# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2004_S174 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 174 THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS we thank God for their zeal to do so. We thank our Lord that such mission opportunities arise even in the face of unspeakable horrors. We condemn the practice of participating in interfaith prayer services. Although an attempt may be made to speak the Gospel, the situation gives the impression that Christianity is only one op- tion among many. We condemn statements that give the impres- sion that such services are God-pleasing, that we are spiritual broth- ers and sisters with those who are outside of the faith, and that those who are outside of the faith have access to our triune God apart from the merits of Christ. We condemn the idolatrous practices that occur at such ser- vices. We condemn the teaching that participation in such services is an adiaphoran, an indifferent thing. 13. We believe, teach, and confess as Christians that we must let Christian charity prevail in all things. True Christian charity—that is Christian love—requires that we at all times hold fast to the Word of God, in all its articles—both Law and Gospel—as it has been given to us in Holy Scripture and set forth in the Lutheran Confessions. We believe, teach, and confess that it is unloving and unchari- table to hide or obscure differences in doctrine for the sake of out- ward unity. Such actions are unloving toward God, who gave us His Word and has commanded that we proclaim it. Such actions are unloving toward our neighbor, as they present to him a false view of God’s Word and will and work against his salvation. We believe, teach, and confess that it is the highest expression of Christian charity and love when a Christian confronts an erring brother so that he might turn from his error and be saved. We be- lieve, teach, and confess that to speak the Law where unrepentant sin exists is the only truly charitable and loving action, as St. Paul admonishes us, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). We reject the teaching, explicitly or implicitly, that charity and license are the same thing. We reject the teaching that in Christian charity, teachings that contradict the Word of God can be viewed as acceptable, valid options for true belief in God. 14, We believe that there are matters of adiaphora for which there can be honest differences of opinion. Church fellowship as described in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions is not one of them. . We reject the teaching that any of the statements made above are adiaphora. We also reject the teaching that any statements pre- viously produced and accepted by the LCMS in convention have given approval to any of the practices and teachings condemned above. We reject the claim that the LCMS has ever taught that such practices and teachings are in conformity with Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. We also reject any statements that would give license to such practices and teachings. Resolution to Adopt “That They May Be One” WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has re- sponded to error throughout her history through clear, pure doctri- nal statements (Church and Ministry, 1851; Thirteen Theses on Election and Conversion, 1881; A Brief Statement of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod, 1932; Common Confession, Parts I & IT, 1950 and 1956; Statement on the Scriptures, 1959; Theology of Fellowship, 1967; A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Principles, 1973), neither adding to nor detracting from the Scrip- tures and the Lutheran Confessions, but rather clarifying issues that had arisen; and WHEREAS, Such a response, as demonstrated by Res. 2-12, 1973 Synodical Convention (Proceedings, pp. 111-15) is in accord with the Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions, and the Constitution of the LCMS; and WHEREAS, The Synod in convention alone has the authority to adopt such statements as are in agreement with the Scriptures and the Confessions; and Whereas, An issue has arisen that divides our Synod and seeks to pervert her doctrine away from its sure foundation in Scriptures and the Confessions; and WHEREAS, The document “That They May Be One” is neither a new standard of orthodoxy nor a document “based on private writ- ings, but on such books as have been composed, approved, and re- ceived in the name of the churches which pledge themselves to one doctrine and religion” (FC SD Summary, 2); and WHEREAS, This document, “That They May Be One,” clearly responds to the issues of syncretism and unionism as they have arisen in our day; therefore be it - Resolved, That the LCMS declare “That They May Be One,” in all its parts, to be scriptural and in accord with the Lutheran Con- fessions and therefore a formulation that derives its authority from the Word of God and that expresses the Synod’s position on current doctrinal issues; and be it further Resolved, That the document “That They May Be One” be pub- lished and distributed to all congregations and pastors of the Synod as a Clear statement of her doctrine. Grace Lamar, MO 3-41 To Consider Proposed Minority Opinion in Response to CTCR Review of That They May Be One WHEREAS, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) recently produced a review of That They May Be One. A Scriptural and Confessional Statement Concerning Church Fel- lowship and Public Prayer” (TTMBO); and WHEREAS, The Synod in 2001 elected Mr. Paul Nus to serve as a laymember of the CTCR; and WHEREAS, Finding himself unable in good conscience to agree with the CTCR’s review of TTMBO, Mr. Nus produced a Minority Opinion and submitted that document to the CTCR; and WHEREAS, That Opinion reads as follows: A Minority Opinion on the CTCR’s Response to That They May Be One Summary ¢ All can support TTMBO’s purpose: “Clarity and concord are es- sential to our unity. ... Our desire is to remove the division that presently separates us by making a sound confession on the basis of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. Uniting under Christ, we will remain steadfast in the truth and purity of the Gospel, pro- claiming Jesus’ love and forgiveness to the world.” * Concord requires agreement on a preliminary question: Where do we disagree? In bringing clarity to recent confusions regarding fellowship, unionism, and syncretism in our Synod, TTMBO seems to have demonstrated more support than the CTCR itself. ¢ The Commission lacks. convincing evidence for its assertion that TTMBO does not ‘adequately and correctly give expression to the doctrinal position of the Synod.” No statement in TTMBO has been demonstrated to be contrary to the Scriptures or the Lutheran Confessions. * Critics can always say “more could have been said.” The CTCR’s response presents an invitation to the authors and signers of TTMBO. Let them now say more. But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you re- ceived, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. (2 Cor. 11:4 ESV) For the salvation of souls, the people and pastors of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod must continue to proclaim the same Jesus proclaimed by the apostles, remain in the Spirit we have received from Christ, and continue in the same Gospel accepted since the Synod’s formation for that is what keeps our devotion to