# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1981_S48 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 48 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION for a continuation of the support of campus ministry and the maintenance of a commitment to the LCUSA Campus Ministry and Educational Services, a delegate introduced a substitute resolution which he asked the delegates to consider. Because of the length of the proposed resolution the delegates were offered an oppor- tunity to have the resolution distributed to provide an opportunity for its reading before a decision was made regarding the willingness of the delegates to consider the substitute resolution. This proposed resolution will be considered at the discretion of the Floor Committee on Missions. Res. 1-04A (7B 231) was introduced, en- couraging the Synod to be involved in a total ministry to the American Indian people. In introducing the resolu- tion the words “and support” were added between “fund” and “the” in line 42 (7B 231). An amendment to this resolution was introduced from the floor calling for deletion of the words “our Synod’s participation in the work of” in line 25 and the word “our” in line 26. It also asked for the deletion of the last resolved proposed by the floor committee and for the substitution of a final resolved which would state “Resolved, That The Luther- an Church—Missouri Synod’s participation in the National Indian Lutheran Board and its funding of the Indian Desk of LCUSA be terminated as of March 1, 1982.” After an amendment calling for the deletion of the fifth whereas and the last resolved was withdrawn, the delegates adopted the amendment by a vote of 486 to 433. The resolution was then adopted as amended. Elections Chairman Simon of the Floor Committee on Elec- tions reported the results of the third balloting for officers and boards of the Synod. The results of that ballot are attached to these Minutes. Ballots for the remaining unfilled positions were then distributed, and after voting was completed and the ballots had been gathered, balloting was declared closed. Convention Rules During the discussion of Res. 1-04A (TB 231) the convention agreed by a two-thirds majority vote to reduce the period of discussion prior to the call for a decision on ceasing debate. It also agreed to limit speaking by individual delegates of a period of one minute rather than two. In addition it extended the period of time for dealing with Res. 1-04A for 10 minutes. Because of remarks which were made during the dis- cussion of Res. 1-04A the Chairman reminded the delegates that Robert’s Rules of Order under which the convention is being conducted has some very specific statement about the manner in which the debate on issues is to be conducted. Program Implementation The Chairman was reminded by a delegate that a request would be made for the reconsideration of Res. 12-08A. The Chairman responded by stating that the request would be considered at a point designated by the Floor Committee on Program Implementation. After adding the words “and excluding the expenditures to the extent directed by Res. 6-30, (TB 262), Wednesday” after the word “authorized” in line 19 (TB 285), Res. 12-11, calling for a clarification of the policy of synodical spending, was introduced for consideration. This resolu- tion stated that “each resolution adopted at this or any previous convention that does or may involve the expenditure of funds in 1981, 1982, and 1983, excluding expenditures for capital purposes for which borrowing may have been specifically authorized and excluding the expenditures to the extent directed by Res. 6-30, shall be interpreted and carried out as being mandatory. only to the extent that there are current revenues, excluding borrowed funds, available in those years for those purposes.” This resolution was adopted as it had been amended by the committee. Based upon legal advice, the floor committee deleted lines 57-—59 (TB 287) and then introduced Res. 12-12 (7B 285), establishing the Treasurer of the Synod as the trust officer of the Synod, as the prime liaison person between all financial boards functioning under their appropriate policies, and accountable to each such board in that capacity. It also combined the Board of Trustees for Trust Funds under the Board of Trustees of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod Foundation so that the Foundation becomes the trust department of the Synod and trans- ferred the investment responsibilities for the Pension Plan for Pastors and Teachers from the Board of Trustees for Trust Funds to the Board of Managers— Worker Benefit Plans. The resolution also incorporated the necessary Bylaw changes. This resolution was also adopted as amended by the floor committee. The floor committee asked the delegates to include the words “at least” in line 42 after the word “by” (TB 163) and then introduced Res. 12-10 (7B 163), which requested indivi- dual members, congregations, and Districts to take certain actions and urged synodical officials to main- tain faithful and efficient application of all funds given by members of congregations for the mission and ministry program of the Synod so that a continuance of deficit spending might be avoided. The resolution was then adopted. The convention next considered a request of a dele- gate for the reconsideration of Res. 12-08A (TB 283). After brief discussion, however, the convention declined to take this action. Chairman Bornemann reported that this completed the work of the Floor Committee on Program Implementation. Recognition Dr. Robert Schnabel, president of Valparaiso Uni- versity, was introduced to the delegates. In his remarks he described the programs available at Valparaiso University, which had been established to help educate Christians who are preparing for a Christian calling in lay professions. The purpose of the university is to complement the synodical system of colleges; in terms of synodical history, the relationship to the Synod of the university is that of flesh of flesh and bone of bones. Dr. Schnabel thanked the Synod forits past support and asked for its continued assistance and prayers.