To Increase Awareness among Synod Congregations of Human Trafficking

WHEREAS, Human trafficking, including forced labor and sex trafficking, affects an estimated 24.9 million victims worldwide at any given time (United States Department of State, www.state.gov/human trafficking-about-human- trafficking/#profile, accessed June 18, 2021) and

WHEREAS, The Office of National Mission (ONM) and Lutherans For Life (LFL)have addressed human trafficking (ONM, “Human Trafficking” and “Identify, Understand and Intervene” www.lcms.org/social-issues/human-trafficking; LFL lutherans for life.org/event/for-life-live-human-trafficking- prevention-righteousness-works/, accessed June 6, 2021); and

WHEREAS, Many people in Synod congregations are unaware of the magnitude of this deplorable act against humanity; and

WHEREAS, God created all life and sent His Son Jesus to redeem all life, and He desires that all people come to the knowledge of Him and be saved (1 Tim. 2:4), and He desires all to have abundant life in Him (John 10:10) and He has commanded us to love our neighbor as our self (Matt. 19:19, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:29f); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Mid-South District in convention memorialize the Synod in convention to update the resources provided; and to also direct the Commission on Theology and Church Relations to produce a document addressing human trafficking; and be it further

Resolved,Thatthe Synod in convention rise to pray that almighty God would by His power bless and direct all law enforcement agencies in their fight against human trafficking and that He would through His Church and other relief organizations provide healing, support and ministry to the victims of human trafficking; and that He would bring an end to these deplorable acts.