Resolution Three ...

Deletions are lined out

 Additions are in red

A Resolution to Memorialize the ELCA to Change the Policy of the Mission Investment Fund

Whereas congregations directly affected by natural or human-made disasters need to minister to the suffering people in their communities rather than become overly preoccupied with their own financial needs and economic viablity; and

Whereas, such congregations should not become distracted from their ministry to people in need by questions concerning their own economic viability; and

Whereas, secular financial institutions such as banks and credit card companies have graciously deferred, postponed and even cancelled payments of disaster-stricken customers,

Be it resolved that the TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod, meeting in Assembly, memorialize the ELCA Churchwide Assembly to encourage direct the Mission Investment Fund to suspend for a minimum of three years any of its usual transactions with congregations in disaster affected areas (as determined by their bishops), including rent and mortgage payments and foreclosures on property. work in close collaboration with the synods to assist ELCA congregations impacted by natural disasters.  This assistance could include, but not be limited to, appropriate modifications such as a moratorium on loan or rental payments or a reduction in an outstanding loan balance.

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 financial impact on the synod budget, but would temporarily affect the income of MIF from affected congregations.

2.   What are the personnel implications within our synod (or churchwide)? Who will be responsible for implementations of the resolution?

The only personnel implication is that the local bishop would declare which congregations in the synod were affected by disaster and thereby merited suspended transactions with MIF.

3.   How does this resolution enhance and forward the mission of the church and our synod?

The effect of this resolution is to free congregations which receive MIF help in disaster areas from preoccupation with their financial survival so that they can focus all their time and energy on ministry opportunities.

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