RESOLUTION POWER

What good are resolutions?  Resolutions are decisions.  To decide is to act.  Resolutions are decisions to act.  This flow is consistent with the Gospel text from John where we read the call to "bear fruit or be cut down."

I am part of a committed group called the Joint Peace with Justice Committee.  We are sponsoring two resolutions and endorsing a third for our synod assembly to debate and vote upon.

The FIRST resolution calls upon congregations to provide the opportunity for youth to engage in prayerful, theological, and real conversation about issues relating to joining the military.  We believe the church has been neglectful in providing vocational guidance in this most life-altering decision. The JPJC would provide resources to congregations.

The SECOND resolution urges people to vote against a Voter ID Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution. Here again, the JPJC would provide resources for conversation and decision-making.

The THIRD resolution urges opposition to a proposed amendment to the state constitution stating that marriage is between one man and one woman.  This amendment would prevent gay marriage and perhaps civil unions. Again, resources will be provided.

Some say that resolutions are like blowing in the wind, signifying nothing, only words with no punch, producing little if any change.  Certainly, there is ample evidence of these truths. But there is also the positive side, the side that makes a difference.  What do resolutions do to "bear fruit"?

FIRST, resolutions create AWARENESS.  Call it consciousness raising.  Change happens only when we know the need for change.  Resolutions lift up, shine light, reveal a situation or problem.

SECOND, resolutions lay out the CASE for response.  Reasons are given as to why the issue is important to address.  Resolutions do the thinking and make the argument.  Resolutions area like teach-ins.

THIRD, resolutions CONNECT the Biblical Word with life issues.  Resolutions make clear that the Word is not only about God-Jesus-Holy Spirit and "spiritual things", but also about real life. Resolutions provide the theological backing for a real-life response.  The Church has a particular point of view.  The Church is Church only because of the Word.  Yet, the Church is in the world.  The connection needs to be made.  Resolutions go beyond personal opinion and engage us with ultimate God-in-life issues.

FOURTH, resolutions STIR the church. The church worships securely, comfortably within walls as the people sit and stand in unison.  Resolutions say there is an edge to the Christian life.  The Christian life is not simply about me, but we and they.  Resolutions make the Church twitch and become nervous, or angry, or excited, and step out of our comfort zones.

FIFTH, resolutions give the People of God the opportunity to VOICE their faith, their conscience, their opinions, their convictions.  People can go public and have "here I stand" moments!  The people can "preach" and make real the Priesthood of all believers.

SIXTH,  resolutions call us to ACT.  Resolutions call us to transform the world!  To act beyond the walls!  To make real the Reign of God, the Kingdom of God!  The Church is called to make a difference, to confront the status quo, to stand with the vulnerable, to feed the hungry, to protest injustice, to make for peace.

I think of the social statements of the various denominations.  Yes, I take issue with many; but there are also many I truly celebrate.  All of them probably arose from resolutions.  They are all attempts at giving witness to Christ in the world through the Church.  They are all calling the Church to be the Church in the world.  They all say that Christ has a stake in the world, and so do we as followers of Jesus.  Indeed, we are called to be living resolutions!

A colleague once said: "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."  Resolutions provide the calling and opportunity to stand for something, to stand together, to stand with others, to stand with Christ.

Have you ever authored a resolution?  Have you ever worked with a group to write a resolution?  Have  you ever spoken to a resolution?  Try it sometime!  Christ speaks and acts through us.

Peace!