Opposition to Apartheid
A Statement of The American Lutheran Church, 1980
A resolution adopted by the Tenth General Convention of The American Lutheran Church, 1-7 October 1980 (GC8O.4.58). Points a and b were adopted as policy and practice on a standing vote, no negative votes being observed. Points d and e were adopted on a hand vote with tally of: Yes-447 (57.5%); No-331.
Whereas, The American Lutheran Church through resolutions of the Church Council and General Conventions and a variety of other actions, has publicly and unequivocally opposed apartheid during the past decade;* and
* See 1980 ALC Reports and Actions, page 892
Whereas, ten districts have this year submitted memorials to The ALC on apartheid as a matter of "status confessionis" and on divestiture; and
Whereas, we hold the church's attitude toward apartheid to be a matter of "status confessionis"; and
Whereas, the Black Lutheran churches in Africa have specifically asked the global Lutheran community to support them and their fellow sufferers through intercession and other strong action; and
Whereas, the particular issue of divestiture is a difficult and complicated one, not only for us but for the Black Lutheran churches whose opinion is divided on the question; and
Whereas, the Board of Trustees and the Investment Committee of The ALC have diligently sought to fulfill the mandate of the 1978 General Convention regarding investments in corporations doing business in South Africa; and
Whereas, the Board of Trustees has utilized all of the options in its policy statement on investments in such firms, determining its appropriate tactic in each case individually;* and
* See 1980 ALC Reports and Actions, page 693
Whereas, continuing study and discussion in the church on divestiture as well as other options will help to develop even stronger opposition to apartheid in the church and the wider society; therefore be it
a. Resolved, that The ALC again express its unequivocal rejection of apartheid and all other forms of racial discrimination in our own society as well as in other nations, and declare apartheid to be a matter of "status confessionis"; and be it further
b. Resolved, that The ALC again declare its strong commitment to work for the elimination of these abhorrent evils and to support those who suffer under such oppression through unremitting prayer and deliberate action; and be it further
c. Resolved, that The ALC declare its judgment that divestiture is one of a number of legitimate strategies in opposing apartheid but not a necessary consequence of a declaration of "status confessionis"; and be it further
d. Resolved, that The ALC declare its judgment that at this moment in history in South Africa, divestiture is the most legitimate strategy in opposing apartheid and the most effective consequence of a declaration of "status confessionis"; and be it further
e. Resolved, that The ALC acknowledge with gratitude the difficult and diligent work of the Board of Trustees and its investment committee, and request them to totally divest from all corporations doing business in South Africa, and that this disinvestment take place in a prudent manner that is consistent with legal requirements, and does not place undue risk upon The ALC investment portfolio; and be it further
f. Resolved, that The ALC reaffirm its past positions calling for:
1) an end to future bank loans to the Republic of South Africa;
2) an end to any sales to the South African police and military;
3) a moratorium on any significant expansion efforts by United States corporations in South Africa; and be it further
g. Resolved, that The ALC support the call for withdrawal of investment by United States corporations from South Africa if in the judgment of the Board of Trustees that investment on balance strengthens the apartheid system; and be it further
h. Resolved, that The ALC call upon all divisions, units, districts, institutions, congregations, and members of the church to utilize all possible resources for the elimination of apartheid and other expressions of racial discrimination; and be it further
i. Resolved, that the Office of Church in Society, if established, or a task force appointed by the general president, develop a strategy for The American Lutheran Church which will more effectively support the non-White population in Southern Africa in its struggle for justice and representation, and which will lead to the reconciliation of all people in southern Africa, prepare recommendations to implement the strategy and report to the 1981 Church Council; and be it further
j. Resolved, that The ALC urge the government of the United States to implement economic sanctions against the Republic of South Africa.