LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 147

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6. Human Care
To Address National Human Care
Priorities
RESOLUTION 6-01
Report 6-01 (CW, pp. 97−102)
WHEREAS, The 2004 Convention Workbook appears to
give evidence of LCMS priorities and concerns, with a mere
10 overtures regarding human care and 292 overtures on
theology, structure, planning and administration, and ecclesiastical supervision and dispute resolution; and
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture states, “By this we know love,
that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down
our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods
and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him,
how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not
love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John
3:16–18); and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Confessions state: “Consequently the church cannot be better governed and maintained than by having all the bishops equal in office (however they may differ in gifts) and diligently joined together
in unity of doctrine, faith, sacraments, prayers, [and] works
of love” (SA II IV 9); and
WHEREAS, Art. III 2 of the LCMS Constitution states
that “The Synod, under Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, shall… Strengthen congregations and their members in giving bold witness by word and deed to the love
and work of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and extend the Gospel witness into all the world”; and
WHEREAS, There is unending opportunity to address issues of care for body and soul and a vital need for theological
reflection AND action on vital issues such as:
• Concern for the unborn

Committee 6 Chairman James Keurulainen

Resolved, That the Synod, in convention, commend to its
membership the study of the brief document entitled “Theology for Mercy,” produced by LCMS World Relief and
Human Care. According to Luther: “Our neighbor’s need is
our vocation to mercy . . . ”; and be it further
Resolved, That the church body be encouraged to be involved in “cooperation in externals” efforts with other denominations, institutions, and entities which address
human need where the Constitution and Bylaws of the
Synod are not violated; and be it finally
Resolved, That each congregation be challenged to address at least one physical need of its members in at least
one appropriate and intentional work of care in its community, whether by itself, with other LCMS congregations, or
with other Christians or non-Christians in cooperation in
external ventures where appropriate.

• Bioethical issues
• The health of church workers and its effect upon congregations
• Mental and emotional illness
• Attention to Lutheran social service agencies, encouraging and enhancing care for the needy, body and soul
• Development of capacity and capital for the many housing programs of Districts and congregations

Action: Adopted (4)

• Aid for international Lutheran partners who struggle to
address crying issues among their own people (AIDS, infant mortality, agricultural and medical needs)

(After brief discussion, the resolution was adopted as presented [Yes: 1,075; No: 44].)

• Ministry to homosexuals and their families, and public
witness to the divine intent for marriage and family life

To Make Compensation and Health Care
of Church Workers a High Priority

• Caring for immigrants and refugees;
RESOLUTION 6-02A
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod, in convention, call for repentance for any misplaced priorities and rejoice in God’s unconditional forgiveness and His opportunities for us to
reach out to the needs of God’s people in body and soul; and
be it further

Overtures 6-03−04 (CW, pp. 245−246)
WHEREAS, Congregations, Districts, agencies, educational institutions, and the corporate Synod have the responsibility to care for their workers, their spouses, and
families by providing adequate salary and benefits; and
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2004 Convention Proceedings