# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2004_S133
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS
reinforce the family, for the church is the ‘household of God’
(1 Tim. 3:15)”; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod encourage men not to neglect
their leadership responsibilities in their congregations; and
be it finally
Resolved, That the members of the Synod considering
changes regarding the service of women in congregational
offices consult with neighboring LCMS congregations, recognizing that in matters of Christian liberty, Christians are
called, above all, to do what edifies the church, respecting
the consciences of others.
Action: Adopted (10)

133

(As discussion began, a substitute resolution, the text of Overture 3-97 [CW, p. 194] was introduced but failed to be accepted
for consideration. During extended discussion, an amendment
was offered to strike all words in the second resolve after the
word church and replace with except congregation elders, congregation presidents, and communion assistants. After the chair
ruled that this amendment constituted a substitute motion, the
motion failed [Yes: 472; No: 605]. After debate was ended but
prior to the vote on the main motion, a request that the following response from the Executive Director of the Commission on
Theology and Church Relations be recorded in the minutes was
granted: “According to these guidelines, this resolution does not
give permission to women to preach in our Synod’s congregations.” The resolution was adopted as presented [Yes: 576; No:
520]. A following motion to allow delegates to record their negative votes also carried [Yes: 639; No: 348].)

2004 Convention Proceedings