# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2004_S43
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION
Committee 7: Structure, Planning, and Administration
The committee again brought forward Res. 7-08 (TB, pp.
122−123) for further discussion (see session 3 minutes, TB,
p. 293). An amendment was offered to delete point 2 of the
second resolve (p. 123, lines 16−17). After discussion, the
assembly voted to end debate [Y: 770; N: 181] and the motion to amend carried [Y: 494; N: 478]. As discussion continued, the chair exercised his right to ask the assembly
whether it was ready to cease debate. Debate was ended [Y:
760; N: 228] and the resolution as amended failed to be
adopted [Y: 446; N: 547].
The chair noted a handwritten resolution from a delegate advocating involving delegates in outreach activities
while attending national conventions. The chair responded
that this idea will be taken under advisement as preparations are made for the next convention of the Synod.
Committee 2: District and Congregational Services
Res. 2-08A, introduced by a delegate earlier in the convention and received by the assembly as a substitute motion (see session 9 minutes, TB, p. 422) was brought forward. After the resolves of the substitute resolution were
read by the delegate who introduced the resolution, the resolves of the committee’s Res. 2-08A were read by a member of the floor committee. A motion was made to amend
the substitute resolution by replacing the word “condone”
in the first line of the second resolve with the word “tolerate.” It was also agreed by common consent to replace the
word “of ” in the second line of the second resolve with the
word “by.” A motion to refer the entire matter, resolution
and amendment, to the Commission on Theology and
Church Relations failed [Y: 406; N: 581]. The chair noted
the orders of the day and asked the assembly whether it
was prepared to cease debate on the amendment. Debate
on the motion to amend was ended [Y: 888; N: 98] and the

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amendment carried [Y: 603; N: 383]. The chair asked
whether the assembly was ready to vote on the amended
resolution. Debate was ended [Y: 888; N: 100] and the substitute resolution as amended was adopted [Y: 787; N: 206].
Committee 9: Registration, Credentials, and Elections
After the chair dismissed all floor committees with
thanks and the assembly expressed its appreciation, Committee 9 provided its final registrations report: 622 pastoral
voting delegates and 621 lay voting delegates, for a total of
1,243 voting delegates. The chair recognized the work of
Committee 9 and the technicians who assisted with the
electronic voting process.
Res. 9-01, “To Dispose of Election Ballots” (TB, p. 410),
was introduced by the committee and was adopted without
discussion by voice vote.
Adjournment and Closing Devotion
President Gerald Kieschnick offered brief closing comments to the assembly, expressing his deep appreciation for
the spirit of collegiality and good will that was present
throughout the convention, expressing his hope that the
delegates who attended the convention will continue faithfully to be involved in the mission and ministry of the
LCMS, and expressing personal thanks for the patience,
kindness, and forgiveness demonstrated throughout the
convention. He closed with a prayer that God would accompany the delegates on their way home, and that He would
continue to bless our Synod.
The chair then declared the convention closed “in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.” After the delegates expressed their appreciation to
the chair with a standing ovation, the convention session
was closed with the “Litany for Travelers” and the hymn
“Rise, Shine, You People” (TB, pp. 403−404).
Raymond L. Hartwig, Secretary

2004 Convention Proceedings