# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1969_S88
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

88 THEOLOGICAL MATTERS

with those individuals who have reached the impasse
of disobedience for conscience’ sake, not only to help
such persons to realize the deep responsibilities and
consequences of such action but also to offer aid and
support to those whose conscientious position is sincere
and defensible as a legitimate Christian position, yet
seeking to find for such persons other avenues of ser-
vice which the government would deem acceptable and
which would not compromise the individual’s con-
science; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod petition the government

to grant legal status to selective conscientious objection.

FAacutty

ConcoRDIA TEACHERS COLLEGE

River Forest, II.

(2-42)

To Petition for Legislation Regarding
Selective Conscientious Objection

Wuereas, The conscription laws of the United States
recognize the position of pacifism as the only valid
reason for exemption from the armed forces: and

Wuereas, Lutheran teaching concerning a Christian’s
participation in the armed forces of his country has been
neither the unconditional no of pacifism nor the un-
qualified yes of chauvinism but rather the necessity of
the individual to decide either for or against participa-
tion on the basis of whether or not he can serve in
good conscience; and

Wuereas, The right of the individual to make a
conscientious decision in respect to a given war must
be respected; and

Whereas, It is neither good nor safe to act contrary
to conscience; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Baltimore Lutheran Pastoral Con-
ference memorialize The Lutheran Church — Missouri
Synod, in convention at Denver, Colo., to petition the
House of Representatives and the Senate through our
representatives and senators to enact legislation that
would recognize selective conscientious objection as a
valid reason for exemption from service in the armed
forces when the individual being drafted is of the con-
viction that his service in the armed forces would violate

his conscience. BALTIMORE PASTORAL CONFERENCE

Harotp L, Kirzmann, Secretary

(2-43)
To Petition for Recognition
of Selective Conscientious Objection

Whereas, The Selective Service laws of the United
States recognize the position of pacifism as the only
valid reason for exemption from the Armed Forces; and

Whereas, Lutheran teaching concerning a Christian’s
participation in the Armed Forces of his country has
been neither the unconditional no of pacifism nor the
unqualified yes of chauvinism but rather the necessity
of the individual to decide either for or against partici-

pation on the basis of whether or not he can serve in
good conscience; and

Wuereas, The right of the individual to make a con-
scientious decision in respect to a given war must be
respected; and

Wuereas, It is neither good nor safe to act contrary
to conscience; therefore be it

Resolved, That we, the campus pastors assembled at
the Consultation on Campus Ministry in St. Louis, ask
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod in convention
at Denver to petition the House of Representatives and
the Senate through our respective representatives and
senators to enact legislation that would recognize selec-
tive conscientious objection as a valid reason for exemp-
tion from service in the Armed Forces when the indi-
vidual being drafted is of the conviction that his service
in the Armed Forces would violate his conscience.

Fuitt-Time Campus Pastors CONFERENCE
REUBEN BAERWALD, Chairman

(2-44)

To Rescind New York Resolution 2-19
on Communion Practice

Wuereas, The Lutheran Confessions clearly state
that “He is truly worthy and well prepared who has
faith in these words: ‘Given and shed for you for the
remission of sins.’ ”

The following is Resolution 2-19:

WHEREAS, Clarification regarding the administration
and reception of Holy Communion has been requested.

with particular reference to Lutherans of other synods
not now in fellowship with us; and

Wuereas, The principle of ‘‘close Communion” re-
quires that only those who are in altar fellowship cele-
brate and partake of the Lord’s Supper with each other;
and

WHEREAS, The celebration and reception of Holy Com-
munion not only implies but is a confession of the unity
of faith; therefore be it

Resolved, That pastors and congregations of The Lu-
theran Church — Missouri Synod, except in situations of
emergency and in special cases of pastoral care, commune
individuals of only those Lutheran synods which are now
in fellowship with us.

therefore be it
Resolved, That the Atlantic District petition the 1969
Denver convention of The Lutheran Church — Missouri
Synod to rescind Resolution 2-19 of the New York con-
vention because it is theologically unsound.
ATLANTIC DISTRICT
RicuarpD C, HINTz, Secretary

(2-45)
To Study Charismatic Gifts

Whereas, Charismatic gifts (special gifts of the Holy
Spirit) are specifically mentioned in, the New Testa-
ment; and

Whereas, These gifts of the Spirit seem to be making
their appearance in the Christian churches today, in-
cluding the Lutheran Church; and