ST. LOUIS – Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod convention delegates adopted resolutions supporting health and healing ministries, pregnancy care centers, ministry to people with disabilities, review of birth-control products and quilting ministry in the meeting’s July 15 closing session.
The resolutions, adopted overwhelmingly, were adopted without debate. They are:
• Res. 6-08, adopted 983-10, encourages congregations “to establish and/or support local pregnancy care centers that reflect our (LCMS) strong pro-life position.” The resolution noted many such centers offer physical, financial, emotional and spiritual care for the mother, and offer abstinence and post-abortion counseling for men and women.
• Res. 6-10 calls on the Board for Human Care Ministries to “review the various birth control products” and clarify which act sometimes or all the time as “abortifacients” – products that may destroy an embryo or prevent its implantation in the uterine wall. The resolution, adopted 955-52, noted that some products are mislabeled as contraceptives. Delegates asked that the board make this information available to pastors and members of LCMS congregations.
• By 982-18, delegates asked the Board for Human Care Ministries to address several matters to facilitate ministry with and to people with disabilities. Res. 6-09 asks for development of a mission statement, a congregational self-assessment tool, ways to address “physical and attitudinal” barriers in congregations, suggestions to help involve people with disabilities in the life of a congregation, and congregational outreach.
• Res. 6-07 promotes national health and healing ministries and encourages congregations to support and establish health committees and/or parish nurse programs. Examples of ministries to be promoted include LCMS Health Ministries of LCMS World Relief and Human Care, Lutheran Services in America, Wheat Ridge Ministries, Bethesda Lutheran Home, health committees and parish nursing programs. The resolution was adopted 910-63.
• Res. 6-11, adopted 982-25, encourages pastors and members to visit and express appreciation for the longstanding service of congregational quilting groups and ministries. It also encourages new members to become involved in quilting groups so that the ministry may continue.
Posted July 15, 2004
