77-13   Position Paper on Alcohol Consumption

We affirm that as Christians we are love-bound to respect the sensitivities of our neighbors. Also, as Lutherans we recognize our freedom to drink alcoholic beverages and the need to accept the responsibilities which accompany this freedom. One responsibility is being sensitive to the feelings of others, who may be offended by the consumption of alcoholic beverages at LSM-USA conferences.

Therefore we encourage LSM-USA members to increase their awareness of the effects of their drinking on others, and to avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages at LSM-USA conferences.

Actions Taken

+          A resource file on this problem has been started in the national office.

One Year Later

+          … Gerald L. Klerman, Administrator of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration indicated that “good evidence” exists showing that drinking among teenagers is increasing. The evidence indicated that this may be followed not only by an increase in alcohol consumption by those (youth) groups, but an increase in alcohol problems, including automobile accidents and fatalities…. National Institute of Alcohol Abuse director, Ernest Noble, cites that the institute “estimates 3.3 million teenagers in the nation are having problems with alcohol.”

The above quote is from the Lutheran Resources Commission—Washington, (an adjunct agency

of the Lutheran Council in the USA) April 28, 1978 edition of LRC-W NEWSBRIEFS.