Version History
Current published version
Today's Business, Issue 2B. pp. 276-277. Revised published proposal.
Official Resolution Source Text
Resolution: 2-01A
Canonical number: 2-01
Committee: International Witness
Source: Today's Business, Issue 2B
Printed pages: pp. 276-277
PDF pages: 24-25
Version: revised, current-published-proposal
Source reference: Issue 2B, pp. 276-277
Line numbers follow Today's Business, Issue 2B, with numbering reset on each printed page, so delegates can compare this page with the official PDF.
Page 276
- To Give Thanks for LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces
- RESOLUTION 2-01A
- Overtures 2-06 (CW, 296–97)
- WHEREAS, From the Civil War through both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and more recent areas of conflict, Synod
- pastors, serving honorably and with distinction as military chaplains, bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to those
- protecting our great nation; and
- WHEREAS, Some chaplains serve on forward bases in harm’s way; others, onboard ships maintaining vigilant watch
- over the seven seas; yet others walk the flight line on isolated air bases, engaging airmen on matters of faith and family
- as they load fighter aircraft for combat operations; and
- WHEREAS, These “pastors in uniform” provide Word and Sacrament ministry while enduring hardship, constant
- peril, and danger; and
Page 277
- WHEREAS, These chaplains meet the needs of military personnel and their families stationed around the world
- and provide a vital link to home; and
- WHEREAS, Synod chaplains have been recognized for their excellence in theology and pastoral care by their
- peers and frequently called to significant leadership posts within the U.S. Department of War at the Pentagon; and
- WHEREAS, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces (MAF) supports almost 125 chaplains representing the church
- on active duty; in the Reserves, National Guard, Civil Air Patrol, and Coast Guard Auxiliary; as Directors of
- Religious Education; and in the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
- WHEREAS, MAF assists and trains congregations through Operation Barnabas, working to equip and encourage
- local pastors and congregations of the Synod in compassionate care and witness by training them for outreach to all
- military-connected people (active, reserve, retired, veterans, and their loved ones); and
- WHEREAS, The Synod cares deeply for those who currently serve, for those who have donned the cloth of our nation
- in uniform, and for those who served our nation and live in our communities; therefore be it
- Resolved, That the Synod encourage its congregations to intentionally recognize and care for current and former
- military members, veterans, and family members in their midst by joining the network of care provided through
- Operation Barnabas; and be it further
- Resolved, That congregations are asked to encourage their pastors to consider serving as chaplains in the National
- Guard or the Armed Forces Reserves; and be it finally
- Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for MAF, Operation Barnabas, and MAF leadership, including its
- director, the Rev. Craig Muehler, and assistant director, the Rev. Dr. Steven Hokana.
