WHEREAS, God commands us to care for the poor and those in need, and

 WHEREAS, God provides enough resources for all the people of the earth, and

 WHEREAS, the ELCA social statement states that the ELCA stands with the poor and powerless and the Affirmation of Baptism tells us to serve all people following the example of Jesus and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth, and

 WHEREAS, the country of Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, is in crisis, and

 WHEREAS, Haiti is a Companion Synod of the Florida-Bahamas Synod and its people are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and

 WHEREAS, the ELCA World Hunger program is a leader in the world offering relief and development opportunities for countries in dire need, and

 WHEREAS, visible support of the ELCA World Hunger program is currently lacking in the country of Haiti, offering disproportionate assistance to a country with substantial need; therefore be it

 RESOLVED, that the Florida-Bahamas Synod petition the ELCA World Hunger program to make Haiti a priority in addressing the current food crisis, helping develop long-term local solutions toward sustainability, and persistent advocacy.     

 Global Mission Committee

5/3/2008