2002 Synod Assembly

Resolution 2002-09 - Hunger - 25 By 5 ($25 Million By 2005)

Passed as Presented

WHEREAS, the Bible leaves no room for doubt about God's intention for us by embracing us in love and stirring us to seek justice for those who are oppressed:

Is this not the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of injustice, to
undo the thongs of the yoke, to let
the oppressed go free, and to break
every yoke?

If you offer your food to the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, 
then your light shall rise in the 
darkness and your gloom be like the 
noonday. (Isaiah 58:6, 10)

WHEREAS, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod in Assembly has faithfully lifted up the issues of hunger and poverty each year, encouraged individuals and congregations to generously contribute to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal and made these great needs an integral and visible focus in the life of this Synod; and 

WHEREAS, the ELCA World Hunger Appeal response in 2001 was $15.55 million, including the response to Stand With Africa of $329,000, congregational giving was up $200,000, but the overall giving to the World Hunger Appeal was about equal to 2000. The impact of the events of September 11 had a significant effect on the giving to the Hunger Appeal, but also resulted in record giving to the New York/Washington D. C. Lutheran Disaster Response with total giving by congregations and individuals of around $7 million;

WHEREAS, this synod has affirmed the challenge to double giving to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal by the year 2005, and has moved toward that goal by increasing the giving in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod by $20,000 in 2001;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that words of thanksgiving and gratitude be expressed to synod congregations for the generous support that has been given on behalf of the hungry and impoverished in the world, and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that each congregation continue to work toward doubling giving to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal by increasing the per confirmed member goal this year by $.75 from $4.40 to $5.15, reaching a five-year goal of $7.30 per confirmed member by the year 2005. 

Submitted by the Hunger Task Force of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod.