1979-08 Resolution on African Refugees

79-6 RESOLUTION ON AFRICAN REFUGEES

Background

Presently the U.S. policy on refugees has been substantially limited. Even in those cases when the U.S. takes some actions, it fails to have a refugee world view. This includes African and Latin American refugees. In particular, the Sudanese refugee situation has been completely ignored. An alarming crisis in Sudan is developing with an inflow of one and one-half million refugees from countries such as Ethiopia, Chad, Uganda, Rhodesia-Zimbabwe, and Namibia, which is beyond the capacity of the country. Kenya, Djibouti, Zambia, Botswana, and Tanzania also have refugees. The imminent crisis situation could develop into one similar to that which exists presently in Southeast Asia. The refugee crisis is a result of political, religious, and economic oppression. The U.S. government seems to have little effect on such problems, but the church can deal with these immediate needs of human sufferings and aggravations.

World churches have channeled much of their assistance to Southeast Asia, and are ignoring this most desperate problem. Special resources are needed to help local churches relieve these problems.

We are all in one family, all children of God. It is Christ’s command that we care for and serve all of our brothers and sisters throughout the world, when there is need.

Resolved

1) That the LSM-USA National Assembly instructs the LSM-USA President to send a letter from the Assembly to the Presidents of the ALC, LCA, LCMS, AELC, and NCC informing them of the urgency of the ignored African refugees problem, and urge them to give immediate attention to the situation.

2) That the LSM-USA National Assembly instructs the LSM-USA President to request that the ALC, LCA, LCMS, AELC, and NCC designate the offering of a specific Sunday of this year to be sent to the Lutheran World Relief. This offering would go to aid refugees in these African countries: Sudan, Kenya, Djibouti, and Somalia.

3) That the LSM-USA national council would establish a task force to study and suggest action on the Sudanese refugee situation.