# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1967_S152 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 152 RETIREMENT AND I The dilemma of modern warfare impels us to engage in “supplications, prayers, intercessions . . . for all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life” (1 Tim. 2:1). We are to pray in love for the leaders of the nations and in concern for the men and women in the armed forces, commending them to our heavenly Father’s care and protection. We are to pray in faith for enlightenment when in our ignorance we do not know which way to turn, in re- pentance for our failure when we do not know how to obey, in sorrow for our bitterness when we allow our disagreements to strain our fellowship. We are to pray in confidence for God’s corrective blessing in both church and nation. We are to pray in hope for peace among nations even while we grope for a common understanding of what peace might involve, leaving to God the way in which He would fulfill our requests. We are to pray in boldness for a mighty act of deliv- erance, for God to act; it is out of the depths that we cry. (1 Peter 3:11; Ps. 130:1) st The Christian is faced with difficult issues. Freedom of expression encourages diversity in discourse and opinion, while the complexities of modern warfare pro- hibit oversimplification of proposed alternatives. The divergence of opinion should encourage us Lu- therans.to make responsible use of the public arena as an avenue for expression in an open society. Christians are obligated to seek information, to relate moral con- siderations to political concerns, to counsel with one an- other. As-a church body we are not a political influence group, identified with a particular program for waging and conducting war. However, we believe that in its de- sire for peace, justice, and freedom the church should speak in the areas of its competence, according to the measure of its knowledge. In accordance with Scripture the church is to support government (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-14) while at the same time serving as an instrument of God’s grace and healing. (Eph. 2: 13-16) . - mm The crises of our times present the church with an opportunity to exhibit herself in terms of her mission to the whole world and to the whole man. First of all, the church is to proclaim the Gospel of peace, in which God’s saving act in Jesus Christ addresses men in every situation. The Church is also to be concerned with all who suffer from war — among them, military personnel and their families, displaced persons, refugees, prisoners of war, the injured, the alienated.. IV Fully mindful of the demonic in history and the problems occasioned by human failure, the church will focus its hope in: God “according to the working of His ‘ BENEFIT PROGRAMS great might which He accomplished in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and made Him to sit at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come; and He has put all things under His feet and has made Him the Head over all things for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” (Eph. 1:19-23) : Resolved, That this convention request the pastors of the Synod to communicate this message to the congrega- tions of the Synod at a time to be designated by the President of the Synod. Action: Adopted as amended. 1) (Amended by insertion of “justice and freedom” in Part To Act in Behalf of Those Who Are Poor RESOLUTION 9-15 Overture 9-11 (CW, p. 276) Wuereas, Our Lord has specifically enjoined us to feed the hungry, clothe the ill-clad, and share with those who are underprivileged; and Wuergas, The church must give relief to the de- prived; therefore be it Resolved, That we endeavor to change the factors which create poverty and contribute to other ills, so that suffering might be prevented; and be it further Resolved, That we encourage congregations to sup- port such poverty programs as are consistent with our faith; and be it finally Resolved, That congregations seek out those who are trapped in the web of poverty and deprivation and com- mit themselves to sharing goods and energies and to personal involvement in the name of the living Christ. Action: Adopted. 10. RETIREMENT AND BENEFIT PROGRAMS To Receive Report of Board of Support and Pensions RESOLUTION 10-01 Report 10-01 (CW, p. 279) _ Wuereas, The report of the Board of Support and Pensions indicates clearly the faithful carrying out of the resolutions and intent of the Synod’s Support and Pensions Plans; and Wnrereas, The board and executive secretary of the board have carefully administered the plan; therefore be it Resolved, That the convention receive this report and express its gratitude to the board and its executives. Action: Adopted.