# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1973_S143 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 142 RESOLUTIONS Wuereas, For more than 2 years, attempts at conciliatory discussions and procedures have proved fruitless and the gravity of the situation calls for immediate action; and Whereas, The Handbook of the Synod states, that, “the Synod, its boards and its members shall first of all hold him responsible in all matters pertaining to the institution” (6.91) ; therefore be it Resolved, That The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod in convention assembled, with deep regret, nonetheless, for cause hereinbefore stated, and in the best interests of the Synod, respectfully invite the resignation of Dr. John Tietjen as president and professor of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., effective Aug. 1, 1973; and be it further Resolved, That should the resignation herein invited not be forthcoming by the time of the adjournment of this con- vention, it appearing to this convention that a special au- thorization to the President of the Synod is in the best inter- ests of the Synod, the President of the Synod be and hereby is authorized and empowered pursuant to Article XI, A 2 and B 8, of the Constitution to forthwith dismiss Dr. John H. Tietjen from the office of president and professor of Concor- dia Seminary, St. Louis; and be it further Resolved, That the Board of Directors of Synod in either event attend to the financial needs of Dr. John H. Tietjen for an appropriate period of time; and be it finally Resolved, That all proper and appropriate steps be taken for the election and calling of a new president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.) To Decline Further Action Regarding Dr. Arlis Ehlen RESOLUTION 3-13 Overtures 3-166, 3-167A, 3-167B, 3-168A, 3-168B, 3-169, 3-170 (CW, pp. 158—159) Wuereas, The Board for Higher Education of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod did not grant its consent to the appointment of Dr. Arlis Ehlen to the faculty of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and Wuereas, This action was taken in keeping with Handbook Section 6.53 a as interpreted by the Commis- sion on Constitutional Matters on Jan. 22—23, 1970, which opinion was reported to the Milwaukee conven- tion (CW, p. 241) and not challenged; and Wuereas, The Board of Control of Concordia Sem- inary continued the salary of Dr. Arlis Ehlen for a full year on the understanding that his appointment was terminated June 30, 1972; and Wuereas, This matter has been properly handled by the properly constituted boards; therefore be it Resolved, That no further action be taken in the matter; and be it also Resolved, That Overture 3-166 to reinstate Dr. Ehlen, Overture 3-167A and 3-167B to declare him not guilty of false doctrine, Overture 3-168A and 3-168B to furnish particulars, Overture 3-169 to reopen the case, and Overture 3-170 to admonish Dr. Ehlen be respectfully declined. Action: None. Referred under omnibus Res. 4-47 to the Board of Directors. To Implement Bylaw 6.53 d RESOLUTION 3-14 Report 3-01D (CW, pp. 107—112) Wuereas, The Commission on Accrediting of the American Association of Theological Schools cited as one of the reasons for placing Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis, on probation the following: “The freedom of the faculty to teach and publish research is circumscribed in ways not defined in the terms of a contract of em- ployment” (Report 3-01D, CW, p. 107); and Wuereas, Bylaw 6.53d says, “. . . Limitations of academic freedom because of the religious nature and aims of the institution shall be stated in writing at the time of the appointment and conveyed to the person being appointed”; and Wuereas, The concern of the AATS is not the sub- stance of Bylaw 6.53d but rather the fact that it is not being implemented throughout the Synod; and Wuereas, The Special Task Force on Accreditation recommends that this Bylaw be implemented (Report 3-01D, CW, p.110); and Wuereas, The Constitution of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, Article II, clearly sets forth the unique Scriptural and Confessional nature of the Synod and therefore also of its institutions (cf. Articles of In- corporation, Article II Objects, d.” “To establish, build, conduct, and maintain theological seminaries, colleges, academies, schools, and other institutions of learning’’); and Wuereas, The Constitution of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, Article III Objects, clearly sets forth the unique objects (“aims”) of the Syned and therefore of its institutions, specifically in this case: 1. The conservation and promotion of the unity of the true faith (Eph. 4:3-6; 1Cor.1:10) and a united de- fense against schism and sectarianism (Rom.16:17); 3. The training of ministers and teachers for service in the Evangelical Lutheran Church; 7. The supervision of the ministers and teachers of the Synod with regard to the performance of their official duties; and Whereas, The Articles of Incorporation of the Synod in Article II Objects clearly sets forth the unique pur- poses for which the Synod was incorporated, namely: a. To unite in a corporate body the members of the Evan- gelical Lutheran Church who acknowledge and remain true to the Book of Concord of the year of our Lord 1580 as a true exhibition of sound Christian doctrine. b. To train ministers and teachers for service in the Evan- gelical Lutheran Church. c. To assist and advise congregations, pastors, and teach- ers affiliated with The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod and to exercise supervision over such pastors and teachers as to doctrine, practice, and performance of their official duties. And Wuereas, In the “Act to Incorporate the ‘Concordia College’ of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of