RESOLUTION 3-03
Overture 3-02 (CW, p. 325); President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, pp. 21–31)
WHEREAS, Paul reminds us in 1 Cor. 12:26, “If one part [of the Body of Christ] suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it”; and
WHEREAS, Christian populations throughout the world are suffering persecution of the most severe kind; and
WHEREAS, Many of these populations face extinction because of their faith; and
WHEREAS, Many men, women, and children have been brutally murdered or driven from their homes, becoming refugees in their own homeland or interned in other countries, looking to a future place to live; and
WHEREAS, Many have been kidnapped from their families and sold into slavery; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod encourage pastors and congregations to be better informed about the issue of the world-wide persecution of Christians; and be it further
Resolved, That The Lutheran Witness, Reporter, Lutherans Engage the World, and other 1 LCMS publications become sources of information and direction as to specific ways to help; and be it further
Resolved, That individual Lutherans, according to their conscience, be encouraged to contact their respective elected officials concerning the plight of our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ; and be it finally
Resolved, That this convention take time to remember those persecuted Christians in light of the words of Luther, “You must feel with sorrow all the dishonor done to Christ… all the unjust suffering of the innocent, which fills the world: You must fight, work, pray, or at least have heartfelt sympathy” (Luther’s Works, Volume 35 “The Holy Blessed Sacrament”) and offer prayer for them.