Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA -- Cherish Our Children Index

Cherish Our Children is a congregation-based ministry of prayer, education, relationship-building, and action to implement the ELCA Message on Commercial Sexual Exploitation. This ministry is an affiliate of the ELCA.

The 2007 Minneapolis Area Assembly met and adopted a resolution that memorializes the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly to direct the Church in Society Unit to implement the Cherish Our Children ministry in the synods of the ELCA with the goal of having at least 50 percent of the 65 ELCA synods actively involved in ministry by 2015. Click here for the content of the resolution.

Cherish Our Children is deeply grateful to the Lutheran Services for Children Endowment for major funding to support the start-up and expansion of this ministry.

CHERISH OUR CHILDREN incorporates the following Arenas for Action from the ELCA Message on Commercial Sexual Exploitation:
• Equip the saints for action informed by awareness of this social evil.
• Find out what is happening in your community to bring to light the exploitation that is happening.
• Prevent youth from becoming captives through education and prevention.
• Address the demand for what the system of sexual exploitation offers.
• Support social agencies that work with youth and adults who are in prostitution.

ELCA Message on Commercial Sexual Exploitation concludes by saying:
"We tell of our new life in Christ when our congregations welcome in worship and befriend all whom Jesus defended when he said, 'Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her'
(John 8:7).

We do so when we pray for those who suffer because they are exploited, and, yes, for those who exploit others.
We make Christ known when we proclaim that the powers of this age ultimately have been defeated because 'the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Alleluia.'"

The "Cherish Our Children Quilt" was recently completed by the Augustana Lutheran Church quilters. Around the edge are handprints of adults and children, signifying the need for all people to "join hands in prayer and action" in the effort to prevent the sexual exploitation of children.

Handprints were made by those who attended the Cherish Our Children Open House at Augustana on April 30 as well as children who participated in Vacation Bible School at Grace University Lutheran Church in June. This quilt will travel with Cherish Our Children Director, Amy Hartman, as she makes presentations and attends meetings in this synod and others. From left to right, Berenice Lofgren, Betty Wellnitz, Amy Hartman, and Lorraine Bird.

Collaborative relationships:
Adults Saving Kids
Crossroads Ministries
Augustana Lutheran Church