Domestic Hunger, Poverty and Substandard Housing

ELCA Churchwide Assembly Action CA91.07.115

Passed by the 1991 Churchwide Assembly in Orlando, Florida.

Whereas
Whereas, the Commission for Church and Society and the Division for Social Ministry Organizations review group has heard a moving plea for help from a voting member of this assembly, which made real to us the pain of continuing domestic hunger; and

Whereas, this plea has reminded us that great pockets of poverty, hunger, and substandard housing are being ignored and overlooked by the government at all levels, by the media, and by the church; and

Whereas, members of this church are among those suffering from such neglect; therefore, be it

Resolved
RESOLVED, that the members of this assembly:

1. Urge the Lutheran Magazine to highlight an international or domestic hunger need in each issue, and that the media of this church promote methods of advocacy whereby the members of this church can address local and federal decision-makers with their concerns, and also that the church media advertise ways in which ELCA members can respond to immediate needs;
2. Endorse and encourage the efforts of the World Hunger Appeal to increase giving to the appeal using methods such as the $2 per month/Burger-a-Month strategy; and
3. Encourage the new Division for Church in Society to increase creative and cooperative efforts with other divisions, departments, and synods, in order to provide new and increased assistance to those in need.