Assembly actions:       

                  an update

            Each year the people of LSM-USA meet in assembly, responding to the call of stewardship from our God, speak out on the needs and concerns of ourselves, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and our world.  This report contains a summary of regional concerns and resolutions adopted at the 1979 LSM-USA Legislative Assembly, the actions recommended, and the actions taken in response.

            The LSM-USA national office has tried to remain informed on the progress of local and regional groups and individuals in upholding the commitments undertaken by the enactment of this legislation.  However, when local groups have failed to report to the national office or to their regional councilperson, it is impossible to record their actions.  We apologize for any omission that occurs as a result, and urge that all persons involved in carrying out the legislation of the 1980 LSM-USA Assembly communicate their efforts to the national office or to a council member, so that their ideas and activities may encourage similar actions in the future.

80-1     RESOLUTION ON HUNGER IN AMERICA

LSM-USA recognizes that hunger in America is a grave problem.  They vote to support House Joint Resolution 460 and Senate Joint Resolution 133 which would establish nutrition monitoring systems in the United States.  They feel that this would help the United States to be more effective in distributing aid.

            Actions Taken in Response:

                        + Members of the New England Regional Council at their winter meeting wrote their congresspersons supporting House Joint Resolution 460 and Senate Joint Resolution 133.

                        + Several LSM-USA groups used hunger-related Bible studies and conducted discussion groups pertaining to the area.

                        + Many LSM-USA groups had hunger awareness weeks and fasts for both hunger in the United States and worldwide.

                        + LSM-Michigan State University compiled an information packet containing facts on United States and world hunger and a comparison of both.  This packet also includes a reading list and an action resource list.  It is available from the LSM national office or LSM-Michigan State.

80-2     RESOLUTION ON SELECTIVE SERVICE AND THE DRAFT

LSM-USA recognize the legitimacy of those who decide to join the present voluntary military service and supports campus ministry and chaplaincy programs within it.  LSM-USA also expresses its opposition to registration for the draft and any further steps to implement classification or induction in the absence of a national emergency.

            Actions Taken in Response:

                        + Members of the Rhode Island and New York City LSM prepared a bibliography of studies on the Lutheran position on war and teaching on peace in light of contemporary arms development and international situations and social dimensions of militarism.  This bibliography is available from the national office.

                        + Several LSM students attended the January seminar on peacemaking which was held in New York City.  This had been recommended by the 1980 Assembly.

                        + To the best of our knowledge, none of the regional conferences provided information on the options available to registrants and identified resources for those interested in pursuing conscientious objection.

80-3     RESOLUTION ON LUTHERAN UNITY

LSM-USA recalls its history of taking stands for both Lutheran and ecumenical unity in its existence and its actions.  The Assembly encourages LSM-USA groups to acquire and study the material currently available on the possibility of a merger within the Lutheran church bodies.  LSM-USA also urges the Committee on Lutheran Unity to continue its efforts to unify all our Lutheran brothers and sisters.

            Actions Taken in Response:

                        + To the best of our knowledge, no groups have studied the issue of merger.

80-4     RESOLUTION ON ECONOMIC JUSTICE

LSM-USA urges member groups to study the Economic Justice statement of the Lutheran Church in America in 1980-82, and to discuss its relation to LSM-USA stands in previous legislation, and consider its implications for students and lifestyles.

            Actions Taken in Response:

                           + To the best of our knowledge, no groups have studied this statement to date.

80-5 RESOLUTION ON OVERSEAS AND MINORITY

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP FUND

LSM-USA gratefully acknowledges the support and aid of the Division for Mission in North America of the Lutheran Church in America for their generous support of this fund in past years.  A goal of $2000 is set for LSM-USA to raise for this fund in the coming year, especially on All Saints’ Day.

            Actions Taken in Response:

                        + A letter of thanks was sent to Dr. Ruth Wick for her vision and support of the Overseas and Minority Student Scholarship Fund.

                        + $944.30 was raised as of June 30, 1981 for the scholarship fund.  This includes offerings from the celebration of All Saints’ Day.

                        + Approximately 20 overseas and minority students were able to participate in the 1981 National Assembly because of this fund.