# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1983_S88
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

88 PARISH, YOUTH. AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES

2-45
To Change Bylaw 11.23 (Editors)

WHEREAS, The Board for Communication Services and the
Board of Directors of the Synod have approved position
descriptions for the new department of communication services
that suggest a change in the “Editors” section of the bylaws for
“Official Periodicals”; therefore be it

Resolved, That bylaw 11.23 be changed as follows:

PRESENT WORDING

11.23 Editors

The editors of The Lutheran Witness and of the
Reporter shall be appointed by the Roard for
Communication Services from a list approved by the
Council of Presidents.

PROPOSED WORDING
11.23 Editors

The assistant director of communications for news
and information services, who also serves as execu-
tive editor of the Synod’s official periodicals, shall be
appointed by the Board for Communication Services
from a list approved by the Council of Presidents.

Board for Communication Services
Henry C. Lubben, Chairman
Paul Devantier, Director

2-46

To Provide Small-Group Bible Study
Opportunities and Materials

WHEREAS, Small-group Bible study provides another oppor-
tunity for the Spirit to work in the hearts of God’s people that
they might grow in knowledge. understanding, and disciple-
ship; and

WHEREAS, Bible study that is conducted in small groups
(8—12 people) is an effective way to assimilate people into the
local congregation: and

WHEREAS, There is a need to involve more youth and adults
in this type of Bible study; and

WHEREAS, The power for spiritual growth is in the use of the
Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17); therefore be it

Resolved, That congregations of the Synod be encouraged
to conduct a Bible study program that offers options both in
small discussion groups and in larger classes; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board for Parish Services be directed to
produce a variety of simple and concise short-term discussion

guides especially designed for Bible study in the small-group
setting: and be it finally

Resolved, That our publishing house be requested to market

a continuing supply of these discussion guides for use by
congregations of the Synod.

Board of Directors

Minnesota South District

Robert G. Bailey. Secretary

2-47
To Prepare Materials on Abortion

WHEREAS. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has con-
sistently taken a strong position in opposition to willful
abortion and in support of human life (Res. 2-39, 1971, Mil-
waukee: Res. 3-08C, 1977, Dallas: Res. 3-02A. 1979, St. Louis:
Res. 3-02, 1981. St. Louis): and

WHEREAS. Abortion-on-demand continues unabated in the
United States and Canada. so that over one million unborn
children are killed each year: and

WHEREAS, Efforts to restore legal protection to living but
unborn children have been unsuccessful in the 10 years
following the U. S. Supreme Court decision which legalized
abortion until the moment of birth: and

WHEREAS. Continuing and increasing protest against
abortion-on-demand and witnessing to the sanctity of all
human life are the responsibility of every Christian; and

WuHerEAs, The Synod in convention of 1981 resolved that
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod instruct its program
boards, particularly the Board for Youth Services, the Board
for Parish Services, and the Board for Social Ministry Services,
to prepare materials for all age levels in the church which
present the Synod's opposition on the basis of the Scriptures to
willful abortion; and

WHEREAS, Such materials have not, to any significant
degree. been made available to the church; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod instruct its program boards,
particularly the Board for Youth Services, the Board for Parish
Services, and the Board for Social Ministry Services, to prepare
materials for all age levels in the church which present the
Synod's opposition to willful abortion on the basis of the
Scriptures; and be it further

Resolved. That the Synod encourage its President to ask the
pastors of the LCMS for a clear witness and wholehearted
support of our church's position on this question; and be it
finally

Resolved. That the Synod commend Lutherans for Life for
its clear witness in behalf of the sanctity of life and for its
efforts to assist women, couples, and families confronted with
an untimely or problem pregnancy.

Martin Luther Chapel
Pennsauken, N. J.
Margaret L. Phillips, Secretary