LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1975, Page 165

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RESOLUTIONS 165

Wuereas, In Canada and in the United States more
than 12,000 volunteers are currently involved in various
forms of volunteer activity directly or indirectly related
to Project. Compassion; and

Wuereas, Project Compassion activities have the
endorsement of secular and church volunteer agencies;
and

Wuereas, Project Compassion volunteers could be
trained for service to people in other areas of our church
and secular society; therefore be it

Resolved, That a staff person from the Boards of
Evangelism, Missions, and Youth together with a staff
person from Social Ministry and World Relief explore new
areas where Project Compassion volunteers’ skills could
be utilized; and be it further

Resolved, That after specific areas for new activities
by Project Compassion volunteers have been determined,
training materials be designed, and one or more pilots
under the direction and supervision of the Board of
Social Ministry and World Relief be held in areas of
greater need.

Action: Adopted (7).

To Create and Improve Housing
RESOLUTION 8-07
Overture 8-15 (CW, p. 401)

Wuereas, The Lord gives us a new commandment
“that you love one another; even as I have loved you”
(John 13:34); and

Wuereas, Christ calls us to minister to the whole man
(Matt. 25:40); and

Wuereas, Housing is deteriorating rapidly; and

Wuereas, Much of the housing that exists is inade-
quate, creating health and safety hazards; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board of Social Ministry and World
Relief inform Districts and congregations on how to sup-
port efforts to stimulate the building of homes; and be it
further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage its members to
find ways of providing more money to people to rent or
buy adequate housing.

Action: Adopted (7).

(The committee struck “in the cities” from the third whereas.)

To be Concerned About Unemployment
RESOLUTION 8-08
Report 8-01; Overture 8-11 (CW, pp. 397, 400)
Wuereas, Unemployment has reached a most seri-
ous high figure; and
Wuereas, Unemployment brings with it debilitating
societal problems in all areas of life, increase in criminal
activities, deterioration of mental and/or physical well-
being; and
WHEREAS, Unemployment also can effect a reduction
in the mission and ministry of the church; therefore be it

Resolved, That the church support the efforts of
government to provide employment opportunities and
welfare assistance and services on a national and local
scale, which will help to reduce the harsh realities of
unemployment; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board of Social Ministry and World
Relief develop suggestions designed to assist a parish and
its pastor to become centers of healing for the ills related
to unemployment; and be it finally

Resolved, That each of the parishes of our church
become a center of concern to assist with employment
opportunities and the welfare assistance available in the
private and public sector for individuals and families
adversely affected by unemployment.

Action: Adopted (7).

To Emphasize Concern
for Mental Health

RESOLUTION 8-09
Overtures 8-12A, 8-12B (CW, p. 400)

Wuereas, Emotional crises and stress are a signifi-
cant part of our present culture; and

Wuereas, Approximately 45 percent of those who
suffer from emotional disorders seek a clergyman for
initial counsel; and

Wuereas, Mental health programs are now decen-
tralizing from state mental hospitals to community
mental health centers; and

Whereas, Mental health services have for the most
part now become the responsibility of the community,
which includes the congregation and its pastor(s); and

WuereEas, Pastoral counseling centers are also being
founded and their services expanding in the community;
and

Wuereas, The ministry of pastors and lay people
would be strengthened by familiarization with community
mental health programs and consultation from mental
health professionals; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod encourage both pastors and
lay members to serve as arms of the community mental
health and pastoral counseling healing efforts and utilize
and support the services available to them for referral,
consultation, and education; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage both pastors and
lay members to work within their communities to support
the efforts of the community mental health centers in
educating their communities toward mental health under-
standing and services, in urging their communities to
fund programs for cost sharing, and in supporting the
efforts to have mental health programs and services
within their neighborhoods.

Action: Adopted as amended (7).

(Amendments: the 5th whereas, the second resolved, and
the words “and pastoral counseling” in the first resolved. The
convention declined to add a final resolved: “That the church
offer Christ as the answer to the needs of people with mental
health problems.”