RESOLUTION 14-06
Overtures 14-05–06, 14-15 (CW, pp. 466–467, 471)
WHEREAS, The religion of Islam continues to grow in numbers and impact throughout the United States and world; and
WHEREAS, Christians’ fear of Muslims is unscriptural (Matt. 10:28); and
WHEREAS, Violence as a result of fear or as an expression of religious conviction is contrary 1 to Scripture (Matt. 5:38–39, Luke 22:50–51, John, 18:10–11); and
WHEREAS, Christ commands us to love our neighbors of all faiths (Matt. 22:39) and to proclaim the gospel to all nations (Matt. 28:19); therefore be it
Resolved, That the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in convention condemn all acts of violence as a result of fear or of religious conviction; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the Chief Mission Officer, working in coordination with the Office of National Mission and the Office of International Mission, to adopt as a priority the development and identification of resources (e.g., written and visual materials, conferences, and experts) that will assist districts and congregations boldly and faithfully to reach out to Muslims with the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and be it further
Resolved, That districts be directed and congregations be encouraged to develop specific outreach plans to share the Gospel with their Muslim neighbors; and be it finally
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention commend the work of Gottfried Martens in Berlin, Germany for successfully creating an ongoing outreach to European Muslim refugees and also commend those in the United States conducting similar outreach activities.