2002 Synod Assembly

Resolution 2002-12 - Hearing the Borning Cry of Colombia

Passed as amended - changes in bold

WHEREAS, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia and other Christian Churches in Colombia, continue to request the prayers, advocacy and solidarity of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod; and

WHEREAS, the ELCA Division for Global Mission has recently passed two resolutions on Colombia; and

WHEREAS, the Lutheran Churches of Latin America, at their Mission Consultation, November 2001, requested ongoing advocacy and support for the churches and people of Columbia; and

WHEREAS, Lutheran World Relief has established Colombia as one of its top advocacy priorities;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 2002 Assembly of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, uplift before its congregations and members the October, 2001, and the March, 2002, resolutions of the ELCA Division for Global Mission on Colombia, as well as the Colombian advocacy efforts of the Lutheran Office of Governmental Affairs, Lutheran World Relief and other ELCA related ecumenical organizations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod congregations and individual members be encouraged to include Colombia in their private and public prayers, as well as intentionally promote education and advocacy regarding the critical situation of Colombia; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that individuals within the congregations of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod be encouraged to write their U.S. congressional representatives expressing serious concern for the increased military aid to Colombia, requesting instead greater support for humanitarian purposes, alternative development for the poor and displaced, judicial reform and protection of all human rights and advocates in Columbia. their concerns regarding how U.S. military and humanitarian aid is used in Columbia.

Submitted by Members of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Global Mission/Companion Synod Committee: Rev. Byron Meline, chair; Rev. Nick Fisher-Broin, Ms. Ruth Reppe, Rev. Linda Helberg, Mr. David Neale, Mr. Randy Stangler, Ms. Joni Groth, Rev. Roger Knudson, Bishop Harold Usgaard (Synod Staff Member), May 3, 2002.