To Commend Work of LCMS National 1 Housing Support Corporation
RESOLUTION 3-02
Report R18 (CW, pp. 91–92); President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, pp. 21–31)
WHEREAS, Our Lord commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31); and
WHEREAS, Christ Jesus in His ministry on earth provided us the most perfect example of living this command through His attention to both the spiritual and bodily needs of people; and
WHEREAS, Housing and community development services, which address the basic human need for shelter, can play a vital role in revitalizing LCMS congregations in areas that have been economically ravaged and blighted; and
WHEREAS, The LCMS National Housing Support Corporation (Lutheran Housing Support), the Synod’s housing intermediary since 2007, has been a Christ-centered, collaborative agency committed to mercy; and
WHEREAS, The LCMS National Housing Support Corporation has in the past triennium distributed 25 grants, trained 185 church leaders in community development, consulted and assisted 80 entities domestically and internationally, conducted the first “Helping Hand Initiative” of health and safety repairs in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and led a broad-based community revitalization initiative in the College Hill neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, including the development of new owner-occupied housing; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod thank God for His blessings and gifts—most specifically, the resources and abilities that He has provided to serve our neighbors’ needs of body and soul; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks for the work of the LCMS National Housing Support Corporation on behalf of LCMS congregations, districts, and recognized service organizations; and be it finally
Resolved, That LCMS congregations, districts, and recognized service organizations be encouraged to support the LCMS National Housing Support Corporation, as well as to engage its expertise as they take leadership roles in strengthening neighborhoods near LCMS congregations, thereby providing opportunities for Gospel witness.