1990 Approved Resolution #4 (90-4)
RESOLUTION CONCERNING A GATHERING ON LUTHERAN IDENTITY

In 1988, LSM-USA passed a "Resolution Regarding the Unity,of Lutheran Students (LSM-USA Resolution 88-9). This resolution stated that "LSM-USA resolves to conduct a gathering within the next four years to address the issue of unity among Lutheran students. One possibility would be the ecumenical gathering to be held December 28, 1990-January 1, 1991" and that "LSM-USA resolves that in the interim LSM-USA conduct workshops on this issue at all National Gatherings."

WHEREAS, the Council for Ecumenical Student Christian Ministry set the theme - "Many Gifts, One Spirit"-for the 1990-91 Ecumenical Gathering; and

WHEREAS, LSM-USA must dedicate either the 1991-92 gathering or the 1992-93 gathering to the subject of unity among Lutheran students in order to comply with the deadline set by LSM-USA Resolution 88-9; and

WHEREAS, the subject of Lutheran unity is related to ecumenism and it is unwise to conduct gatherings on similar topics within a relatively short period of time; and

WHEREAS, a gathering on Lutheran identity would uphold the intent of LSM-USA Resolution 88-9, by dealing with the issue of unity among Lutheran students;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that LSM-USA do the following:

1) Extend the deadline for the Gathering by two additional years so that it would occur by the 1994-1995 Gathering.

2) Conduct this Gathering on the subject of Lutheran identity, with an emphasis on dialogue concerning unity among Lutheran students.

3) In the interim, conduct workshops on this issue at all National Gatherings; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the vision of unity among Lutheran students as part of a broader ecumenical unity be re-affirmed by individuals and the Assembly as a principle purpose of LSMUSA; and that it be re-affirmed that any student who supports the purposes of LSM-USA as outlined in the LSM-USA Constitution, whether he or she is a member of a Lutheran church body or any other denomination or tradition, is invited and encouraged to be a full participant and member in LSM-USA.

Authors:

David Ferriss, North Carolina State

Russ Ilofkamp, University of South Dakota Mike Jancis, North Carolina State Jill Kuehnert, American University

Lisa Nelson, Luther Northwestern Seminary Bill Newmyer, University of Tennessee Tara Riemer, Johns Hopkins University Dave Schultz, Yale Divinity School Luke Zahner, American University

*****Resolution approved: 53 for, 5 against; 61 possible votes*****