1988

A. PEACE, WAR, & STRATEGIES OF VIOLENCE TO SETTLE DISPUTES [1205]

C. RACISM [1200] 

F. EXCLUSIVISM, INCLUSIVISM, SOCIAL/ETHICAL ISSUES [1201] [1207]

[1200]  April 12, 1988 Racism

Whereas, All people are created in God's image and are accepted as persons of worth under God's grace; and

Whereas, The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has moved legislation taking a stand against racism and prejudice for the past one hundred years; yet, the issue is one that is still pertinent to our time and purpose; and

Whereas, The promotion of peace within the heart of the individual, the church, and all nations is greatly affected by our lack of understanding regarding prejudice and racism; therefore, be it

Resolved, That an appropriate task force be organized by the World Church to study the issues of prejudice and racism and develop an annotated bibliography of resources which could be a guide for members, their congregations, and/or jurisdictions to help them facilitate a broadening of their understanding of prejudice and racism and encourage them to take more effective action in addressing this problem individually and collectively; and be it further

Resolved, That the First Presidency declare an annual day of fasting and prayer regarding an awareness of our need to address the issues of prejudice and racism on a personal, church, and world level.

[1201] April 12, 1988 Ministry to Persons with AIDS/ARC

Whereas, AIDS/ARC is recognized as a human health problem affecting the entire human community, is not confined to any one segment of the world community, and will soon be a disease of epidemic proportions worldwide; and

Whereas, The impact of AIDS/ARC in terms of human relations, employment of medical research, and treatment resources and economics is now and will be increasingly felt by all persons in all societies; and

Whereas, Many more resources need to be devoted to determining the nature, cause, treatment, and prevention of the disease as well as the recovery from AIDS/ARC; and

Whereas, The emotional and spiritual impact on both those suffering from and those directly and indirectly affected by those suffering from AIDS/ARC is such that the caring ministries of support reflecting the love of Jesus Christ for all are urgently needed; and

Whereas, Great damage is being done by cruel and ignorant statements which interpret AIDS/ARC as divine judgment upon disapproved life-styles, adding to the serious distress and pain of the diseases themselves; and

Whereas, The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is faced with an opportunity to create and expand the ministries of caring with a Christ-like love that can provide the emotional and spiritual support to those infected and to those affected during this critical situation; and

Whereas, The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is called to recognize and support the worth of all persons; therefore, be it

Resolved, That this very important area of ministry be researched by a committee to be appointed by the First Presidency, to include representatives from North American, other worldwide church jurisdictions, persons knowledgeable in this area of concern, and persons with AIDS/ARC; and be it further

Resolved, That regular reports of their work over the next two years be shared in church publications and resources, with a detailed report and recommendations brought back for consideration to the 1990 World Conference; and be it further

Resolved, That church members and church jurisdictions continue to be encouraged to participate in and/or initiate ways that responsibly deal with this vital concern.

[1205] April 15, 1988 Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace

Whereas, the promotion of peace is a mission of the church; therefore, be it

Resolved, That we as a church encourage and support in principle the establishment of an annual national or international day of fasting and prayer for peace; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution be referred to the First Presidency and the World Peace Committee for such further study, recommendation, and implementation as they may deem appropriate. 

[1207] April 16, 1988 Task Force on Addictions

Whereas, The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ has affirmed a call from God to rise and build his temple dedicated to the pursuit of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit, and we anxiously await ministries that will bring a wholeness to body, mind, and spirit in our personal and corporate quest for the kingdom; and

Whereas, We are created in the image of God with the potential to become citizens of the kingdom through the wise stewardship of our resources that give meaning and purpose to life; nevertheless, we are also born with physical, mental, and spiritual needs that must be met in order to fulfill this stewardship, and when these needs go unmet, especially the needs for a sense of personal worth and acceptance, we find ourselves led into addictive practices and life-styles that help us to escape from our fears and lack of fulfillment, and these debilitating practices separate us all from our goal of building the kingdom life-style we were created to enjoy; and

Whereas, We have been called to be in the forefront of bringing redemptive ministry to the bruised and brokenhearted, including those of us within the fold of the church, to bring hope, acceptance, and help to those with addictive and debilitating life-styles; therefore, let it be

Resolved, That the First Presidency appoint a task force that will study addictive and other life-styles and to recommend to the 1990 World Conference programs and resources, both within the church and otherwise, that will increase our awareness of the challenge and will enable us to focus ministries at all jurisdictional levels that are in harmony with the peaceful and reconciling purpose of the Temple to persons and families to help them fulfill their stewardship of body, mind, and spirit that are threatened by unnecessary and addictive wants.