Ministry to the Deaf Community

ELCA Churchwide Assembly Action CA91.06.36

Passed by the 1991 Churchwide Assembly in Orlando, Florida.
 
Whereas
To refer the motion to the Division for Church in Society together with the response from the Division for Church in Society for attention and appropriate action as follows:
 
Whereas, 94 percent of the deaf population in the United States is unchurched; and
 
Whereas, only two deaf ELCA pastors are presently serving the deaf population; and
 
Whereas, the ELCA Church Council has affirmed the cultural identity and unique needs and aspirations of the deaf community; and
 
Whereas, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has committed itself to provide assistance to the deaf community for ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (CC91.4.52); and
 
Whereas, the deaf community identified ministry priorities at its August 1991 ELCA churchwide conference; therefore, be it
 
Resolved
RESOLVED, that the ELCA 1991 Churchwide Assembly direct the Division for Social Ministry Organizations or its successor unit to establish a desk for deaf ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by January 1, 1992; and be it further
 
RESOLVED, that such desk be staffed by a deaf person who is fluent in sign language and knowledgeable in deaf culture.