# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1983_S42
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

42 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

TEACHER

Robert M. Carpenter, Romeo, MI (MC)
LAYPERSON

Richard Krause, Buffalo Grove, IL (NI)

Board of Regents—St. Louis
TEACHER
Henry Bergman, Manistee, MI (MC)
LAYPERSON
Arno A. Lehenbauer, St. Louis, MO (MO)

Board of Regents—St. Paul
TEACHER
Arnold W. Lohse, St. Paul, MN (MNS)
LAYPERSON
Harold Bartz, Alexandria, MN (MNN)

Board of Regents—Selma
TEACHER
Ralph Bleeke, Metairie, LA (SO)
LAYPERSON
John Willhardt, Montgomery, AL (SO)

Board of Regents—Seward
TEACHER
F. William Chandler, Grand Island, NE (NEB)
LAYPERSON
Gordon Schlechte, Utica, NE (NEB)

Board of Regents— Winfield
LAYPERSONS

Larry Bass, Leavenworth, KS (KS)
Robert Perry, Edmond, OK (OK)

Following the announcement ballots for the remain-
ing positions were distributed and election procedures
were outlined by Floor Committee Chairman Wendling.
When all ballots had been cast, the balloting was
declared closed. The Chair declared that all who had
been reported as elected were elected.

Greetings

President Bohlman introduced Bishop James Crum-
ley of the Lutheran Church in America to the conven-
tion. In his remarks Bishop Crumley congratulated Dr.
Bohlmann on his election and directed his following
remarks to the oneness and the differences which exist
between the Lutheran Church in America and The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. He referred to these
commonalities and differences with the hope that we
could work together to overcome the latter. During the
presentation he repeatedly spoke of the respect which
the Lutheran Church in America has for The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod and of its grief over the
differences which exist.

Theology and Church Relations

Chairman Arthur Kuehnert of the Floor Committee
on Theology and Church Relations introduced Res. 3-
04B (TB 283), which called for reaffirming and imple-
menting the Synod’s pro-life position. Because of the
importance of this resolution it was read in its entirety,
including all of the whereases as well as the resolves.
During the discussion, an amendment calling for the
removal of lines 34—40 (TB 283) and an ending of the

entire resolution after the word “Synod” in line 62 failed
to receive a second. An amendment calling for the
deletion of the words “except as a tragically unavoid-
able by-product of medical procedures necessary to
prevent the death of another human being, viz., the
mother (1979 Res. 3-02A)” in lines 38—40 (7B 283) was
also declined. The delegates did however agree to add an
additional resolve after the fourth resolved which would
read as follows: “Resolved, That the Board for Youth
Services develop new materials regarding premarital
relationships, abortion, and adoption that are pertinent
to our youth society today.” After further discussion
and agreement to cease debate the delegates adopted
both the amendment and the resolution as amended.

Recognition

Following the passage of the previous resolution,
President Bohlmann took the opportunity to recognize
Dr. Jean Garton and Rev. Robert Drews who have been
active and effective leaders in the pro-life movement.

Point of Privilege

Responding to a point of privilege a delegate
expressed thanks for the appointment by Dr. Bohlmann
of the first Black member to the Commission on
Theology and Church Relations and for appointing a
Black delegate to each convention floor committee.

Structure and Constitution

Chairman Griesse of the Floor Committee on Struc-
ture and Constitution reintroduced Res. 5-09A (TB 176)
which called for the classification of Ministers of
Religion in three categories. Prior to the beginning of
the continued discussion, Mr. Philip Draheim, legal
counsel for the Synod, urged the delegates to focus
solely on the theological issues which were involved and
to render their decision on that basis. He asked that they
concentrate on the office of the public ministry, the
function of that ministry, and the role of men and
women in relation to that ministry. He pointed out that
the matter must be clarified and must not be delayed
until a future convention. During the discussion Dr.
Samuel Nafzger, executive secretary of the Commission
on Theology and Church Relations, responded to a
request for information. After his statement, a request
was received from the floor asking that the statement be .