# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1981_S26 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 26 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION have come to the Synod as a result of the efforts of chaplains in the Armed Forces, a ministry which is strongly supported by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Session 3 July 5, Afternoon Morning Worship Prior to the beginning of Session 3 the delegates had participatedina morning Bible study led by Dr. Richard Schultz of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and in a prematins hymn sing. Liturgist for the service which followed was Dr. Fred Precht, executive secretary of the Commission on Worship, with the preacher being Marcus Zill, Stewardship counselor for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. He chose as his text the Gospel for the day, Matthew 9:35—10:8, and spoke on the theme, “Forward in Response.” The KFUO Radio Choir under the direction of Morris Anderson provided special music for the service. Opening Devotion Continuing his series of opening devotions, Dr. August Suelflow asked the delegates to join in the singing of “Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s Head.” After a brief devotion in which he stressed the blessings which have come to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod because of its adherence to the Word of God, he led the delegates in prayer and in the singing of “Lord Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word.” Elections Chairman Simon of the Floor Committee on Elec- tions reported that 1,104 votes had been cast with 555 needed for election. The election results reported were as follows: Bohlmann—394, Hyatt—111, Maier—270, Mueller—329. Point of Privilege Speaking under a point of privilege, one of the delegates asked that the three candidates remaining be allowed to express their views on the issue of fellowship which would be discussed in the afternoon session. President Preus stated that it would not appear to be advantageous to do so at this time but that he would recognize the delegate later to present his request. Ballots were then distributed, and after they had been gathered balloting was declared closed. Point of Privilege The delegate who had previously requested an oppor- tunity to hear the views of the presidential candidates on the issue of fellowship was granted the privilege of making a motion to the effect that the two-minute rule be suspended so that candidates for the presidency of The Lutheran Church—Misgouri Synod might speak on the fellowship issue for a period of five minutes. The delegates, however, declined this motion. Church Relations Chairman Cloeter of the Floor Committee on Church Relations introduced Res. 3-01 (TB 65) calling for The Lutheran Church—Misgouri Synod to declare that it was no longer in altar and pulpit fellowship with The American Lutheran Church. Prior to introducing the resolution Chairman Cloeter led the delegates in prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this important matter. Before the reading of the resolution the words “with deep sorrow” were added in line 37 (TB 66) between the words “Synod” and “herewith.” F ollowing the reading of the resolution Chairman Cloeter pointed out that the committee found no joy in presenting the resolution, that it felt it had no other choice, and that the decision to present the resolution had been passed unanimously by the committee. He pointed out to the delegates that we were not discussing a situation which requires pastoral care, nor were we talking about fellow- ship of faith, nor of the excommunication of The American Lutheran Church, nor was the committee proposing that discussion with The American Lutheran Church be eliminated but rather that it is now more imperative than ever. He also pointed out that in 1979 the convention had decided that if progress had not made in achieving agreement, such lack of progress would result in the breaking of fellowship. Prior to the beginning of discussion on the resolution, Chairman Preus indicated that the discussion would be carried out on the basis of alternate presentations for or against the resolution. An amendment was introduced to strike lines 48—50 (TB 66) and add as a first resolved “that the above declaration does not bind the consciences of those congregations and pastors who believe that there is sufficient consensus toward their continued practice of altar and pulpit fellowship at this time.” During the discussion an amendment was proposed which would have eliminated the word “pulpit” from the amendment. During the discussion a delegate on a point of order contended that the amendment wasa substitute motion. The Chair, however, ruled that it was not a substitute motion and the ruling of the Chair was sustained by the delegates. After agreeing to call the question on the amendment to the amendment the delegates declined this proposed action. After agreeing to cease debate, the proposed amendment was also declined. Elections Chairman Simon of the Floor Committee on Elec- tions reported the results of the third ballot for the President of the Synod. The results were as follows: Ralph Bohlmann—504, Walter Maier—215, Charles Mueller—372. 546 were needed to elect. Prior to the final balloting Dr. Simon led the delegates in prayer as they prepared to make their decision. Ballots were then distributed and following the gathering of the ballots, balloting was declared closed. Announcements President Preus announced that requests had been