and

‘WHEREAS, The Foreword to the 1993 Statistical Yearbook noted
that the Yearbook represents, so far as is possible, the current state
of affairs in the congregations of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, The Statistical Yearbook was helpful for congrega-
tions and church workers in studying trends in membership, atten-
dance, giving, school enrollments, etc., and in helping congrega-
tions and church workers set short- and long-term goals; and

WHEREAS, The Statistical Yearbook was useful for congrega-
tions in the process of calling church workers; and

WHEREAS, The Statistical Yearbook formerly assisted church
workers in making informed decisions with respect to a call to a
congregation; and

WHEREAS, The Statistical Yearbook has not been published
since the 1994 edition, and the valuable information the Yearbook
once provided is no longer readily available; and

WHEREAS, The Foreword to the 1994 Statistical Yearbook states
that “Statistics form an important part of church life necessary for
sound development or planning at the synodical level as well as the
local parish”; and

WHEREAS, The high cost of publishing and distributing the Sta-
tistical Yearbook was a consideration in its cancellation; and

WHEREAS, Many congregations and church workers desire that
the Statistical Yearbook be published and be made available again;
therefore be it

Resolved, That annual publication of the Statistical Yearbook
be resumed beginning in 1999, or sooner if possible; and be it fur-
ther

Resolved, That future editions of the Statistical Yearbook be
sold to congregations and church workers desiring them, rather
than being distributed free of charge; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Statistical Yearbook be made available on
the LCMS web site.

Board of Directors
Rocky Mountain District

2-77

To Encourage Use of “What about ...” Pamphlets

WHEREAS, The Holy Spirit commands us to speak the truth in
love and thus grow up into Him who is the Head, that is Christ
(Eph. 4:15); and

WHEREAS, There are many issues of morality facing our church
which call for the truth spoken in love; and

WHEREAS, President Barry has addressed some of these issues in
his “What about ...” series of pamphlets; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention thank President Barry
for his evangelical leadership in these matters; and be it further

Resolved, That all congregations of the Synod be encouraged to
obtain copies of these free pamphlets for study, discussion, and dis-
tribution among their members.

South Wisconsin District
Circuit 16 Forum

2-78

To Commend President of Synod
for “What about ...” Pamphlet Series

WHEREAS, There is a great need for ongoing catechesis in the
life of the church regarding all articles of our holy faith, and

WHEREAS, In a time when many of the teachings and practices
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church are under attack both from the
world and heterodox teachers, it is imperative that we give a clear
account of the doctrine which we confess on the basis of Sacred
Scripture; and

WueREAS, The President of the Synod has published a series of
tracts to set forth the teaching of our church on several timely is-
sues; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod commend the President for publishing
the “What about Series ...”; and be it further

Resolved, That the pastors be encouraged to disseminate these
pamphlets in the congregations; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod encourage the President to expand
this series to address other challenges to our doctrine and practice.

University
Minneapolis, MN

2-79

To Clarify 1995 Res. 2-11B re Youth Gatherings

WHEREAS, National and District Youth Gatherings are tremen-
dous opportunities to promote the development of the Christian
faith of young people as they boldly confess Jesus Christ as their
Lord and Savior; and

WHEREAS, such gatherings promote unity of the Spirit through
the proper use of Word and Sacrament and provide opportunities
for Christian service and leadership for youth, and