# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1971_S27
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 27

concerns expressed in the communication were being
dealt with (TB 146, 11-10). The report of the Lutheran
Deaconess Association was received, congregations were
encouraged to consider engaging a deaconess on their
staff, and the convention expressed its wish for the
Lord’s blessing on Dr. Lucille Wassmann as she begins
her work as executive director of the association (TB
148, 11-13). A motion that the deaconess program and
its relation to the Synod be referred to Committee 11
was adopted. After a brief report on the purpose and
programs of Valparaiso University by Dr. Huegli, uni-
versity president, the convention adopted a resolution
urging congregations to increase support for Valparaiso
(TB 148, 11-14).

LCUSA

Dr. C. T. Spitz, general secretary of the Lutheran
Council in the U.S. A., was introduced by Dr. O. Hoff-
mann, president of the council, who brought its greetings
to the convention. In a report Dr. Spitz indicated that
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod did not form
the council but helped to shape it. He spoke of services
provided by the council and the opportunity it offered
for cooperative work. The record does not show that
the council desires to be a superchurch or an agency for
discussions leading to fellowship. He indicated the cost
of services carried on by the council would be higher
for the Synod if it did not cooperate in parallel programs.
He concluded by stating that the council is dedicated
to faithfully carrying out the work committed to it.

Missions

Dr. Edward May, president of Wheat Ridge Founda-
tion, introduced Mr. Walter Koch, president of its board,
who spoke of the work of the foundation throughout the
world. He presented Dr. Preus with an original design
for the Wheat Ridge Christmas seals, which is to be
hung in the Lutheran Building.

Chairman Griesse of the floor committee announced
that Res. 1-04 of TB, page 44, had been transferred to
Floor Committee 4. The convention agreed to support
Lutheran Bible Translators in accordance with guide-
lines set up for this work (TB 45, 1-05).

Recognition

Significant anniversaries of ordination and marriage
in the lives of Dr. and Mrs. Oliver Harms and Dr. and
Mrs. Herman Harms were recognized by the convention
with a standing ovation.

Missions

The delegates commended the Board for Missions
and the Board of Youth Ministry for their work and
asked for people resources development in missions
(TB 125, 1-07) and that the use of available personnel
resources for God’s mission be maximized (TB 125,
1-08). A resolution to approve policy for the loaning of
mission personnel was made and seconded (TB 126,
1-09). A motion for referral for careful delineation to
safeguard our synodical position was declined. A further

A wedding anniversary for former Vice-President
and Mrs. Herman Harms

motion to substitute the resolved found in Overture 1-19
of the convention Workbook, page 27, for the resolved
of Resolution 1-09 was made and seconded. Since time
for discussion of this matter elapsed, it will be consid-
ered later.

Closing

The session closed with prayer led by lay delegate
Violet Blythe. .

Session 6

July 12, Afternoon
Opening

The opening prayer in the afternoon session was
offered by Edward Eggers.

Open Hearings

A question regarding open hearings brought the
response that these have been announced and will con-
tinue to be announced.

Constitutional Matters

The chairman of the Committee on Constitutional
Matters announced that Res. 5-10 (TB 137) had been
withdrawn. A motion was made and seconded to adopt
a resolution regarding a study of frequency of and rep-
resentation at conventions. An amendment to refer the
matter to a Council of Administrators was declined. An
amendment to add the words to the resolution “and be
it finally Resolved, That the aforesaid Committee on
Organization be appointed by the President of the
Synod” was adopted. The resolution was then adopted
as amended (TB 137, 5-09). The convention adopted
a motion regarding the franchise for teachers after
amending the third resolved to read as follows “Re-
solved, That we refrain at this time from granting the
franchise to our Lutheran teachers (male and female)
but that continued study be given the question espe-
cially as it relates to the current CTCR study of teacher
ordination; and be it finally” (TB 95, 5-03).