LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2007, Page 144

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144

RESOLUTIONS

Resolved, That the 2007 LCMS convention make known
its support of adult stem cell research and its opposition to
ESCR, which involves the taking of a human life.
Action: Adopted (4)
(During discussion, an amendment to add embryonic before
stem cell research in the second-last resolve was agreed to by the
committee. An amendment to delete and has so far shown no success for treatment in humans even though touted in the media as
the source of great cures in the future from the fifth whereas paragraph failed. After further discussion, the resolution was adopted
as changed [Yes: 1,165; No: 41].)

To Care for Foster and Adoptive
Children in a Pure and Undefiled
Way by Not Placing Children
in Morally Ambiguous Contexts
RESOLUTION 6-03A
Overture 6-04 (CW, p. 228)
WHEREAS, Even though the Scriptures do not directly address social and political questions concerning the adoption
(or foster care) of children, they do call for Christians to
care for orphans in a pure and undefiled way; and
WHEREAS, All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of
God and no sin is intrinsically more sinful than another,
yet the Bible does clearly teach that sexual relations outside of marriage, including homosexual practice, are intrinsically sinful (see 1973 Res. 2-04); and
WHEREAS, The God-given union of husband and wife in
marriage “is the only proper context for human procreation” (1983 Res. 3-14) and therefore the divinely intended
context for raising children; and
WHEREAS, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) has stated, “On the basis of the clear teaching of Scripture regarding homosexual behavior and about
God’s will and design for marriage and the family as foundational units for society as a whole, it is the opinion of the
CTCR that a policy of placing adopted or foster children
into homosexual contexts would stand in opposition to the
official doctrinal position of the LCMS” (May 2, 2006); and
WHEREAS, Christ died for the sins of all people and forgives repentant people and calls for them to live sanctified
lives in accord with His natural law; therefore be it
Resolved, That the members of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod commit themselves to pray for wisdom and
guidance for those charged with placing adopted or foster
children in light of the challenging circumstances presented
to us by a fallen society; and be it further
Resolved, That LCMS World Relief and Human Care be
commended for its faithful witness and be encouraged to
continue dealing evangelically with this delicate issue; and
be it further
Resolved, That the Synod express its deepest appreciation for the faithful service of its recognized service organizations in this area; and be it further
Resolved, That LCMS World Relief and Human Care, in
consultation with the CTCR, be directed to have ongoing
conversation with LCMS recognized service organizations
as they continue faithfully to care for children in these difficult situations; and be it finally
2007 Convention Proceedings

Resolved, That LCMS organizations and LCMS recognized service organizations may not knowingly place
adopted or foster children into any intrinsically sinful situations where individuals and families are not living in accordance with the Lord’s natural and revealed law (Bylaw
6.2.1).
Action: Adopted (8)
(During discussion, the committee agreed to add and revealed
after natural in the final resolve. The resolution was adopted as
changed [Yes: 1,017; No: 52].)

To Encourage and Assist Congregations
to Respond to the Ministry Needs of the
Immigrants in their Midst
RESOLUTION 6-04A
Overture 6-02 (CW, p. 227)
WHEREAS, The President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, and the Executive
Director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care, Rev.
Matthew Harrison, have issued a joint statement (June 2,
2006) urging compassionate mercy on undocumented immigrants living in our communities, according to our scriptural conviction to love one another as God, in Jesus Christ,
loves us (1 John 4:22); and
WHEREAS, An increasing number of our LCMS congregations are being set Ablaze! by the power of the Holy
Spirit to reach out to documented and undocumented immigrant souls living in their respective geographical areas
in the clear and powerful name of Jesus Christ; and
WHEREAS, Our LCMS congregations, compelled by vibrant faith in the reconciling love of Christ for all sinners
(Eph. 2:8–9, 13–17; 2 Cor. 5:18–20) have included in their
outreach ministries a concern for both body and soul, assisting documented and undocumented immigrants with
legal and counseling services, helping them to identify and
realize God-pleasing goals; and
WHEREAS, It is important for congregations compassionately to address the sinfulness of illegal activity through
the application of Law and Gospel; and
WHEREAS, Our LCMS pastors and congregations, as a
matter of conscience and conviction, take seriously the
scriptural mandate to welcome the stranger in our midst:
Deut. 10:18–19: “He defends the cause of the fatherless
and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. And you are to love those who are alien, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt.”
Lev. 19:33–34: “When an alien lives with you in your land,
do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated
as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were
aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
Heb. 13:2: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so
doing some people have entertained angels without knowing
it.”
Matt. 25:40: “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth,
whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine,
you did it for me.’”

and
WHEREAS, The United States of America is a country
governed by law; and