1980

B. JUSTICE, EQUALITY, HUMAN RIGHTS [1161]

F. EXCLUSIVISM, INCLUSIVISM, SOCIAL/ETHICAL ISSUES [1153] [1157]

[1153] April 7, 1980 Missions Abroad Education Fund 

Whereas, The expansion of the church into regions abroad, the consequent need for developing local personnel as leaders in the church, and the ever increasing need for persons from regions abroad to receive education make it urgent that we broaden the base of assistance to students in regions abroad; therefore, be it

Resolved, That this World Conference authorize the establishment of the Missions Abroad Education Fund to assist persons in regions abroad to achieve an education on any level that is found to be appropriate under the circumstances in the students' respective countries. It is understood that such education should be pursued in the country of the student's residence except as specifically approved otherwise. Those who should receive assistance shall be selected on the basis of their need, ability to profit from the education which they propose, and the increased value which the education of these persons may bring to the church. Be it further

Resolved, That the Council of Twelve shall recommend a policy for the administration of the program to the Joint Council of the First Presidency, Council of Twelve, and Presiding Bishopric for their approval, and the Council of Twelve shall be responsible for the administration of the program according to that policy. Be it further

Resolved, That the Saints are encouraged to continue to support this fund from their personal and collective contributions, not excluding special appropriations to the fund by the World Conference.

Replaced by WCR 1167 in 1982

[1157] April 10, 1980 Participation in Interdenominational Christian Ministries

Whereas, The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is called to be "in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives"; and

Whereas, Many interdenominational Christian ministries exist which do recognize the worth of persons and which are committed to bringing the ministry of Jesus Christ to bear on their lives; and

Whereas, There are many members of the church who have developed a deep conviction that the call to "establish the cause of Zion" requires the full participation of the church in community, national, and international affairs as disciples of the Lord Jesus, leavening and enabling the whole world to become his kingdom; and

Whereas, The church has many significant theological insights and much practical experience to share with other Christians; and

Whereas, The strength and voice of the church should be added to those of other Christian organizations and movements when they are engaged in ministries which are consistent with our own ministries and beliefs; and

Whereas, The beliefs and values of the church are more than strong enough to withstand interaction with the beliefs of other Christians, though possibly different from our own; and

Whereas, There is concern in some quarters of the church that participation in interdenominational Christian ministries would require the church to alter or abandon its traditional beliefs and practices and/or would result in a serious drain upon the church's resources of time, money, and personnel; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the World Conference hereby endorses the participation of the World Church in interdenominational Christian ministries where such participation does not require the World Church to (1) alter or abandon any of the traditional beliefs and practices of the church, (2) endorse any creeds or theological positions which are inconsistent with any of the traditional beliefs and practices of the church, or (3) commit a disproportionate share of the church's resources of time, money, or personnel; and be it further

Resolved, That the World Conference hereby affirms the right of each field jurisdiction to determine the nature of its own participation in interdenominational Christian ministries and to determine the level of commitment of its resources of time, money, and personnel where such participation does not require any field jurisdiction to (1) alter or abandon any of the traditional beliefs and practice of the church, or (2) endorse any creeds or theological positions which are inconsistent with any of the traditional beliefs and practices of the church.

[1161] April 11, 1980 Human Freedom and Injustice

Whereas, The Sesquicentennial Celebration affirms our continual call to mission as a world church; and the gospel affirms basic principles of freedom and justice for all nations, cultures, and people (Romans 1:14-16; Psalm 82:1-4; Isaiah 58:6-10; Jeremiah 22:13-17; II Nephi 11:113-116; IV Nephi 1:3; Jacob 2:27; Mosiah 1:49; Galatians 3:28; Acts 10:34-35; Doctrine and Covenants 77:1f; 151:9); and

Whereas, The personal ministries of Jesus consistently expressed a commitment to justice, freedom, and human dignity (John 17, Matthew 25:31-47); and

Whereas, There is a global concern about the continuing existence of injustice, inequity, and loss of freedom; therefore, be it

Resolved, That we, the members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, affirm our commitment to uphold the sanctity of every person as a divine gift from God; and be it further

Resolved, That we consider it the requirement of the gospel to proclaim justice; and be it further

Resolved, That as a World Church we call on national governments to increase their efforts to secure conditions of peace, justice, and liberty, and invite them to support international agencies which so seek to do; and be it further

Resolved, That this Conference calls us to unite in a common commitment to pray and work for the elimination of all inhumane conditions which nations and peoples heap upon the poor, the dispossessed, the imprisoned, and those who suffer other social conditions which limit freedom, such as discrimination by reason of tribe or race, age or sex, and to promote peace, justice, freedom, and respect for personal dignity.