# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1969_S147
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

CHURCH RELATIONS 147

(3-143)

Zion Lutheran Church, Wayside, Wis., Ray Lappnow,
Chairman; Elroy Boeder, Secretary; H. H. Harthun,
Pastor.

(3-144)

Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Dearborn, Mich.,
Wayne Brehob, President; Donald Rueh, Secretary;
John Gagen, Pastor.

(3-145)

To Decline at This Time and Make Further
Study of “Consensus”

Whereas, Resolution 3-23 of the New York conven-
tion of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod asks the
Synod to recognize that the Scriptural and confessional
basis for altar and pulpit fellowship between said Synod
and The American Lutheran Church exists; and

WuereEas, The above conclusion rests upon the claim
of official representatives of the two church bodies that
there is wholehearted consensus between those bodies
in their understanding and proclamation of the Gospel
and in the administration of the sacraments: and

Wuereas, Further study of the issue by individuals
and congregations has revealed marked differences of
opinion within our own Synod as to whether sufficient
consensus for fellowship does indeed exist at this time;
and

Wuereas, The declaration of fellowship by which
Resolution 3-23 seeks to further unity among Christians
could, if adopted at this early date, eventuate in serious
disunity within our own Synod over major issues not
yet satisfactorily resolved; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod assembled in convention
at Denver in 1969 decline to establish altar and pulpit
fellowship with The American Lutheran Church at this
time: and be it further

Resolved, That the President of the Synod direct the
Commission on Theology and Church Relations to make
further study of the “consensus” which is said to exist
between the two church bodies, giving particular atten-
tion to the relation between official doctrinal statements
and actual teachings and practices being carried out
within said church bodies; and be it further

Resolved, That a complete report on the commission's
findings be made available to the entire constituency of
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod well in advance
of any further overtures toward fellowship with The
American Lutheran Church: and be it finally

Resolved, That any future decision on the fellowship
issue be made on the basis of the results of a Synodwide
referendum on the question.

Sr. Jonn’s LUTHERAN CHURCH
Glendale, Wis.

ARTHUR L. VANYSNESS, Secretary
Harvey WANGERIN, Pastor

(3-146)

To Continue Fellowship Discussions
and Refrain from Causing Offense

We are grateful to God that discussion between
ALC and LCMS pastors and lay people have been held
in many places in order that differences can be openly
discussed. May God’s Spirit be with us in the future
in order that fellowship can be entered into by these
two church bodies. At this present time we submit the
following memorial to the Denver convention for prayer-
ful consideration:

Wuereas, Agreement with respect to inerrancy of
Scriptures is confessed on the one hand but certainly
not taught on the other; and

WueEREAS, Agreement on lodge practice is nonexistent
at this time and needs further study by all pastors and
congregations in the light of God's Word: therefore be it

Resolved, That discussions between pastors and
members of the congregations of both synods be con-
tinued with the hope that eventual Synodwide con-
sensus on the part of both be attained; and be it further

Resolved, That all congregations and pastors hence-
forth refrain from causing offense to fellow Christians
by ignoring agreements to which they have subscribed
and which The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod has
adopted as guidelines for the maintenance of good order
in the church at large: and be it finally

Resolved, That all of us plead with our Savior that
He would continue to bless our Synod with fearless
members, pastors, and servants and make all of us will-
ing to follow His Word in all points, ever seeking to
serve Him who bought us.

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH

Ada, Minn.

Rocer L., Wiese, President

RaymMonp W. STOLTENOW, Secretary

(3-147)

To Require Further Study of Fellowship

Wuereas, Many of the studies of fellowship with
The American Lutheran Church which were conducted
on the congregational, area, and District levels indicate
that there are still matters of church doctrine and prac-
tice which do not clearly demonstrate a desired unity
between The American Lutheran Church and The Lu-
theran Church — Missouri Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church — Missouri
Synod in convention at Denver, Colo., declare that more
study on the matter of fellowship with the American
Lutheran Church be carried on on the congregational,
area, and District levels.

EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
York, Nebr.

WILLIAM GALLANT, President
Martin ScHuttz, Secretary