R-3 - passed

HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF RESOLUTION 

WHEREAS, the Gulf Coast was devastated by the worst hurricane of the last 100 years in August 2005, and an ongoing need for relief continues among the population of Mississippi and Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran congregations on the Gulf Coast continue maintaining a presence witnessing to the compassion of Jesus Christ by seeking “to minister holistically to the unmet needs of those affected, regardless of faith or creed through four major components:  spiritual and emotional care, hardship grants, long-term recovery, and volunteer coordination” [ELCA Foundation Legacies, April 2006] and have pledged to do so for the long-term, including 15 ELCA churches serving as shelters for LDR volunteer response; and

WHEREAS, tangibles such as food, clothing, housing, clean water and basic comforts are still not readily available to many Gulf Coast residents and are being distributed at no cost by Lutheran Episcopal Disaster Relief through Christus Victor Lutheran Church, Ocean Springs, Mississippi to those who need them and that “The enormity of this disaster has forced us to look far and wide for the necessary building materials” [Heather Feltman, director of ELCA Domestic Disaster Response, ELCA Foundation Legacies, April 2006]; and

WHEREAS, many Northern Illinois Synod congregations and members have already received a blessing by being a blessing to those persons affected by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast by their gifts and by their volunteer efforts; and

WHEREAS, so much of the healing continues to be a “hands on” effort; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that members and congregations of the Northern Illinois Synod continue their gifts and prayers of support for the people of the Gulf Coast; and be it further

RESOLVED, those congregations and members consider sponsoring and/or participating in a mission trip to the Gulf Coast for the purpose of volunteering at one of the hurricane recovery sites.

Submitted by:   Central Conference of the Northern Illinois Synod

Contact person:  Pr. Brant Clements

Date Submitted:  April 30, 2006

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Action of the Resolution Committee

Date of Action:  May 16, 2006

Action Taken: Recommend the Resolution