# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1995_S126 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 126 : RESOLUTIONS established between the. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., the Reformed Church in America, and the United Church of Christ; and WHEREAS, The ELCA is seriously considering “full com- munion” with these Reformed denominations; and . WHEREAS, The ACC itself testifies that it “has so far not been possible to reconcile fully the confessional formulas in- herited from the late 16th century and their underlying dif- ’ ferences in the mode of doing theology” (ACC, p. 39); and WHEREAS, Both systematic faculties of our Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod seminaries have jointly noted this lack of confessional unity and have raised serious concerns about the ACC’s understanding of the church, the means of grace, and the status of the Lutheran Confessions (CTQ 57 [1993], pp. 192-93, 193-213; CJ 20 [1994], pp. 292-314); therefore be it . Resolved, That the LCMS in convention express its se- rious concern that Lutheran witness of the Gospel will be significantly eroded should the ELCA enter full communion with the Reformed; and be it further Resolved, That the LCMS in convention express its fra- . ternal concern about the confessional integrity of a “full communion” with the Reformed in view of the explicit ad- mission that unity in fundamental doctrines has yet to be achieved; and be it further » Resolved, That the LCMS in convention indicate its deep apprehension about the ramifications for ELCA/LCMS re- lations in the event of a decision by the ELCA to enter into “full communion” with the Reformed; and be it further Resolved, That the Synod urge the President of the Synod, the District Presidents, and other leaders of the LCMS to use.every appropriate opportunity to express the concerns of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and its hope and desire that the ELCA not proceed toward full communion with the Reformed; and be it finally Resolved, That clergy and laity of the LCMS be urged to express similar concern and hope to their ELCA counter- parts, friends, and acquaintances. Action: No action. To Reaffirm That Only Men May Hold the Pastoral Office RESOLUTION 3-17 Overtures 3-41, 3-79 (CW, pp. 164, 176) WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has consistently stated and reaffirmed on the basis of Scripture (1 Cor. 11:1-14; 1 Cor. 14:33-35; 1 Tim. 2:11-14) that the pastoral office is to be entrusted only to men; (see 1969 Res. 2-17; 1971 Res. 2-04; 1977 Res. 3-15; 1986 Res. 3-10; 1989 Res. 3-14); and WHEREAS, Several congregations within the Synod in re- cent years have submitted overtures asking the Synod to change its scriptural position and allow the ordination of women to the holy ministry; therefore be it Resolved, That the 1995 convention of the LCMS strongly reaffirm its previous resolutions on this issue and unequivocally declare once again that Scripture clearly teaches that only men may hold the pastoral office and/or carry out any of its distinctive functions; and be it further Resolved, That the pastors, teachers, professional church workers, and congregations of the Synod honor and uphold this clear scriptural teaching. Action: No action. To Continue “Nomenclature Study Committee” RESOLUTION 3-18 Reports R1-8, R1-8-02 (CW, pp. 4, 8) WHEREAS, “The Nomenclature Study Committee” ap- - pointed by the President of the Synod, as directed by the © Synod in 1992 Res. 5-21, has asked that it be authorized “to proceed with its plans to prepare materials for study | and discussion ...”; therefore be it Resolved, That “The Nomenclature Study Committee” be authorized to continue its work and to report to the 1998 convention of the Synod. Action: No action. To Reaffirm the Synod’s Position Concerning Homosexual Behavior RESOLUTION 3-19 Appendix R3-01B (CW, pp. 64-67); Overture 3-09 (CW, p. 155) Preamble: We live in a society and culture where past moral val- ues are rapidly changing and disregarded. Homosexual be- havior is condoned by many in our society and even ap- proved as an acceptable alternative lifestyle. Some Christian denominations have by their actions and state- ments condoned homosexual behavior as being morally per- missible for Christians and permit practicing homosexuals . to fill the pastoral office. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has condemned “homophile behavior as intrinsically sinful” in New Orleans (1973 Res. 2-04) and in the St. Louis convention of 1983 “commended to the Synod for study and guidance” (1983 Res. 3-15) the document prepared by the CTCR, Human Sexuality: A Theological Perspective. In response to the 1992 Res. 3-12A, “To Develop Plan for Ministry To Homo- sexuals and Their Families,” the President of the Synod has appointed a Task Force for Ministry to Homosexuals. WHEREAS, The Holy Scriptures clearly teach that homo- sexual behavior is intrinsically sinful and contrary to the will of God, Rom. 1:22—32; therefore be it ; Resolved, That the Synod once more declare that homo- sexual behavior is sinful and should be avoided and that the CTCR document, Human Sexuality: A Theological Per- spective, continue to be commended for reference and guid- ance; and be it further Resolved, That the CTCR continue to study the entire subject of human sexuality and behavior as it gives, guid- ance to the Synod based on Holy Scripture and not on changing cultural values; and be it further