76-3 Resolution on WOMEN IN THE CHURCH

WHEREAS LSM-USA’s statement of purpose includes a commitment to “unity and wholeness” within the body of Christ; and

WHEREAS we are all one body in Christ, and if one part of the body is hurt, all parts are hurt with it (I Cor. 12:26a); and

WHEREAS language reflects our cultural values and the way in which we perceive and define our world and our selves; and

WHEREAS a significant number of people in LSM-USA are being adversely affected by the use of distinctively masculine language which is purported to refer to women as well as men; and

WHEREAS “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slate nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28);

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

1. That it become an official policy of the LSM-USA to use inclusive language in order to avoid the use of language forms which in reality subsume women under masculine terminology, in any and all LSM-USA functions and documents; and

2. That all existing LSM-USA documents and other printed matter, which will be printed after August 15, 1976, to be changed to reflect this policy; and

3. That the people of the LSM-USA both organizationally and as individuals encourage and foster the use of inclusive language by persons and organizations with whom they come in contact; and

4. The LSM-USA Communicate to the major Lutheran bodies in the U.S.A. a statement which affirms and encourages the total participation of women in the life of the Church, including the ordained ministry; and

5. That a committee be formed to implement this resolution subject to the approval of the National Council, consisting of the following people:

Sandy Dager, Long Beach, CA

Alan Weinrich, Nashville, TN

Jan Unger, Berkeley, CA

Julia Swanson, Mankato, MN

Mark Engel, Cedar Falls, IA

Josephine Gennaria, Los Angeles, CA

and any other interested persons.