# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2010_S7 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) SYNOD REPORTS In the context of this widening theological gap, the existing geography-based organizational model of the Episcopal Church and Anglican Church of Canada became problematic for orthodox Anglicans. Orthodox parishes, clergy and dioceses that upheld Biblical authority and historic Anglican practice became isolated within their existing structures. (Quoted from the Web site for the Anglican Church in North America, http://anglicanchurch.net) From the LCMS perspective, the discussions that will occur will be guided by Holy Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and the positions of our Synod. Counsel and assistance will be sought from and provided by the President’s Church Relations Cabinet and the Commission on Theology and Church Relations. Conclusion We pray that God will bless all of these relationships as we seek to strengthen them and to deepen our biblical and confessional unity in doctrine and practice with other Christians around the world, in accordance with our Lord’s will as expressed in His High Priestly Prayer in John 17:20–23: I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one: I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me. IV. 2007 Convention Resolutions Assigned to the President of the Synod Following is a succinct summary of the 2007 convention resolutions directly assigned to the President of the Synod, together with a brief report of my actions in response: Res. 2-04 To Create Position of Director for Strategic Development of Hispanic Ministries (DSDHM) Resolved, That the Synod in convention authorize the President of the Synod, working with the Board for Mission Services and the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Hispanic Ministry and in consultation with the National Hispanic Lutheran Convention, to appoint a Director for Strategic Development of Hispanic Ministries as soon as funding is available. Action Taken: Since the time of the 2007 Synod convention, funding has not become available for the position of Director for Strategic Development of Hispanic Ministries (DSDHM). Discussion was held by several members of the National Hispanic Lutheran Convention (NHLC) regarding the possibility of shared funding by Hispanic congregations. In addition, the staff of the Office of the President investigated possible sources of funding outside of the monies received for the unrestricted budget of the Synod. However, no solution for funding was found, and this position has not yet been filled. Progress was achieved on the development of a job description for the DSDHM position through the work of the officers of the NHLC. Further work in this regard remains on the table until funding becomes available. An overture has been presented by the Board for Mission Services to this convention to again encourage the filling of this position. Res. 2-08 To Celebrate Significant Synod Anniversaries Resolved, That Concordia Historical Institute, in consultation with the President’s office, work to prepare a short monograph by late 2007 7 describing the history of Walther, Wyneken, and Loehe, prepared specially for educational institutions throughout the Synod (elementary schools, high schools, colleges, universities, seminaries), including suggestions to teachers and professors for incorporating teaching about the significance of these three men in their coursework or classes; and be it further Resolved, That Concordia Historical Institute, in cooperation with the President of the Synod, shall be encouraged to prepare and administer a national conference to analyze the impact and relevance of Walther, Wyneken, and Loehe for Lutheranism in the United States today; and that this conference be coordinated with the opening of the new museum at the Synod’s International Center, if at all possible. Action Taken: The Executive Director and subsequent Interim Executive Director of Concordia Historical Institute did consult with the President’s Office in regard to the proposed monograph and potential national conference relevant to Walther, Wyneken, and Loehe. Permission was granted by the Office of the President to proceed with the monograph, if funding was available. Initial plans were under development in relation to coordinating the national conference with the opening of the new museum. The Office of the President assisted CHI in gathering names of potential presenters for the potential conference and worked cooperatively with CHI in developing an agenda for the national conference. However, when the exact opening date of the museum became uncertain and CHI realized that it would not have funding available to sponsor a national conference, it was determined that a national conference would not be possible at this time. Res. 2-09 To Initiate Planning for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Resolved, That the Synod, under the auspices of the Office of the President, organize a celebration—an observance of this historic anniversary— inviting and involving to the greatest extent possible the participation of other worldwide confessional Lutheran churches. Action Taken: Discussions have been held with former members of committees who have been involved in the planning and execution of previous synodwide celebrations regarding processes followed in coordinating national, and potentially, international events. Conversations have also been held with members of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) with regard to a potential worldwide emphasis for this special anniversary. In addition, a Confessional Leadership Conference is being sponsored by the CTCR, June 3–5, 2010, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, that will bring together international Lutheran leaders, including the ILC World Seminaries Conference and teachers of theology from LCMS seminaries, colleges, and universities. This conference will provide a venue to discuss appropriate ways to celebrate the 500th anniversary. With the pending conversation of this summer conference with worldwide Lutheran leaders and in consideration of the potential changes in the structure of national Synod, it did not seem expedient to appoint a planning group at this time. However, following the meeting of worldwide Lutheran leadership this summer and after convention action on potential changes to the national structure at the Synod convention, it will be a priority to appoint an LCMS leadership team to plan on behalf of the LCMS, and in conjunction other global Lutheran leaders, a national and worldwide celebration for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. 2010 Convention Workbook 2010 Convention.indb 7 4/15/10 2:37 PM