# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1989_S118 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 118 RESOLUTIONS To Study and Clarify Services of Women in Congregational and Synodical Offices RESOLUTION 3-13A Overtures 3-79, 3-84, 3-86A-87, 3-95, 3-122 (CW, pp. 192, 194-97, 205) Wuenreas, The position of the Synod, in approving the 1970 opinion of the Commission on Constitutional Matters, based on a resolution of the Denver convention (1969 Pro- ceedings 2-17, p. 88), is that women may not serve in the offices of elder, chairman, or vice-chairman of the congre- gation (reaffirmed in 1983 Res. 3-11, 1986 Res. 3-09); and Wuereas, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) has stated in its 1985 report Women in the Church that “women may hold any office and serve on any committee of the congregation which enhances the work of the priesthood of all believers . . . the only stricture would have to do with anyone whose official functions would involve public accountability for the function of the pastoral office (e.g., elders and possibly the chairman of the congregation) . . . everything depends on the nature of the functions assigned to various offices established by the church” (p. 46); and Wuereas, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations has advised that it would be “inappropriate for women to serve on commissions on adjudication, if and when their official functions would in effect involve public accountability for the function(ing) of the pastoral office” (CW, p. 60); and WHEREAS, Questions and concerns have been raised re- garding the eligibility of women for service in all offices of the congregation, including that of chairman, vice-chair- man, and elder, as well as District and synodical boards and commissions where their official function would in ef. fect involve public accountability for the function(ing) of the pastoral office; therefore be it Resolved, That the CTCR, in consultation with the Council of Presidents, prepare a study on the eligibility of women for service in all offices of the congregation, in- cluding that of chairman, vice-chairman, and elder and District and synodical boards and commissions where their official function would in effect involve public accounta- bility for the function(ing) of the pastoral office; and be it further Resolved, That in the meantime, pastors and congre- gations with patience and understanding be urged to con- form to the position of the Synod concerning this matter. Action: Adopted (14). (Delegates declined to delete the words be urged to from the final resolve.) To Address Appropriate Roles for Women and Men in Worship RESOLUTION 3-14 Overtures 3-90-91 (CW, pp. 195-96) Wuereas, The Gospel images and expectations of women—particularly those associated with the incarna- tion, the resurrection, and the ministry of Jesus—present strong and persistent recognition of the active and vital roles of service that women can offer to our Lord and to others; and Wuereas, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) has stated that there are certain distinct functions which should not ordinarily be carried out by the laity (who may hold auxiliary offices) but which are to be exercised by the pastor, including the following: 1, Preaching in the services of the congregation 2. Leading the formal public services of worship 3. The public administration of the sacraments 4. The public administration of the Office of the Keys (Women in the Church, p. 42); and Wuereas, The CTCR has also stated in its report Women in the Church: “There is no ceremonial law in the New Testament regarding the reading of Scripture in the context of public worship. Nor is there explicit apostolic prohibition of such reading by women. Nevertheless, it is the opinion of the CTCR that the reading of the Scriptures is most properly the function of the pastoral office and should therefore not ordinarily be delegated to a lay per- son, woman or man,” (Women in the Church, p. 45); and Wuergas, The use of lay assisting ministers, both fe- male and male, is permitted within the rubrics of Lutheran Worship for the reading of the lessons, except the Gospel and the leading of the prayers of the people; therefore be it Resolved, That the Synod urge and encourage the con- tinued service of women and men to our Lord and His church in accordance with His will as set forth in Holy Scripture; and be it further Resolved, That the CTCR report Women in the Church and especially Section III, “Guidelines for Practice,” be commended for study and guidance; and be it finally Resolved, That the congregations of the Synod proceed with care and sensitivity in making decisions permitting the lay reading of the Scriptures, recognizing decisions in this regard lie in the area of Christian judgment. Action: Adopted (15). To Encourage Study of “An Evaluation of Some RIM Materials” RESOLUTION 3-15 Reports R3-02-03 (CW, pp. 64-68); Overtures 3-65A— 71 (CW, pp. 187-90) WHEREAS, There was value in the three discussions con- ducted between synodical representatives and the repre- sentative charismatic pastors; and Wuereas, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations at the request of the President of the Synod has evaluated documents of Renewal in Missouri (RIM); and Wuereas, “The commission has found statements in the RIM materials which, despite RIM’s stated intention, are, in the judgment of the commission, not consistent with the doctrinal position of the Synod” (CW, p. 66); therefore be it