R-2 - Passed as amended

BREAD FOR THE WORLD
HUNGER ADVOCACY RESOLUTION

(See reverse side for BFW Information)

WHEREAS, a core mission strategy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is public advocacy; and

WHEREAS, Bread for the World (BFW), an ecumenical citizens’ movement, encourages citizens to advocate for legislation that reduces hunger and works toward systemic changes to eliminate poverty; and

WHEREAS, BFW is supported in its advocacy efforts by member giving to the ELCA World Hunger  Appeal; and

WHEREAS, the ELCA at its Churchwide Assembly in 2005, declared ending hunger as a core mission of this church; and

WHEREAS, our Presiding Bishop, along with our 65 Synod Bishops, have spoken publicly on behalf of those in need (October, 2005 Letter to Senate); therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Northern Illinois Synod Assembly:

1.  Thank our Churchwide Assembly and Bishops for their public witness and advocacy on behalf of those who are living in poverty in the United States.

2.  Thank BFW for 32 years of leadership in advocacy for justice in our nation and world.

3.  Formally support BFW by:

            a) engaging in an Offering of Letters each year at our Synod Assembly, encouraging congregations  to become Covenant Members of BFW,

            b) inviting a yearly report from Bread for the World as part of the World Hunger Sub Committee Report to the Synod Assembly engaging in an Offering of Letters each year at our Synod Assembly,

            c) requesting the World Hunger Sub Committee to continue to educate pastors, leaders, and their congregations in the ministry of advocacy inviting a yearly report from Bread for the World at our Synod Assembly as part of the World Hunger Task Force Report,

            d) encouraging congregations to become Covenant Members of BFW setting a goal of $3,000 in annual gifts as a collective response of thanksgiving from the congregations of our Synod to BFW, 

            e) encouraging congregations to engage in an annual Offering of Letters on behalf of BFW, and directing the Hunger Task Force to educate pastors, leaders and their congregations in the                       ministry of advocacy and to solicit annual gifts.

            f) encouraging congregations to consider an annual monetary gift in support of the advocacy work of Bread for the World.

4.  Encourage all members of the Northern Illinois Synod to live up to their baptismal covenants - “to strive       for justice and peace in all the earth”- by using the gift of citizenship to give public witness to the compassion of Christ and by engaging in advocacy in response to God’s call to justice.

Submitted by:  Pr. Kenn Storck, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Rockford, IL

Endorsed by Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (Rockford, IL) Congregation Council,

Central Conference & North Conference of the Northern Illinois Synod

Contact person:  Pr. Kenn Storck

Date Submitted:  April 30, 2006

---

Action of the Resolution Committee

Date of Action:  May 16, 2006

Action Taken:  Recommend the Resolution

---

BREAD FOR THE WORLD INFORMATION 

WHO ARE WE

In 2006, Bread for the World celebrates 32 years of seeking justice as Christian voice for ending hunger.  A nonpartisan citizens’ movement of 56,000 people of faith, including 2,500 churches, BFW members help hungry people by lobbying our nation’s decision makers on legislation that addresses hunger in our communities and around the world.

BFW members are organized by congressional district into local networks nationwide.  We write, call and visit members of Congress, and generate media attention about national legislation and other efforts that address hunger.  BFW staff keep members up-to-date on hunger-related issues and pending decisions.

As individuals, we may volunteer in social ministries and give to our churches’ hunger appeals.  But we also know that a single decision by Congress or the President can outweigh or multiply our contributions.

OFFERING OF LETTERS

Every year during worship services and other events, tens of thousands of BFW members and others offer to God letters we have written to our members of Congress on legislation that is important to hungry people.  Many people of other faiths also join in this high-impact work.  Again and again, our Offerings of Letters win significant victories.

Bread for the World has been generously supported by more than 45 denominations and church agencies – Roman Catholic, mainline Protestant, Evangelical, Pentecostal and Orthodox.  Our board of directors includes grassroots leaders, members of Congress, and leaders of churches and charities.  We welcome and treasure this rich diversity of theological traditions.  The good news of Jesus Christ moves us to create new visions and possibilities for our global family.

WHAT IS A COVENANT CHURCH?

Hundreds of churches across the country have strengthened their church’s hunger ministry through a Covenant Church relationship with Bread for the World.  When they make a commitment to integrate hunger concerns into the life of their congregation, Bread for the World provides tools that will equip their church to learn more about hunger, pray for hungry people, and take action to end hunger through advocacy:

• Offering of Letters kit (handbook plus CD or video)
• Bread newsletter
• Hunger Sunday, a special newsletter for churches
• Banquet of Praise hymnal
• And other resources

Covenant Churches also receive FREE individual memberships for members of your congregation.  Go to www.bread.org for more information.

BISHOP’S LETTER

www.elca.org/advocacy/issues/hunger/05-10-06reconciliation.html