Military Expenditures

ELCA Churchwide Assembly Action CA99.03.08

Passed by the 1999 Churchwide Assembly in Denver, Colorado.

Whereas
Whereas, in the current economy of the United States, a huge portion of public funds is used for military expense, for war and for the preparation for war (this year $281 billion is allocated for direct military spending); and

Whereas, it is recognized that war and the preparation for war has a fundamentally adverse effect on the economy and the ability to provide a sufficient, sustainable livelihood for all; and

Whereas, the amount of money so expended is diverted from the productive uses of society which could support a large number of people if the money were devoted to productive works; and

Whereas, this assembly is considering the adoption of a statement on a just and Christian economy; and

Whereas, this statement makes no reference whatever to any drain on the economy by military expenditures in this nation, or in the world; therefore be it

Resolved
RESOLVED, that this assembly now express its great concern over the nation's military expenditures and military expenditures in the world generally, and that this assembly call upon the people of the United States and of the world, especially in the faith communities, to commence sharp curtailment of military expenditures and to devote the sums thus released to helping the economically underprivileged people of our nation and the world to an improved economic status; and

To refer the resolution to the Division for Church in Society.