76-2 Resolution on WORLD HUNGER

Our Christian duty calls us to show concern for the poor and starving.  Jesus tells us, “If anyone has two tunics he must share with the man who has none, and the one with something to eat must the same.”  (Luke 3:11)  And John reminds us, “Our love is not to be just words or mere talk, but something real and active.”  (1 John 3:18)

WHEREAS 460 million people are suffering from acute malnutrition and many more survive on diets severely deficient of needed nutrients; and

WHEREAS the number of poor and starving is constantly increasing and the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, and

WHERAS the food and resources of the world are not being used as efficiently and distributed as equitably as they could be; i.e., the U.S. alone, with 6% of the world’s population, uses 40% of the world’s primary resources, and

WHEREAS Bread for the World is an ecumenical Christian citizens’ group working through our political system to alleviate hunger and poverty throughout the world;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

1. That the University of Kansas will prepare a list of resources on world hunger to be distributed from the LSM-USA office.

2. The LSM-USA support Bread for the World’s Thanksgiving offering of letters to Congress people by mailing out with the LSM-USA newsletter information supplied by Bread for the World on the offering.

3. That Lutheran students be encouraged to lead less consumptive lifestyles, thereby setting an example for others and freeing resources for present and future generation.  The University of Northern Colorado LSM-group will provide information through the LSM-USA office on alternate diets with emphasis on less meat consumption and an article for the LSM-USA newsletter on this topic.

4. That we of the LSM-USA realize that cutting back on consumption is not enough.  We must also make our concerns felt by making others aware of the problem and contacting our congresspeople and other leaders.  Furthermore, we should contribute what we can to relief agencies.

5. That when we deal with the hunger problem we realize that providing food is not enough.  Education and technology, along with just governments and equitable distribution of land is needed in all countries.

6. That copies of this resolution be sent by the LSM-USA Council to heads of the Lutheran church bodies urging them to share and act on these concerns.