To Foster Multiculturalism in Exercise of Great Commission

WHEREAS, Our Lord commissions us to make disciples of all nations; and

WHEREAS, Past and present racial injustices cause great suffering to many Americans and harm to our entire nation; and

WHEREAS, Racial injustice remains an impediment to carrying out the Great Commission of making disciples of all tribes, languages, and nations; and

WHEREAS, Prior Synod convention resolutions on the issue of race have asserted the clear biblical teaching that all humans, whatever the color of their skin, have been created in the image of God and redeemed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus; yet we continue to lag in mission outreach that crosses racial and multicultural lines; and

WHEREAS, Our actions and attitudes have often created an inhospitable environment that stands in contrast to the teaching of the Great Commission; and

WHEREAS, We give thanks to God for courageous leaders among us who over the years have overcome racial and multicultural barriers; and

WHEREAS, We lament the widespread silence of Christians in the face of racial and multicultural injustices; we still have much to learn about how to be racially and culturally inclusive; and

WHEREAS, There is a perception that Christians have failed to recognize past and present injustices which may have served as a deterrent from joining our churches; therefore be it

Resolved, That we encourage one another in the hearing of God’s Word and the reception of Hisgifts, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, truly the means of grace, which deliver to sinners such as us the heart of contrition and repentance and the power of the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ on the cross; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod will designate a specific Sunday as a joyous, Spirit-filled day to help encourage us to reach and welcome people across all racial and ethnic lines; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod call a Multicultural Task Force under the Board for National Mission in its next triennium to assess current efforts, highlight best practices, and develop materials equipping congregations to engage in multicultural outreach at the congregational level.