The following resolution was passed at the 2013 Assembly of the Metro Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), of which First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Logan Square and St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Logan Square are members.
RESOLUTION ON VIOLENCE
WHEREAS, according to published crime data from the uniform crime reports in seven categories collected by the FBI and from local law enforcement agencies, Chicago has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes and,
WHEREAS, there has continued to be an increase in violent crime (forcible rape, murder, non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and assault with a deadly weapon), and
WHEREAS, there is good evidence to suggest that non-police resources can play an important role in reducing crime rates, and
WHEREAS, economic violence among young people who don’t have jobs or an education or enough to eat leads to violence in the streets of our communities, and
WHEREAS, the church in all communities has a mission to work toward peace and justice, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that a Bishop’s Advisory Group be established to be a resource for individuals, congregations, and communities who seek ways to transform the culture of violence and drug and substance abuse through methods such as mentoring programs, intentional training in non-violence, community involvement, and other partnerships in their community and that April 4th be designated as Metropolitan Chicago Synod Anti-Violence Day.
RESOLVED, that congregations and individuals of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod be encouraged to share ideas and resources with each other that seek to prevent violence in our communities, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the congregations and individuals of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod commit to working toward changes in public policy issues which impact violence.
Submitted by:
Metropolitan Chicago Synod Council
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