LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 148

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148

RESOLUTIONS

WHEREAS, LCMS Worker Benefit Plans now offers
choices that have made the plans more flexible and competitive; and
WHEREAS, These same choices may have had negative compensatory ramifications for church workers; therefore be it
Resolved, That congregations, Districts, agencies, educational institutions, and the corporate Synod be strongly
encouraged to adopt and implement just and appropriate
compensation policies that reflect the high priority that
Scripture places upon the treatment of the church’s beloved
servants; and be it further
Resolved, That congregations, Districts, agencies, educational institutions, and the corporate Synod be strongly
encouraged to continue fully to provide the highest level of
coverage offered by Worker Benefit Plans for the worker
and his/her spouse and family; and be it further
Resolved, That the 2004 convention of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod acknowledge the need for the
Board of Managers of Worker Benefit Plans to offer these
choices; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Board of Managers be directed to
make the exploration of ways to provide reasonable health
care coverage a high priority.
Action: Adopted (4)
(After brief discussion, the resolution was adopted as presented [Yes: 1,075; No: 57].)

To Provide for “Veterans of the Cross”
RESOLUTION 6-03
Overture 6-07 (CW, p. 246)
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in
previous conventions has acknowledged the financial needs
of some “Veterans of the Cross” (those who retired under
the Pension Plan for Pastors and Teachers); and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
World Relief and Human Care Ministries and Worker Benefit Plans continue to distribute funds to those “Veterans
of the Cross” who have been identified; therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS, in convention:
1. Thank those individuals and groups who have made
contributions for “Veterans of the Cross”;
2. Encourage individuals and groups within The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to continue making
contributions for “Veterans of the Cross”; and
3. Encourage individuals and groups to identify “Veterans of the Cross” who may be in need and refer them to
LCMS World Relief and/or Worker Benefit Plans.
Action: Adopted (4)
(After brief discussion, the resolution was adopted as presented [Yes: 1,109; No: 22].)

To Encourage Congregations to Support
Lutherans For Life
RESOLUTION 6-04
Overtures 2-48−49 (CW, p. 157)
WHEREAS, The theme of the 2003 national Lutherans
For Life convention, “Just Imagine, What Will This Baby
2004 Convention Proceedings

Be?” reminded participants that this nation experiences an
incalculable loss through abortion; and
WHEREAS, Dr. James Lamb, Executive Director of
Lutherans For Life, in his 2002 address said, “It is time to
speak because we have something wonderful to say! It is
time to speak because it is our responsibility as Christians
to do so! It is time to speak and it is irresponsible not to.
Our silence whispers the very words of Satan. It is time to
speak so that we can put our words into action and help
those dealing with these issues”; and
WHEREAS, More babies are aborted every 11 days in the
United States than are baptized by the LCMS in a year
(2004 Lutheran Annual, p. 725; 3,250 children die through
abortion in the U.S. every day); and
WHEREAS, Stem cell research, cloning, and physician-assisted suicide also impact the people of God every day as
these practices become more accepted by the culture; and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
through the Board for Human Care Ministries has granted
RSO status to Lutherans For Life; therefore be it
Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod,
in convention, encourage its congregations to speak about
life in their congregations through sermons, Bible studies,
catechetical instruction, and so forth; and be it further
Resolved, That LCMS congregations be encouraged to
speak about life to their communities through personal witness of both individuals and the congregation; and be it further
Resolved, That the 2004 convention of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod commend Lutherans For Life for
its defense of life and opposition to abortion; and be it finally
Resolved, That the congregations of the LCMS be encouraged to speak about life by supporting Lutherans For
Life with their prayers, energy, and contributions.
Action: Adopted (4)
(After brief discussion, the resolution was adopted as presented [Yes: 1,088; No: 47].)

To Provide Safe Environment
for Interaction of Church Workers
and Children
RESOLUTION 6-05A
Overture 6-09 (CW, p. 247)
WHEREAS, Ministry to children is a vital part of the mission and ministry of our LCMS congregations; and
WHEREAS, Providing a safe environment for children is
desirous; and
WHEREAS, Protecting paid and volunteer workers from
unwarranted allegations is also desirous; therefore be it
Resolved, That the congregations of the LCMS be encouraged to consider suitable guidelines and procedures
consistent with their circumstances and with the advice of
their legal counsel.
Action: Adopted (4)
(After explanation by the committee followed by brief discussion,
debate was ended and the resolution was adopted as presented [Yes:
1,079; No: 55].)