# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1971_S28 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 28 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION Elections Chairman Bruns again called the attention of the delegates to the statement on ethics prepared by the Council of Presidents and asked them to take the matter of voting seriously, acting responsibly in carrying out their work as electors. Theological Matters The resolution to withhold ordination of women to the pastoral office was introduced once more, since dis- cussion had not been completed previously. Several amendments to the resolution were proposed and de- clined after lengthy discussion. A motion to extend time until the issue involved in the resolution was re- solved was also declined, and the matter will be con- sidered at a later time on the agenda. Communications Chairman Happel of the floor committee introduced Dr. O. A. Dorn, general manager of Concordia Publish- ing House, to the convention. In his report Dr. Dorn reviewed some of the activities and accomplishments of the publishing house and spoke of plans for future pub- lications and services. He concluded his report with a personal note announcing his retirement at the end of this month after serving Concordia Publishing House for more than 30 years. Ralph Mueller of the Board of Directors of Concordia Publishing House read the statement and resolution of the Board of Directors of Concordia Publishing House which had been passed upon their acceptance of Dr. Dorn’s request for retirement. Mr. Ralph Reinke, who has been asked to become general manager of Concordia Publishing House, was introduced to the delegates and spoke briefly to the convention. The delegates adopted the report of Concordia Publishing House and expressed their gratitude to it for the transfer of two million dol- lars to the synodical treasury during the past biennium (TB 105, 10-01). They expressed their appreciation to Dr. Dorn for his services with a rising vote of thanks and joined the President of the Synod in prayer asking God’s grace and protection for Dr. and Mrs. Dorn (10-02). Dr. Wiederaenders then presented Dr. Dorn with an original and specially prepared copy of the resolution of thanks. A proposal to change Article VI of the Articles of In- corporation of Concordia Publishing House in order to comply with the laws of the State of California was adopted (TB 105, 10-03). The proposed revisions of the bylaws of Concordia Publishing House were also adopted (TB 106, 10-04). Greetings Dr. Preus introduced Dr. Paul C. Empie and Dr. Carl Mau, who brought greetings from the Lutheran World Federation. In his remarks Dr. Mau spoke first of the work of the LWF and then thanked the Synod for its contributions to the organization’s work. Dr. Empie spoke of his work as president of Lutheran World Relief and addressed the convention as a friend of the Synod, expressing both his appreciation and concern for it. Stewardship and Finances The chairman of the floor committee introduced Dr. Fred Precht, who spoke to the convention regarding The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod Foundation. The Foundation, which originated 12 years ago, is now self-supporting and has distributed over a million dol- lars. Emphasis in the future will be on estate planning for giving to the church. Reference was also made to a new publication of the foundation called The Steward. After changing the word “receive” to “approve,” the convention approved the report of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod Foundation (TB 84, 12-05). Chairman Heckmann announced that Resolution 12-06 calling for reorganization of the Stewardship Depart- ment was being withdrawn at this time. The Synod asked that the Stewardship Department continue to be conscious of God-pleasing stewardship in raising funds and agreed to seek to make Concordia Plans available to pastors and lay workers serving in Canada (TB 86, 12-07; TB 86, 12-08). It declined overtures to reconsider the provisions of the Pension Plan and to make retire- ment and survivor plans more equitable (TB 86, 12-09; TB 87, 12-10). It encouraged trustees of the several funds of the Synod to continue their exercise of good Christian judgment in the investment policies which they follow (TB 87, 12-11) and adopted a resolution to observe the centennial of the School for the Deaf, De- troit, Mich. (TB 88, 12-13). It accepted the report of the Stewardship Department (TB 89, 12-14) and, after sus- pending the rules to allow reading by title, it accepted the report of the Board of Pensions and Support to- gether with the Bylaw revisions which were to be included in Section X of the Synod’s Handbook (TB 89, 12-15). Elections Chairman Bruns announced distribution of ballots for 29 remaining boards and committees as well as a run-off ballot for the three boards whose membership had not been completed in the previous election. Be- cause of an obvious omission, biographical information on Frederick E. Trinklein was given orally from the floor. It was announced that since Rev. Bruce Strade was not a parish pastor he was not eligible to be elected as a pastoral member of the CTCR. A correction from Harold to Harland Kirchner was also made in the slate of candidates for the Board of Control of Concordia College, Milwaukee. Chairman Bruns then issued in- struction for the balloting. A motion to suspend time on the agenda until balloting was completed and announce- ments had been made was adopted. During the closing moments of the balloting a group of students from California known as Young Believers presented several songs to the convention under the direction of Mrs. Elmer Thyr. Chairman Bruns declared the election closed.