To Commend and Encourage Life Ministry Efforts of Congregations, Schools, Districts, and Recognized Service Organizations

To Commend and Encourage Life Ministry Efforts of Congregations, Schools, Districts, and Recognized Service Organizations

RESOLUTION 3-01 Report R1.2.1 (CW, 17); Overture 3-02 (CW, 299)

WHEREAS, God has created every human life (Job 10:9–11; Psalm 139:13–16; Jer. 1:5), and people are taught by Holy Scripture to love those in need in every stage of life, from conception to death, with not only our words but also our actions

(1 John 3:16–18; James 1:22–27); and

WHEREAS, Increasing numbers of Lutherans are planning and participating in pro -life marches (such as the National March for Life), and other advocacy events across the United States; and

WHEREAS, LCMS Life Ministry has awarded Million Dollar Life Match grants to Synod congregations and districts to support and expand beginning -of-life care projects, sanctity of life education and pro -life advocacy work that upholds the value of all human life, having assisted during the past triennium some 38,100 people while coordinating with 2,512 volunteers; and

WHEREAS, Through the Million Dollar Life Match initiative, LCMS congregations and districts have dedicated $500,496.75 toward life-affirming ministries, which has been matched by $618,083.12 from the LCMS Office of National Mission (ONM), resulting in a total investment of $1,115,579.87 in support of these efforts; and

WHEREAS, LCMS Life Ministry has created new resources that proclaim the Gospel and equip the saints for pro -life efforts that serve the neighbor and witness to Christ (many such resources to be found in the LCMS Life Ministry Library online at resources.lcms.org/reading-study/life-library); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for the ongoing and increasing witness to the sanctity and dignity of every human life by Synod congregations, schools, districts, recognized service organizations (RSO), and by LCMS Life Ministry; and be it further

Resolved, That LCMS Life Ministry, the ONM, the Office of the President, and district staff members be encouraged to participate in not only Synod efforts, but also other peaceful and law-abiding ecumenical and civic pro-life organizations and events, when and where appropriate; and be it further

Resolved, That LCMS Life Ministry continue to create resources, offer educational events such as conferences and webinars, and advise congregations, schools, districts, and RSOs in their pro -life work; and be it finally

Resolved, That congregations, schools, and districts of the Synod, as well as RSOs, continue to promote and encourage both church workers and congregation members to be involved in pro -life efforts, such as advocating state and federal lawmakers to protect and defend human life from conception until natural death, educating congregation members and school families about the God-given sanctity and dignity of human life, and finding myriad ways to care for the body and soul needs of fathers, mothers, babies, and whole families.

The Chief Financial Officer and LCMS Accounting and Financial Services staff, in consultation with the Finance Committee, anticipate no significant incremental costs as resources commended are understood to be presently in existence and activities described are already within scope and budget (estimate required by Bylaw 3.1.7 [g]).