# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1969_S60 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 60 THEOLOGICAL MATTERS European Conferences The commission has continued its efforts to maintain and strengthen the ties of fellowship between our Synod and sister churches in Europe. During the summer of 1968 Dr. Carl Gaertner and Dr. Martin Franzmann represented the Synod at the Second International Lu- theran Theological Conference in Cambridge, England, and at the Lutheran Free Conference in London. They also attended a conference with officials of the Lutheran Free Churches of Germany in Frankfurt. Such meet- ings help keep us and our sister churches mindful of each other’s needs. The commission recommends: 8. a. That the Synod express its gratitude to God for the blessings of fellowship and friendship enjoyed with sister churches around the world. b. That earnest efforts continue to be made to strengthen our relationships with sister churches and to develop more effective channels of communication with all of them through a well-planned program of contacts and conferences. B. Other Lutheran Bodies Lutheran Council in the U.S.A. The commission sought to keep informed of the ac- tivities of the Lutheran Council, particularly of its Di- vision of Theological Studies, and thereby to avoid needless duplication of effort. The commission found it necessary to express its concern about the content and manner of production of a study guide on Christology, Who Can This Be? published under the auspices of the Division of Theological Studies.? The commission has been assured that its concerns are receiving proper attention. The commission has also asked the President of the Synod to request the Council to initiate discussions on the possibilities of a united Lutheran witness with re- gard to membershp in anti-Christian organizations. Lutheran World Federation The Detroit convention (Resolution 3-14, 1965 Pro- ceedings, p.111) and the New York convention (Reso- lution 3-18, 1967 Proceedings, p.101) gave the com- mission specific instructions with regard to studying membership in the Lutheran World Federation. The commission’s detailed report on this matter is given be- low as Appendix D (a minority report and recommen- dation of two commission members is appended as Ap- pendix E). The following statements summarize the findings of the commission in the light of its study and discussions: a. The LWF is constitutionally established as a free association of autonomous Lutheran churches. b. The doctrinal basis of the LWF sets forth the proper and sufficient norms for its identity as an asso- ciation of Lutheran churches. 3 The title page identifies this pamphlet as A guide to study and discussion prepared by the Division of Theological Studies, Lu- theran Council in the U.S.A." The pamphlet was prepared by ex- ecutives of the division and was not submitted to the divisional committee for approval prior to publication. c. The LWF is designed to serve as the agent or instrument of its member churches in such matters as they assign to it. d. Member churches are not required to support particular projects or program activities from which they may wish to abstain. e. The LWF recognizes that membership in the Fed- eration is not in itself tantamount to church fellowship. f. The LWF regards the full fellowship of all Lu- theran churches as a goal for which the churches should earnestly strive. g. The LWF aims to serve the churches in their efforts toward the goal of church fellowship through cultivation of unity of faith and witness. h. The LWF provides a useful forum as well as re- sources and stimulation for “the mutual conversation and consolation of brethren” (Smalcald Articles, III, iv) by way of common theological study, doctrinal dis- cussion, admonition and encouragement under the norms of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. i. The LWF offers opportunities and channels for significant Christian service in the world which are not otherwise available. j. Acknowledged diversities in practice and disci- pline among member churches of the LWF impose on each church the responsibility both of honest self- examination and appropriate correction and, as may be necessary, of registering clearly and openly the position it feels obliged to hold in the light of its confessional commitment (status confessionis). In view of its findings regarding the LWF and in recognition of the divine constraint to turn every avail- able appropriate facility to faithful use for the fulfill- ment of Christ’s mission, the commission recommends: 9. a. That the LCMS declare its endorsement of the basis and purposes of the LWF as these are set forth in the present Constitution. b. That the LCMS declare that it sees no Biblical or confessional obstacle to holding membership in the LWF. c. That the LCMS consider making application for membership in the LWF. d. That, in the event that such application for mem- bership is made, the President of the LCMS transmit to the Executive Committee of the LWF the CTCR’s summary statement of findings to make clear our Syn- od’s understanding of the nature of the LWF and the significance of membership in it. e. That the President notify all sister churches of the Synod’s action in this matter by sending them a copy of the convention resolution together with a copy of the commission’s report and its recommendations. Lutheran Church in America Acting on the directive of the New York convention (Resolution 3-02, 1967 Proceedings, p.98), President Harms in consultation with the commission invited the president of the Lutheran Church in America to engage