# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1986_S26 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 26 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION Lutheran churches in North America. Dr. David W. Preus, bishop of The American Lutheran Church, brought greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. He congratulated Dr. Bohlmann and Dr. Mennicke on their elections to the presidency and first vice-presidency of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Dr. Preus mentioned the many family ties between and among Christians who are members of various Lutheran churches. Bishop Preus shared some of the contents of the Statement of Faith of the new Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He in- dicated his regret that The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is not a part of the new church, but expressed his thankfulness for the areas in which our church bodies work cooperatively. Dr. Preus pointed out that a believer is not baptized into a Lutheran church, but into the body of Christ. He concluded his greetings by encouraging all to become involved in evangelism. Dr. Reuben T. Swanson, secretary of the Lutheran Church in America, represented Bishop Crumley, who is recovering from surgery. Dr. Swanson indicated his mes- sage would echo much said previously by Dr. Preus. He spoke of areas in which our church bodies have worked cooperatively. He expressed the hope that the coming of the ELCA will not lessen future working relationships be- tween The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and the ELCA. Dr. Swanson concluded by saying The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is great, but our God is greater. Dr. Elwyn Ewald, executive secretary of the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches, mentioned emotional ties which he has to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. He indicated bringing greetings to this convention was one of the most difficult assignments he has faced, and he promised to speak with blunt honesty. He spoke of suf- fering pain due to judgments of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod in the past, stating that there is some un- finished business between the two church bodies. However, Dr. Ewald indicated we need to forgive each other and move into the future. The AELC considers itself to be in fellowship with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. He spoke of future hopes of the AELC to broaden rela- tionships with Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, and others in an ecumenical church. Dr. Ewald concluded by wishing God’s blessings upon The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Rev. Vilis Varsbergs, president of the Latvian Evan- gelical Lutheran Church in America, brought greetings to the convention. He said that God in His providence has kept the Latvians alive and sent them on a twofold mission: (1) To warn the churches of the West of Marxism and god- less Communism, and (2) To help the churches in Latvia survive. He indicated their need for help to rebuild churches in Latvia, and to acquire Bibles and devotional books. He concluded by saying that all churches in the West should permit God to be their steering wheel, not a spare. Rev. Donald Sjoberg, bishop of the Evangelical Lu- theran Church in Canada, brought greetings from the EL- CIC, a church which was born on Jan. 1, 1986. This new church body has given high priority in its constitution to relationships with other church bodies. The ELCIC Coun- cil has asked him to be in contact with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod regarding altar and pulpit fel- lowship. Further action on this will be taken once Lutheran Church—Canada becomes an autonomous church body. Bishop Sjoberg expressed appreciation for cordial rela- tionships with Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod leaders in Canada. Dr. Reuben Swanson, president of the Lutheran Council in the United States of America, thanked The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod for its contributions to LCUSA for the past 20 years. Many important programs have been carried out for the past two decades. With the coming of the new Lutheran church in the United States, LCUSA will become history, although its work will continue. Dr. Swanson said members of LCUSA have worked together successfully in many areas without compromising the in- tegrity of the participating church bodies. He wished God’s blessings upon this convention. Rev. L. R. Likness, executive director of the Lutheran Council in Canada, pointed out the changing Lutheran church body scene in Canada. These changes have also affected the Lutheran Council in Canada, which now is working in a reduced role. The Council in Canada will be involved mainly in external matters. It has recently been moved from Winnipeg to Toronto. In conclusion, he thanked the convention for permitting him to bring greet- ings on behalf of the Lutheran Council in Canada. Dr. Henry Hamann, recently a visiting instructor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, repre- sented the president of the Lutheran Church of Australia. He brought greetings from the brothers and sisters in Aus- tralia, and encouraged The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to continue in its efforts to be a confessional Lu- theran church. Response of President Bohlmann Dr. Ralph Bohlmann responded to the greetings brought from the representatives of other church bodies and councils by pointing out that differences among Lu- theran bodies are many. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod desires to further in every way possible our witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dr. Bohlmann expressed the hope that the spirit of forgiveness mentioned by Dr. Ewald can continue among all Lutherans. He pointed out that there is much that is being done jointly by Lutherans in many areas, such as helping to feed the hungry and re- locate refugees. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is working on guidelines for determining relationships among Lutherans. He pledged to Lutheran friends that The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is willing to pur- sue, under the cross of Jesus Christ, further discussions with our fellow Lutherans. Theology and Church Relations Committee 3 presented Res. 3-05. Since President Gros of Argentina was not present in the convention hall at the time, it was agreed to wait with action on Res. 3-05 until he is present. The committee presented Res. 3-02, making the following changes: (1) The title to read “To Develop a Theological Statement of Mission,” (2) Change line 43 by adding the word “on” following the word “impact,” and (3)