Resolution Two ...
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A Resolution to Memorialize the ELCA to Change the Policy
of Lutheran Disaster Response
Whereas
the current policy and/or practice of Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR)
does not allow money contributed to LDR to be used for the rebuilding of
churches devastated by disaster; and
Whereas,
that policy forces congregations to hustle and scramble in search of
alternate financial assistance for their rebuilding; and
Whereas,
many contributors to LDR naturally assume that their donations will also
be used for the rebuilding of Lutheran churches; and
Whereas,
current policy and/or practice often leads pastors and congregations to be
preoccupied with finding the financial resources to rebuild their
structures, diverting time, effort, and money away from the other
ministries of the congregations; and
Whereas,
the current policy and/or practice has caused bewilderment, outrage, and
resentment among members of devastated churches and has caused a PR
blunder for LDR in recently ravaged areas; and
Whereas,
it is the local congregation which provides hope, compassion, and physical
help to its community, and therefore needs immediate support following a
disaster
Be it resolved that
the TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod, meeting in Assembly, memorialize the ELCA
Churchwide Assembly to
change its practice and policy immediately in order to free up both
current and future donations for use in the rebuilding of church
facilities affected by disaster.
Persons Submitting
Resolution:
The Rev.
Ronald Unger – Christ the King Lutheran Church, Kenner, LA
The Rev.
John McCullough-Bade – Baton Rouge, LA
The Rev.
Robert Hildebrandt – Metairie, LA
The Rev.
Anton Kern – Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mandeville, LA
The Rev.
Doris Cirillo – Baton Rouge, LA
The Rev.
Robin McCullough-Bade – Baton Rouge, LA
The Rev.
Stan Eckermann – St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Baton Rouge, LA
The Rev.
Lisa Gaye – St. Mark Lutheran Church, Metairie, LA
The Rev.
Sean Ewbank – Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mandeville, LA
The Rev.
Dr. Walton Ehrhardt – TX/LA Gulf Coast Synod
Sandra
Barnes – AiM, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Kenner, LA
The Rev.
Kathy Haueisen – Houston, TX
The Rev.
Barbara Simmers – Peace Lutheran Church, Slidell, LA
Prof. Jim
Wee – President, Grace Lutheran Church, New Orleans
Mr. Carl
Hilt – President, Lutheran Church of the Galilean, LaPlace, LA
The Rev.
Amy Ziettlow - Baton Rouge, LA
The Rev.
Jim Shears - Pastor, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Chalmette, LA
Implications of Resolution (if adopted)
1. What is the financial impact of this resolution on the synod
budget?
No impact on the synodical budget and no change in source of income. However,
the monies would need to be reallocated to meet the outcome of this resolution.
2. What are the personnel implications within our synod (or
churchwide)? Who will be responsible for implementations of the resolution?
No personnel changes. But polices of LDR will be changed.
3. How does this resolution enhance and forward the mission of the
church and our synod?
The result of this resolution would be to free churches in disaster areas
from preoccupation with their own survival or rebuilding so that they may focus
outward upon ministry opportunities.
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