China

ELCA Churchwide Assembly Action CA89.07.80

Passed by the 1989 Churchwide Assembly in Chicago, Illinois.

Whereas
Whereas, many in China had looked with encouragement and hope to a growing spirit of openness for the free exchange of ideas among the people of China and in the development of relationships with the international community; and

Whereas, we, along with many others throughout the world, react in anger and disgust whenever there is senseless killing of peaceful demonstrators; and

Whereas, the violence and killing of youth and workers in China has brought a pall of despair and death upon a great people; and

Whereas, we, as members of the body of Christ, wish to stand in solidarity with all in China, including the Chinese Christian community, who have called for justice and reforms in the political and social structures of that land; now, therefore, be it

Resolved
RESOLVED, that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America condemn brutal military and judicial action taken by the government of the People’s Republic of China against many of the people of China; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this message be communicated to the government of China by the bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, calling for policies restraint by that government and openness to hear the grievances of the people of China; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that Bishop Chilstrom remain in communication with the leaders of the China Christian Council to express our commitment to prayer and continuing concern for the people of China in these critical days.