# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1981_S53
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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was withdrawn. Because section “k” (C W 80) had been
deleted from the proposed Bylawsina previous session,
and because the proposed Bylaws would not now include
a Bylaw relating to the matter of consolidation of
colleges, the delegates adopted a resolution substituting
section “py” (CW 80) of the present Handbook for the
proposed section “k” (CW 80). The floor committee
introduced Res. 2-14(TB52), which called fora broaden-
ing of the franchise within the Synod. Before introduc-
ing it, the word “congregation” was changed to “congre-
gations” in line 34, and lines 38—39 were deleted by the
floor committee (T° 'B 52). Before discussion of the resolu-
tion began, 4 question was raised as to whether or not
consideration of Res. 2-14 was out of order since Res.
9-01 (TB 45) had already been adopted by the conven-
tion. The Chair ruled that discussion was in order since
the specific matter referred to in Res. 2-14 had not been
considered. The Chair was sustained in this ruling after
an appeal had been made tothe convention. In response
to another question which asked whether it would not be
more proper to deal with Res. 2-15 (TB52) before dealing
with Res. 2-14 the delegates agreed to continuation of
discussion of the resolution which was on the floor. An
amendment which asked “that the congregation decide
who is to cast its two votes, one to be cast by a called
pastor or a called professional who has signed the
Constitution of the Synod and the other by a layperson
chosen from its communicant membership” was de-
clined by a vote of 326 to 497. In the continuing
discussion it was suggested that the words “the clergy
or’ be deleted in line 17(7B52) and the words “Including
clergymen who are not called as parish pastors, and
teachers” be replaced with the words “except those on
the clergy roster of the Synod.” After further discussion

the delegates adopted a motion which stated:
“WHEREAS, very little time is available to discuss Res.

9-14 and Res. 2-15 at this convention; therefore be it
Resolved, That action on the proposed Res. 2-14 and 2-15
’ be deferred until the 1983 convention, and be it further

Resolved, That the President of the Synod appoint a
committee, consisting of one pastor and two teachers and
three laypersons which shall report to the 1983 convention.

- ‘As its final resolution the Floor Committee on Task
Force presented Res. 92-20 (TB 63), which was adopted by
the convention and which provided additional proce-
dures for implementation of the changes in structure
which had been approved.

Point of Privilege

Responding to a point of privilege, one of the dele-
gates who had been a member of the Floor Committee
on Task Force made a short statement and then pre-
sented a resolution which was enthusiastically sup-
ported by the delegates. The resolution is as follows:

Wuereas, Task Force Il has completed its work in most
exemplary manner providing the basis for this convention
to establish a solid management structure for The Lutheran

Church—Missouri Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That this convention by passage of this
resolution expresses its appreciation for the valuable and

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 53

far-reaching contributions enabling The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod to better meet the mission challenges in the
decades ahead; and be it further

Resolved, That the President of the Synod prepare on
behalf of this convention an appropriate letter of thanks
and citation for presentation to each member of Task Force
IL.

Dr. Herbert Mueller, Secretary of the Synod and
chairman of Task Force II, addressed his thanks to the
delegates and especially to the members of the Task
Force for their dedication to the work which was
required in accomplishing this most difficult task. He
described what had occurred as a marvelous example of
group dynamics at work under the guidance of the Holy
Spirit. Dr. Preus also expressed his thanks to all who
were involved, especially commending the delegates for
their patience and understanding.

Recognition

Dr. Nelson Unwene, who had recently received an
honorary doctor of divinity degree from Concordia
Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, was introduced to the
convention. Dr. Unwene, president of the Lutheran
Church of Nigeria, described the work of his church,
including difficulties which are faced at a time when
there is a trend towards secularization among those
involved in decision-making for the country. He ex-
pressed his thanks for the cordial partnership which
had been experienced with the Synod under the leader-
ship of Dr. Preus and looked forward to that same
partnership under his former instructor, President-elect
Bohlmann.

Higher Education

Chairman Behnken of the Floor Committee on High-
er Education introduced Res. 6-05A (TB 261). Prior to
presenting it all references in the resolution to Alabama
Lutheran Academy and College were changed to “Con-
cordia College, Selma” and the number “10,000” was
changed to “60,000” in line 34 (TB 261). By adopting this
resolution the delegates agreed that Concordia College,
Selma should be exempted from the Board for Higher
Education’s subsidy policy through the 1985—86 school
year. The delegates also agreed thata feasibility study
should be made with regard to the possibility of a four-
year college at Selma by adoption of Res. 6-07A (TB 237).
This action was taken after the words “and other
locations in the southeast quadrant of the country” had
been deleted from line 16 (TB 238), and the words
“Concordia College” were inserted prior to the word
“Selma” in the same line. An additional resolved was
also added, stating: “Resolved, That Overture 6-57 and
6-58 be referred to the Board for Higher Education.”
Since an internal administrative responsibility was
involved, the matter of additional funding for Concordia
College of Selma was referred to the Board of Directors
for final implementation by adoption of Res. 6-06A (TB
237).

Through adopting Res. 6-08A (TB 238) the conven-
tion instructed the Board for Higher Education in
consultation with the Hispanic Advisory Council, the