# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1967_S99
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

CHURCH ‘RELATIONS 99

‘To Commend Exchange Study Program
RESOLUTION 3-07 |
Report 2-01, II, C, Appendix A (CW, p. 48)

WHEREAS, We rejoice in every step that is taken to
foster better. understanding and greater cooperation
among our fellow Lutherans, both at home and outside
the United States; therefore be it’

Resolved, That we congratulate the Exchange Study
Committee and the faculties of our St. Louis and Spring-
field seminaries: for their contribution .to theological
‘growth within other Lutheran groups, as evidenced by
the enthusiastic comments of men who have participated
in this program; and be it further

Resolved, That the congregations and people of the
Synod be encouraged to remember in their prayers
these important efforts toward better understanding and
spiritual growth.

_ Action: Adopted,

RESOLUTION 3-08
(Recommitted. See Resolution 3-21)

To Express Confidence in LCUSA
Representatives
RESOLUTION 3-09
Overture 3-04 (CW, p. 86) .

Wuereas, The synodical Handbook (XVI, A, 16.01, p.

226) already stipulates that both the elected and the ap-
pointed representatives of the Synod to the Lutheran
Council in the U.S. A. are to “report to the Synod and
its President” concerning their activities; therefore be it

Resolved, That we express confidence in our repre-
sentatives to the Lutheran Council in the U.S. A. in the
discharge of their responsibilities; and be it further

Resolved, That we commend these men and their
work to the Lord of the church in our prayers for His
continued blessings upon their activities.

Action: Adopted.

To Favor Dissolution of Lutheran
Synodical Conference
RESOLUTION 3-10

Overture 3-02 (CW, p. 86)

Wuereas, After considerable study it appears that
there is no useful purpose to be served by the continu-
ance of the Lutheran Synodical Conference; therefore be
it :

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church — Missouri
Synod declare itself in favor of the dissolution of the
Lutheran Synodical Conference and request the Synod
of Evangelical Lutheran Churches to concur in such dis-
-solution; and be it further

Resolved, That thereupon the Board of Directors of
the Synod be authorized to take such action as it consid-
:ers necessary or advisable to effect such dissolution.

Action: Adopted.

To Strive for Fuller Expression
‘of Lutheran Unity

RESOLUTION 3-11

Overtures 3-12 to 3-14 (CW, pp. 90—92); 3-50U and

3-51 U (URO, p. 33)
Wuereas, Christians desire to express’ their . unity
with all believers in Christ; therefore be it

Resolved, That we express joy and thanksgiving to
our Lord and Savior for the unity of faith that we have
in Him with all who confess their allegiance to the Head
of the body, which is Christ; and be it further

Resolved, That we express our joy and thanks also
for the greater evidence of true unity we have with
other Lutheran bodies; and be it further

Resolved, That we continue our efforts under God to
strive for a fuller expression of the unity we have; and
be it finally

Resolved, That we request congregations to exercise
patience and to avoid independent action by selective
fellowship.

Action: Adopted.

To Observe Reformation Anniversary
RESOLUTION 3-12

Overture 3-11 (CW, p.90) —

Wuereas, The 450th anniversary of the Reformation
provides an opportunity for all Lutherans to thank God
for a common heritage; and

Wsereas, The Lord of the church has brought us to
this milestone and has been “our Help in ages past” and
will be “our Hope in years to come”; and

Wuereas, We recognize that many public functions
involving Lutherans of other synods can be carried out
in accordance with our doctrinal position on fellowship;
therefore be it

Resolved, That we recognize the value of giving joint
witness with other Lutherans in those areas where ob-
servance of this blessing can be accomplished in accord
with the doctrinal position and principles of The Lu-
theran Church — Missouri Synod.

Action: Adopted as amended.

(The third Whereas had read: “We recognize that not
every public function involving Lutherans of other synods is
a violation of our doctrinal position on fellowship.”)

To Study Question of Membership
in World Council of Churches

RESOLUTION 3-13.

Overture 3-36 (CW, p. 97)
Wuereas, We recognize the common unity which ex-
ists among Christians within the body of Christ; and
Wuereas, We are living in an ecumenical climate and
should be aware of ecumenical movements; and
Wuereas, There is still much lack of understanding in