# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1969_S395
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

SOCIAL ACTION AND WELFARE 395

laws we do not like (Rom.13:1-7: 1 Peter 2:13-18:
4:15; Philemon. N.B.: Onesimus and Paul both lived
under and recognized the “unjust” laws which permitted
slavery at that time—~ though Paul did plead the case
of Onesimus): and

Wuereas, It is felt that the corporate church would
better perform its task of winning more souls for Christ
by remaining steadfast to the Word and refraining from
diverting its purpose by taking official positions and
actions in secular affairs pertaining to the laws of the
land; therefore be it

Resolved, That we memorialize the 1969 Denver
convention of the Missouri Synod to withdraw its cor-
porate positions in the areas of civil disobedience and
open housing: and

That the Synod refrain from maintaining or estab-
lishing corporate positions on similar secular (.e., social,
economic, and political) issues past, present, or future;
and

That the Synod express itself against joining in pul-
pit fellowship. while not cutting off dialog with any other
body, denomination, council, or group which has a dif-
ferent doctrinal basis: and

That the Synod reaffirm its long-held conviction that
its individual members—and_ the fellowship of all
Christians — be urged individually to take active part
in the social, economic, and political issues of our day:
and

That the Synod proclaim anew that its primary task
is to win souls for Christ: and

That the Synod reaffirm its confident belief that more
Christians, armed with the Law of God and the saving
Gospel, while not forgetting acts of mercy and charity,
will surely —with God's help — influence the secular
world in unfathomable, significant, and beneficial ways,

First LUTHERAN CHURCH
Knoxville, Tenn.

J. O. Munot, President
J. Pat Hinps, Secretary

(9-17)

To Refrain from Corporate Positions

Wuereas, The undersigned, all communicant mem-
bers of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, have
studied the subject of “The Church and the State”; and

Wuereas, We have looked at specific issues, such as
civil disobedience and open housing, on which our be-
loved Synod has taken “corporate” positions; and

WHEREAS, We, collectively and as_ individuals,
searched the Word for guidance, read and discussed
various and opposing views concerning the relationships
of church and state, and soberly and prayerfully en-
deavored to find answers: and

Wuereas, We concluded that social, economic, and
political issues were secondary to the primary role of
the church, which is to win souls for a kingdom not of
this world (John 18:36); and

Wuereas, The Word is clear that consideration for

the “here and now” is not to be coequal with considera-
tion for the hereafter (Matt. 13:54-58: 11: 20-24; 16:26:
Deut. 5:7); and

WHEREAS, The Word does not prescribe what form
of government to embrace: nor does it indicate the type
of economic system to employ: nor does it spell out
details of social relationships to enforce; and

Wuereas, Men, even within the Christian brother-
hood, differ greatly and are sharply divided on economic,
political, and social matters: and

Wuereas, The primary role of the church (preaching
the Gospel to all the nations) is often obscured. diffused,
and confused by taking “corporate” Positions and “offi-
cial” actions in secular affairs: and

Wuereas, The gain in world Christian membership
as compared with gain in world population is decreasing
at an alarming rate (44 in 1964: 16°; in 1965: and
9.3¢¢ in 1966): and

Whereas, “New morality” is being offered by some
church “leaders” and church “groups” to replace the
one true Word (review Paul's warning on this in Col.
2:8); and

Whereas, Secular positions and pronouncements from
certain church bodies and councils are creating un-
necessary and un-Christian dissension and discord
which cause people seeking spiritual guidance to be
repelled from the church, and cause people seeking the
world (i.e., influence. power, and a better life in ma-
terial possessions) to be attracted to the church: and

Wuereas, The repelling and attracting. mentioned
above, is in the direction of the anti-Christs (1 John
2:18) and as also the “new morality” (1 John 2:22: 4:3:
2John7): and

Wuereas, There is no clear precept from God to dis-

obey government unless and except the issue of false
Gods is at stake (Dan. 6: Acts 5: 28-29): and

WHEREAS, We are admonished to obey all forms of
government (unless such government attempts to set
up false gods or prohibits worship of God) and to obey
even laws we do not like (Rom. 13:1-7: 1 Peter 2:13-18:
4:15: Philemon. N.B.: Onesimus and Paul both lived
under and recognized the “unjust” laws which permitted
slavery at that time, though Paul did plead the case of
Onesimus): and

Wuereas, It is felt that the corporate church would
better perform its task of winning more souls for Christ
by remaining steadfast to the Word and refraining from
diverting its purpose by taking official positions and
actions in secular affairs: therefore be it

Resolved, That we send this resolution directly to
the President of our Synod and that each of us ask our
respective congregations to petition the President of our
Synod (LCMS), now, and present a memorial through
appropriate channels at our 1969 convention to the
effect:

That the Synod withdraw its corporate positions in
the areas of civil disobedience and open housing: and

That the Synod refrain from maintaining or estab-