1991 Approved Resolution #5 (91-5)
Resolution on a Paid Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday in Arizona

WHEREAS, the state of Arizona does not have a paid Martin Luther King Jr. holiday; and

WHEREAS, LSM-USA affirms inclusiveness--to unite with all peoples of God--as stated in the LSM-USA mission statement: "Through this ministry and in the Lutheran tradition of reform, we explore social and spiritual concerns and accept the challenge to unite with all the people of God."; and

WHEREAS, Martin Luther King Jr. struggled with this challenge to unite all peoples and symbolizes a pursuit of inclusiveness; and

WHEREAS, Martin Luther King Jr. personifies a pursuit towards uniting with all the peoples of God, as LSM affirms; and

WHEREAS, a holiday also affirms this ideal and would serve as a reminder and a beacon to all who celebrate and strive courageously with LSM towards a more inclusive world; and

WHEREAS, a paid state holiday (over unpaid) uniquely emphasizes the significance of the struggle which Martin Luther King, Jr. engaged and LSM-USA affirms and embraces:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that LSM-USA advocate a paid state Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in Arizona; and

THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the President and Secretary of LSMUSA draft a letter to the Governor and the legislature of Arizona strongly expressing this advocacy, and also include a copy of this resolution and the mission statement of LSM-USA to further emphasize the mission of LSM-USA and its active participation in society.

Authors:                       Peter Perry, University of Arizona

Dan Tisdel, North Carolina State University Karen Anderson, University of Texas at Austin Bryan Fulford, Northern Arizona University

Sponsored by:             Reference and Counsel Committee of the LSM-USA National Council