To Promote Awareness of Christian Adoption and Fostering Needs

Official Workbook overture source text

3-01 
To Promote Awareness of Christian Adoption  
and Fostering Needs 
WHEREAS, Adoption figures prominently in Holy Scripture (Gal. 
4:5) and the baptismal theology of salvation by grace in the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church; and 
WHEREAS, Christians have a historical legacy of enacting this 
Gospel by undertaking and coordinating care for “orphans and 
widows in their affliction” (James 1:27); and 
W
HEREAS, In the United States, The Lutheran Church—Missouri 
Synod, her congregations, and affiliated parachurch organizations 
have especially exemplified these concerns and embodied this 
mercy; and 
WHEREAS, Some 115,000 children nationwide are awaiting 
families and homes through adoption this year; and 
WHEREAS, In many jurisdictions, state involvement in adoption 
imposes restrictions that result in a significant proportion of these 
children receiving placements in situations contrary to the Heavenly 
Father’s design and intention for sexuality and marriage and 
without regard for their eternal welfare; and 
W
HEREAS, The Synod in convention has not explicitly spoken 
about the connection of adoption to our doctrine and our vocation 
to serve these neighbors in need; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Indiana District, in grateful response to our 
own baptismal adoption as children of God through our Lord Jesus 
Christ, affirm our Christian privilege and responsibility to advocate 
and undertake protecting and providing for children awaiting 
adoption and fostering, particularly that they might enter His 
kingdom by baptism and belief in His saving name; and be it further 
Resolved, That we encourage our district’s leaders and 
congregations to promote awareness of Christian adoption and 
fostering needs, agencies, and opportunities; and be it further 
Resolved, That we recognize and commend Synod recognized 
service organizations (RSOs) engaged in these services with our 
prayers, our advocacy, and our contributions to further their labors 
among us and on our behalf; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Indiana District in convention memorialize 
the Synod in convention to encourage our Synod leaders and 
congregations to promote awareness of Christian adoption and its 
Christ-pleasing benefits and promote awareness of Christian 
adoption and fostering needs, agencies, and opportunities; and be it 
finally 
Resolved, That the Indiana District in convention memorialize 
the Synod in convention to recognize and commend the Synod 
RSOs engaged in these services with our prayers, our advocacy, and 
our contributions to further their labors among us and on our behalf. 
Indiana District 
Ov.