# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2004_S29
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION
(survey results provided elsewhere in 2004 Convention Proceedings). The delegates were thanked for their cooperation, and their attention was directed to a more extensive
survey posted on the Synod’s Web site.
Res. 4-01, “To Initiate ‘Stewardship Ablaze’ ” (TB, p. 69),
was introduced by the committee. As discussion began, a
motion was offered that the Board of Directors, the Council
of Presidents, and the Board for Communication Services
explore selling the KFUO FM station. The motion was
ruled out of order. The ruling of the chair was appealed.
The assembly sustained the chair’s ruling [Y: 872; N: 215]
and the orders of the day were called.
Committee 6: Human Care
Committee Chairman James Keurulainen introduced
the work of his committee, explaining that for Lutheran
Christians human care is not an option. He introduced a
short video to set the scene for his committee’s work. He
noted that this is one important area in which we can work
together with our fellow Lutherans, Lutheran Services of
America being the largest human care organization in the
United States.
Res. 6-01, “To Address National Human Care Priorities”
(TB, pp. 103–104), was introduced by the committee. After
discussion, debate was ended [Y: 1,032; N: 82] and the resolution was adopted as presented [Y: 1,075; N: 44].
Res. 6-02A, “To Make Compensation and Health Care of
Church Workers a High Priority” (TB, p. 245), was introduced by the committee. After discussion, a motion to cease
debate carried [Y: 1,024; N: 90] and the resolution was
adopted as presented [Y: 1,075; N: 57].
Res. 6-03, “To Provide for ‘Veterans of the Cross’ ” (TB, p.
104), was introduced by the committee. A motion to cease
debate carried [Y: 934; N: 180] and the resolution was
adopted as presented [Y: 1,109; N: 22].
Res. 6-04, “To Encourage Congregations to Support
Lutherans for Life” (TB, p. 105), was introduced by the
committee. A motion to cease debate carried [Y: 828; N:
289] and the resolution was adopted as presented [Y: 1,088;
N: 47].
Res. 6-05A, “To Provide Safe Environment for Interaction of Church Workers and Children” (TB, p. 211), was introduced with explanation by the committee. After debate
was ended [Y: 850; N: 269] the resolution was adopted as
presented [Y: 1,079; N: 55].
Res. 6-06, “To Support Refugee Resettlement” (TB, p.
106), was introduced by the committee. An early motion to
cease debate failed [Y: 586; N: 556] and discussion continued. A motion to amend line 37 after the word “refugee” by
adding two words, “and asylee” and line 42 after the word
“refugee” by adding the words “or asylee” was discussed.
After debate was ended on the amendment [Y: 1,081; N: 45]
the amendment carried [Y: 1,096; N: 44]. Discussion of the
amended motion continued. A motion to change “asylee” to
“asylum-seeker” by common consent failed to receive the required unanimous agreement. A motion to amend further
the resolution by inserting the words “or immigrant” after
the word “refugee” in both cases where previous amendments were made was discussed, such change to also be reflected in the resolution’s title. A motion to close debate on

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both the motion to amend and the main motion carried [Y:
1,058; N: 52] and the motion to amend was carried [Y:
1,020; N: 95]. The resolution as amended was then adopted
[Y: 1,078; N: 52].
A motion to change the orders of the day to allow Committee 6 another 30 minutes to continue its business failed
[Y: 599; N: 490].
Committee 2: District and Congregational Services
Res. 2-02A, “To Ensure Uniformity in Catechism Translation” (TB, p. 192), was introduced by the committee. After
brief discussion, a motion to cease debate failed [Y: 411; N:
708]. Discussion continued at length. A motion to amend
the First Commandment reference in the preamble by replacing the words “omission of ” with “retain” and by striking the parenthetical statement “(following Luther’s original)” was introduced. A motion to cease debate on both
motions carried [Y: 868; N: 275]. The motion to amend
failed [Y: 425; N: 718] and the unamended main motion
also failed [Y: 580; N: 585].
After Committee 2 was excused until another time, the
Committee for Convention Nominations gave notice that it
would be receiving nominations for seminary boards of regents elections in Room 125 until 7:00 p.m.
Devotion
Convention Chaplain Loren Kramer led the assembly in
a closing devotion, noting the many times that “one another” occurs in the New Testament, including regular encouragements to pray for “one another.” He read the names
of those for whom the prayers of the convention were requested and included them in his prayer. The hymn “All
Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” and words of benediction
closed the session.
Session 5
July 13, 2004
Opening Devotion
An alumnus of Concordia University, Portland, Oregon,
provided “call to gather” music to begin the convention day.
Chaplain Loren Kramer introduced Dr. Charles Schlimpert,
President of Concordia, who provided the opening devotion.
Dr. Schlimpert began his devotion with prayer. Under
the theme, “Hope for the Lost,” he reminded that we live in
a generation that is taking a great fall, leaving so many
people without hope, also reminding that we have a magnificent opportunity to step forward with the Good News,
bringing love and hope to a dying world. Referring to the
story of Cornelius in Acts 10, he called attention to Peter’s
reaction to his vision from God. God made clear to Peter
that He wants all people to come to know of His salvation,
including those who are different and particularly those
without hope. To this task God also has called us.
After the assembly sang the song “Thy Word Is a Lamp
unto My Feet,” the devotion was closed with prayer.
Among other announcements, Dr. Kieschnick provided
a progress report of resolutions to come before the convention. He reported that of the 115 resolutions before the convention, 21 have been addressed. He then asked the assembly whether they would be in favor of having an
2004 Convention Proceedings