RESOLUTION     84-4

UNITY FOR AND WITHIN LSM-USA

“Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together.  There is on body and one spirit, just as there is one hope to which God has called you.  There is one Lord, one faith, on Baptism, there is one God of all people who is the Lord of all.”  (Ephesians 4:3-6)

“We are indeed united in Christ in His death and resurrection.”  (Romans 6:1-7)

“Let us put aside our differences and seek unity among us here.” (I Cor. 1:10)

As of January 1, 1988, a new Lutheran church body will come into being.  This resolution is to reaffirm the pan-Lutheran nature of LSM-USA in light of this anticipated event.

WHEREAS we as Lutherans, Episcopalians, Roman Catholics and other denominations are cognizant of a belief Christ, and

WHEREAS we realize that our greatest call of commitment is to the Triune God, and

WHEREAS we recognize that there are differences among Lutheran bodies as well as differences between individual Christians, but

WHEREAS we believe we are one in the Spirit through Christ,

THEREFORE BE IT AFFIRMED that Lutheran Student Movement-USA go on record as recognizing the right of groups and individuals to fallow the call of Christ in their own way, but

BE IT RESOLVED THAT LSM-USA take action to reduce the divisive emphasis given to these differences which naturally occur in communities, and

BE IT RESOLVED THAT LSM-USA applaud and encourage its members in efforts to influence their district/synod leaders strongly in the direction or a more unified Lutheran Church, and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT the President of LSM-USA convey the intent of this resolution to the presidents of all Lutheran church bodies and major publications, as well as to the church at large.

SPONSORS:   Dave Belbutoski, Indiana University

                        George Westerman, Indiana University

                        Paul Zierath, IUPUI

                        Ted Trahan, University of Texas

                        Tom Trahan, University of Texas

SUMARRY:  This resolution, in light of the new Lutheran church body to begin January 1, 1989, affirms the rights of individuals to follow the call of Christ as they see fit.  Furthermore, it also enjoins LSM-USA to work towards unity within the Lutheran church bodies and within the entire Christian community.