Resolution Fifteen ...

A Resolution to Develop an ELCA Response Plan to Assist Clergy and Congregations Impacted by Disaster

WHEREAS, Hurricane Katrina and Rita taught many valuable lessons to be learned about disaster response; and

WHEREAS, the faith communities of the Gulf Coast areas, the ELCA, and the world responded with great generosity and love; and

WHEREAS, the presence of local pastors and congregations became beacons of hope in the midst of devastation and visible signs of Christ; and

WHEREAS, the local congregations and their church facilities should be spiritual centers in the relief, response, and long-term recovery efforts as well as a public witness to the core values of Lutherans; and

WHEREAS, Lutheran Disaster Response does not allocate money for the financial support of pastors and staff, rebuilding of church buildings, or congregational ministries devastated by a disaster; and

WHEREAS, this gap of coverage for churches and their staff impacted by a disaster is one of the lessons learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita as well as after other disasters which have hit our country;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod, meeting in Assembly, memorialize the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Assembly to instruct the Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission unit of the ELCA to develop a clear, immediate, and effective response plan to assist local pastors and congregations in disaster areas.

Persons Submitting Resolution:

Ms. Sandra Barnes - AIM, Christ the King Lutheran church, Kenner, LA
The Rev. Stan Eckermann - St. Paul Lutheran Church, Baton Rouge, LA
Dr. Walton Ehrhardt - TX/LA Gulf Coast Synod
The Rev. Sean Ewbank - Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mandeville, LA
The Rev. Lisa Gaye –St. Mark Lutheran Church, Metairie, LA
The Rev. Robert Hildebrandt - Metairie, LA
The Rev. Patrick Keen - Bethlehem Lutheran Church, New Orleans, LA
The Rev. John McCullough Bade, - Baton Rouge, LA
The Rev. Robin McCullough-Bade - Baton Rouge, LA
Mr. Leon Philpot- Grace Lutheran Church, New Orleans, LA
The Rev. Barbara Simmers- Peace Lutheran Church, Slidell, LA
The Rev. Ronald Unger - Christ the King Lutheran Church, Kenner, LA
The Rev. Amy Ziettlow, Baton Rouge, LA
 

Implications of Resolution (if adopted)

1.   What is the financial impact of this resolution on the synod budget?

$0 on the synod budget

2.   What are the personnel implications within our synod (or churchwide)? Who will be responsible for implementations of the resolution?

Since the ELCA Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission unit of the ELCA assists congregations in mission, it is hoped this unit would be able to develop a clear, immediate, and effective response plan to assist local pastors and congregations in disaster areas. Additional implications would be known only after the plan is developed.

3.   How does this resolution enhance and forward the mission of the church and our synod?

Areas impacted by disaster are prime locations for ministry and mission as people seek meaning and direction for their lives. ELCA congregations are called to be a public witness to the presence of Christ in our midst.

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