# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1971_S45
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 45

to the Synod (TB 135, 2-11). The CTCR’s study on
“Creation in Biblical Perspective” was received (TB 135,
2-12). In response to a request for a study of Com-
munion practices and policies, the President of the
Synod was directed to appoint a joint committee of
members of the CTCR and the Commission on Worship
to carry out such a study (TB 135, 2-13). The conven-
tion thanked the Commission on Fraternal Organizations
for its report, received the report of the special com-
mittee to study lodge practice, and recommended it to
the Synod for guidance (TB 136, 2-14; 136, 2-15). It
referred Overture 2-141 asking for an interpretation of
“unionism” in Article VI of the Constitution to the
CTCR for study and report to the next convention (TB
137, 2-16). It asked the CTCR to study concerns ex-
pressed in overtures relating to woman suffrage in the
church and resolved to retain the wording “He de-
scended into hell” as the most acceptable way of ex-
pressing what the Confessions intend to affirm by this
phrase (TB 248, 2-17; 248, 2-18). It encouraged the
continued use of the terms “visible” and “invisible” as
well as any other terms which correctly set forth the
doctrine of the church as taught in the Scriptures and
the Confessions (TB 249, 2-19). It referred an overture
calling for the establishment of the position of a general
editor to the Synod’s Board of Directors for study and
report to the 1973 convention after amending the reso-
lution to this effect (TB 249, 2-20). A resolution (TB
281, 2-24) which had been introduced calling for re-
pentance on the part of those who have issued state-
ments sowing suspicion, mistrust, and discord was
withdrawn by the committee on formal request by the
convention. Thereupon the convention resolved that
Res. 5-23 should be its answer to Overtures 2-73, 2-74,
2-80, and 2-88.

Statement

A delegate received the privilege of making a state-
ment to the convention. This statement, addressed to
the theological faculties, was declared to be out of order.
A motion to have it read into the record failed to carry.

Board of Directors

Mr. Robert Hirsch, member of the Board of Direc-
tors, read a statement for the board thanking the con-
vention for its far-reaching decisions which had recog-
nized opportunities God has given and indicating the
willingness of the board to carry out these decisions
within the limits of their authority and within the
directives laid down by the Synod.

Constitutional Matters

Bylaws were adopted approving the changed election
procedure for the President and First Vice-President
(TB 375, 5-46) as outlined in the convention Workbook,
pages 245—246. In the light of the statement of ethics
adopted by the convention, groups and individuals were
asked to refrain from circularizing the Synod relative
to favoritism in nominations for these offices. Overtures

regarding questions on “rights of members” were re-
ferred to the Commission on Constitutional Matters for
report to the next convention (TB 322, 5-31). The
delegates granted permission to use a different proce-
dure in the election of college presidents in the Brazil
District but declined to grant permission to that District
to elect Boards of Control (TB 324, 5-35; 324, 5-36).
They requested the Board of Directors to refer the
question of student representation at synodical conven-
tions to the special committee (TB 324, 5-37, replacing
TB 137, 5-10). A youth delegate thanked Dr. Preus for
allowing young people the privilege of speaking on the
convention floor.

In response to a question concerning “A Statement
Regarding Lutheran Unity,” it was stated that Resolu-
tion 3-26 (TB 371), which had replaced Resolution 3-19
(TB 268), deals with the matter.

Synodical Administration

After declining a motion calling for referral of a res-
olution asking for revision of the Bylaws regarding the
number of advisory delegates, the convention adopted
the proposed revision as presented in the resolution of
the floor committee (TB 335, 4-41). Dr. Walter F. Wol-
brecht was thanked for his faithful services on his 10th
anniversary as Executive Director (TB 353, 4-49). As
its final item of business the convention accepted the
report of the President of the Synod and by a rising
vote assured him of the continued support and prayers
of the Synod (TB 353, 4-48).

Closing Remarks

In his closing remarks to the convention Dr. Preus
thanked those who were involved in its work and ex-
pressed the belief that it had been a convention of
reconciliation. He encouraged the delegates to go for-
ward now, under God, and carry out the program of
work which had been adopted.

Closing

The convention closed its final session with a devo-
tion led by Dr. W. Harry Krieger, who based his devo-
tion on the theme “Quis Separabit?” (Who shall sep-
arate?). As a part of the closing service the President
officially closed the convention in the name of the triune
God.

Wa ter Rosin, Assistant Secretary

Election Results

Boards and Commissions

Board of Directors: E. H. Stahlke, William Zehnder Jr., Ru-
pert Dunklau, Gus. Melde, Carl W. Muhlenbruch

Board for Church Extension: Raymond W. Wessler, Winfried
M. Graebner, Donavon D. Claussen, Herbert Hast

Board for Missions: Otto C. Hintze, Waldo J. Werning, Paul
R. Martens, Gordon E. Nelson, Henry J. Andreas, Ralph
Martens, Wallace Bronner

Board of Stewardship: Carl Hiller, G. Holmes Mendelman,
Charles Bosma

Board of Appeals: Daniel E. Poellot, Elden H. Martens,
George W. Haessler, Elmer H. Theis