# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1981_S437
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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One evidence of that is the success of the Synod's Forward in Remembrance
fundraising appeal, with an announcement at this convention that it had
reached $74.8 million in pledges, compared to a $40 million goal.

Other top officers elected include Dr. Robert Sauer, St. Louis, first vice
president; Dr. Joseph Lavalais, Philadelphia, second vice president, and the
first Black to be elected to such a high position in the major Lutheran
churches; Dr. Guido Merkens, San Antonio, Tex., third vice president; Dr.
Gerhardt Hyatt, St. Paul, Minn., fourth vice president; Dr. Walter A. Maier,
Fort Wayne, Ind., fifth vice president; Dr. Herbert Mueller, St. Louis,
secretary; and Norman Sell, St. Louis, treasurer. Mueller and Sell were the
incumbent secretary and treasurer, respectively.

In other major actions, the convention voted July 5 to end fellowship with
the 3.4 million member American Lutheran Church, based on disagreements with
certain doctrines and practices of: that church, but called for patience in
dealing with Missouri Synod congregations involved in the exchange of pastors
and communion privileges with ALC congregations.

A number of changes were approved to streamline the structure of the
Missourl Synod.

Delegates strengthened the church's already firm stand on abortion, took
the first action of any major church to encourage donation of kidneys and
other major organs, expressed concern for refugees, the aged, Black
ministries, the disabled, mentally retarded, and other disadvantaged.

Action was taken to encourage congregations to directly sponsor
missionaries in areas among the 30 countries where Missouri Synod-related
mission activity is conducted.

Among other actions approved were measures to strengthen the programs of
the church's 14 colleges and seminaries and encouragement to conduct dialogs
with other Lutheran and Christian churches.

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