86-E (5)                                                        Resolution on Racism in the U.S .

WHEREAS LSM-USA has had two resolutions in the past that took a stand against racism, and

WHEREAS in dealing with the racism of South Africa and of elsewhere in the world we as U .S . citizens realize that racism is pervasive in our society and in our own selves, and we must deal with the problems in ourselves before we can help others to overcome their problems, and

WHEREAS we know how we ought to treat our neighbor through our knowledge of the ten commandment, the ministry and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the Spirit of God in all our hearts, and

WHEREAS we know we cannot live in God’s Peace on earth I if we are not reconciled by God with each other,

THEREFOR BE IT RESOLVED THAT all students involved with LSM-USA deal with the issue of racism in the following ways:

1.  Each individual reflect on and pray about the prejudices and discriminations that affect their actions toward people of a different race or culture through their individual action through taxes and voting, and their failure to act when individuals and systems oppress people of color.

2.  Each local and regional LSM chapter will attempt to deal with this issue in some manner that they will choose in order to enable themselves to reflect and act on this issue, including discussion at a regional assembly preceding the companion National Assembly (below), using resources suggested by the International and Ecumenical Relations Committee if they desire.

3.  LSM-USA will have a national assembly with the theme of racism in the U.S. as soon as possible within the next four years.

4.  In light of the 1985 LSM-USA Assembly support of the work and vision of the Justice Agendas in the New Lutheran Church (JNLC) committee, we urge the LCA, ALC and AELC 1986 Conventions to adopt the Commission for the New Lutheran Church (CNLC) recommendations – based on the work of the JNLC – for international inclusiveness in the new Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  Furthermore we urge that the LCMS also actively study this issue.

5.  LSM at the local, regional, and national levels will strive to be racially inclusive based on the recommendations set by the CNLC

Sponsored by the International and Ecumenical Relations Committee of the 1985-86 National Council.

The CNLC recommendations for the new Lutheran Church – adopted by the three conventions in August! – provide for the following representation:

            On the national level of ELCA (assemblies, councils, committees, boards)

            * At least 60% laypeople

- of those, 50% are to be female and 50% male

- in the 40% clergy, ordained women are to be represented as far as possible

* At least 10% persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English

* In addition, executive and support staff are to be selected in accord with the church’s inclusive policy laypeople, women and people of color/primary language other than English

On the synod level:

* Each Synod Council shall establish processes to ensure that the lay, female/male and minority representation standards shall be met at synod assemblies, councils, boards, etc.  In the case of the 10% racial/language standard, each synod shall, by the time of its second assembly, establish a plan to attain this level within ten years (with regional population characteristics taken into account for more flexibility) .

On the local congregational level

*  The CNLC has no recommendations for representation at the local level .