# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2023_S306
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

306

THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS

WHEREAS, C.F.W. Walther, the founder of our Synod, taught, “It
is furthermore fully in accord with the practice of our Church to
demand an unequivocal subscription from its public teachers”
(Walther, “Why Should Our Pastors, Teachers, and Professors
Subscribe Unconditionally to the Symbolical Writings of Our
Church”; essay delivered at the Western District Convention in
1858. Taken from Concordia Theological Monthly April 1947; Vol.
28, No. 4); and
WHEREAS, The teachers of the Church have great impact on the
harmony among our congregations and on the eternal welfare of
their hearers, as our Symbols also attest: “schisms in matters of faith
have also happened in our time,” and “such matters also concern the
laity and the salvation of their souls” (Formula of Concord [FC]
Solid Declaration [SD] Summary Content, Rule, and Norm [SC] 4–
5); and
WHEREAS, The recent publication of Luther’s Large Catechism:
With Annotations and Contemporary Applications itself states that
it “seeks to teach the baptized” by being a resource “for the whole
church,” serving as a “catechetical compendium for adults,” “that
seeks to be both comprehensive and apologetic” (Rev. John T. Pless
and Rev. Larry M. Vogel, Luther’s Large Catechism: With
Annotations and Contemporary Applications [St. Louis: Concordia
Publishing House, 2023], 23); and
WHEREAS, Luther’s Large Catechism: With Annotations and
Contemporary Applications contains essays written by those who
would teach the Church, yet have not unconditionally subscribed to
the Lutheran Symbols; and
WHEREAS, Some of those teachers have made public confessions
that blatantly contradict our Confession and who, by remaining in
fellowship with their heterodox churches, maintain only a
conditional subscription to our Lutheran Symbols; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention call upon the Church to
immediately cease and desist publication, sales, and distribution of
Luther’s Large Catechism: With Annotations and Contemporary
Applications.
Circuit 14 (Indianapolis South)
Indiana District
Ov. 5-33

To Encourage Christian Collegiality
in Theological Discussion, Including Discussion
Related to Large Catechism Volume
WHEREAS, Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW) and
Concordia Seminary (CSL), as institutions of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), are called to teach the Word of
God in its truth and purity, and the Lutheran Confessions as accurate
expositions of the Word of God, and to do so in a way that accords
with the Constitution, Bylaws, and doctrinal statements of the
Synod; and
WHEREAS, CSL and CTSFW form pastors and deaconesses to
minister to the church in conformity with that doctrine, which
includes exhibiting the fruit of the spirit in a gracious way that
avoids unnecessary dissension; and
WHEREAS, Members of both seminary faculties have faithfully
served on the Commission on Theology and Church Relations
(CTCR) throughout its history; and

2023 Convention Workbook

WHEREAS, 2016 Resolution 5-12, which commissioned Luther’s
Large Catechism with Annotations and Contemporary
Applications, asked both seminaries to collaborate with the CTCR
and the office of the President on this volume; and
WHEREAS, Some members of both seminary faculties
contributed introductions, annotations, and contemporary
application essays to Luther’s Large Catechism with Annotations
and Contemporary Applications; and
WHEREAS, Controversy over this volume has evoked many
regrettable expressions of anger and dissension, particularly online,
which are not befitting the charity enjoined upon us by the
Scriptures for theological discussion, debate, and churchmanship
(John 13:35); therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention thank the LCMS laity
and rostered church workers who contributed to this volume for
their faithful service and commitment to the Scriptures, the
Lutheran Confessions, and the doctrinal position of the Synod; and
be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention express its thanks and
ongoing support for the LCMS entities responsible for producing
this volume, including the CTCR, Concordia Publishing House, and
the Office of the President; and be it further
Resolved, That all members of the Synod be reminded to use,
when necessary, the established procedure for voicing a challenge
to the doctrinal review certification of a publication by the Synod
that is outlined in Bylaw 3.9.3.2.2; and be it finally
Resolved, That all members of the Synod commit themselves to
Christian collegiality in theological dialogue and debate in order
that such interactions within our beloved Synod be characterized by
charity, clarity, a serious attempt at understanding, and a fraternal
spirit befitting the Church of Christ (Eph 4:3–6).
Faculty, Concordia Seminary;
Faculty, Concordia Theological Seminary
Ov. 5-34

To Instruct CPH to Have Portals of Prayer and
Other Devotionals Written by Men
Preamble
In recent years Concordia Publishing House (CPH) has published
Portals of Prayer and other devotions for congregational and home
use, which are written by women. This overture seeks to bring CPH
back to a biblical practice of only men carrying out the pastoral
work of teaching.
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture forbids women from publicly
preaching or teaching, exercising authority over a man or otherwise
exercising the duties of the pastoral office (1 Tim. 2:11–12; 3:2; 1
Cor. 14:33b–35); and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has
in faithfulness to Holy Scripture forbidden women from ordination
into the pastoral office; and
WHEREAS, Devotionals for congregational and home use such as
Portals of Prayer are meant to teach men and women in the Church;
and
WHEREAS, Writing devotionals and leading people in devotions
has always been the task of a Seelsorger (one who cares for souls,
pastor) and head of the household; and