# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1983_S57
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

eferral back to committee was introduced from the
oor. After some discussion the delegates agreed to
‘gease debate on the question of referral and declined the
request. They also agreed to cease debate on the resolu-
tion and adopted it as presented. The overture which
as declined had asked the Concordia Health Plan to
“pay interest on late payments. The overture was de-
“dined because this isa practice which is presently being
followed by the Concordia Plans upon request. Since
“jndependent studies and consultants indicate to the
ard of Managers that the current plan of providing
benefits is the most cost effective and since delays in the
ayment of claims are being corrected, the delegates in
‘Res. 4-17 also declined Overture 4-61 (CW 182) which
“alled for a review of the operations of Concordia Plans.
Since the Ohio District has been in existence for 20
“years since its creation by the Synod in 1963, the
elegates joined in thanking God on the 20th anniver-
“sary of this District by the adoption of Res. 4-21 (7B 100)
dcommended the Ohio District to the Lord in prayer,
‘seeking His blessing on the congregations of the Dis-
trict as they carry on the mission of Jesus Christ and
is church. By rising and joining in the singing of the
common doxology, the delegates adopted Res. 4-22 (TB
‘{01) and commended Trinity Lutheran church, New
rleans, for its mission contributions to Lutheranism in
the New Orleans area. The resolution also contained a
tatement that we “rejoice in this work accomplished
imong our Black brothers and sisters which continues
- to the glory and through the power of Jesus Christ.”
“Overture 4-18 (CW 172) was declined by the adoption of
‘Res. 4-23 (TB 101). Prior to introducing the resolution,
the floor committee had changed the title, since the
.-6verture referred to “District reports and synodical
“¢onventions,” whereas the title as printed referred to the
“number of District executives” in line 31 (TB 101). The
‘convention also declined to change the name of the
- ‘Synod by adopting Res. 4-24 (TB 101). They took this
‘action after determining not to consider Overture 4-15
CW 171) as a substitute resolution.

In its final action, the Floor committee on Admin-
stration and Program Implementation reported that a
‘¥equest had been received to review the duties of the
“office of the Secretary. The committee reported that it
‘would forward the request by letter to the Commission
‘on Structure to deal with the matter and to make its
recommendation to the next convention. Following this
report, the work of the committee was declared
completed.

f

‘Structure and Constitution

“Chairman Wilbert Griesse of the Floor Committee on
‘Structure and Constitution introduced Res. 5-16 (TB
121) related to the revision of Bylaws regarding the
‘appointment of staff, tenure, and termination. Before
presenting the resolution to the delegates, the words
“the principal staff person with the approval of” were
added after the word “by” in line 60 (7B 122). During the
discussion which followed, the words “in consultation
with” were substituted for the words “upon recom-

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 57

mendation of” by the delegates in line 24 (TB 122). An
amendment asking for the addition of the words “with
the request for nominations being printed in the Synod’s
official publications” in line 29 (TB 122) was declined
after the delegates had agreed to cease debate on the
amendment. After also agreeing to cease debate on the
resolution, the delegates adopted Res. 5-16 (7B 121) as
amended. Before introducing Res. 5-20A (TB 240) relat-
ing to bylaws which established new regulations on
adjudication and appeal, the floor committee struck the
words “and responsibilities” in lines 16 and 17 (TB 241)
and indicated that the number “6.53” should read
“6.43” in line 5 (7B 242) and the number “2.03c” should
read “1.03 c’”. During the discussion of the resolution,
the delegates declined to substitute the words “his/her”
for the word “his” wherever it appeared in Bylaw 8.43.
Time for consideration of the resolution expired before
action on it could be completed.

Orders of the Day

Announcing the orders of the day for the afternoon
session, the chairman indicated that the session would
begin with discussion of resolutions presented by
Committee 3, the Floor Committee on Theology and
Church Relations.

Greetings

President Bohlmann introduced Rev. Keith Nagel,
representing the Lutheran Church of Australia. In his
remarks to the delegates he referred to the work of the
Lutheran Church of Australia and its relation to other
Lutheran churches throughout the world.

Closing Devotion

Dr. Norman Sell, treasurer of the Synod, led the
delegates in the closing devotion for the morning
session.

Session 14

Friday, July 15, Afternoon
Opening Prayer

The delegates were led in an opening prayer for the
final session of the convention by Dr. Robert Sauer,
First Vice-President of the Synod.

Announcements

Dr. Gus Melde, vice-chairman of the Board of Direc-
tors of the Synod, announced that the installation of
officers and boards elected at the convention would be
held at the International Center on September 25 at 3:00
p.m. In another announcement, Paul Devantier, direc-
tor of communication services, informed the delegates
of materials which would be made available to them in
reporting the actions of the convention to their Circuits.
He offered the assistance of the communications de-
partment to the delegates in making their reports as
complete and meaningful as possible. Rev. Devantier,
who was responsible for many of the visual presenta-
tions during the convention, was thanked for his efforts.