Version History
Current published version
Today's Business, Issue 2B. p. 280. Revised published proposal.
Official Resolution Source Text
Resolution: 3-02A
Canonical number: 3-02
Committee: Mercy
Source: Today's Business, Issue 2B
Printed pages: p. 280
PDF pages: 28
Version: revised, current-published-proposal
Source reference: Issue 2B, p. 280
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 280
- To Promote Awareness of Christian Adoption and Fostering Needs
- RESOLUTION 3-02A
- Overture 3-01 (CW, 299)
- WHEREAS, Adoption figures prominently in Holy Scripture (Gal. 4:5) and the baptismal theology of the Evangelical
- Lutheran Church; and
- WHEREAS, Christians have an historical legacy of enacting this Gospel by undertaking and coordinating care for
- “orphans and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27); and
- WHEREAS, In the United States, the Synod, her congregations, and recognized service organizations (RSOs) have
- especially exemplified these concerns and embodied this mercy; and
- WHEREAS, Some 117,000 children nationwide are awaiting families and homes through adoption this year
- (www.adoptuskids.org/meet-the-children/children-in-foster-care/about-the-children, accessed May 30, 2026); 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
- WHEREAS, 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 Synod in convention, 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 the Synod in convention encourage our Synod and district 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 Synod in convention recognize and praise the RSOs of the Synod that do the work of Christian
- adoption and foster care, and strongly encourage our churches and members to pray for these ministries, advocate for
- their mission, and give them financial support through church offerings.
