# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2007_S170 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 170 THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS rather recently it has been common to include both possible words by showing this in print with the letter d in parentheses, so that it looks like this: “close(d) Communion.” In keeping with St. Paul’s command not to “strive about words to no profit” (2 Tim 2:14), this resolution will not concern itself with these differences in words, provided that the doctrine taught is the same. However, if the word close is used to teach that we only need to be close to each other in teaching and practice, only somewhat united, then it is a different teaching; therefore be it Resolved, That the 2006 Southern Illinois District (SID) con- vention direct her district president to undertake a visitation of every SID congregation and pastor, in order to determine whether those SID congregations and pastors are administering the Sacrament of Communion according to the approved teaching of our Synod on closed Communion, which is founded on the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions; including instruction in interpreting the term close in a way that is in agreement with our historic doctrine and teaching; and further to begin a study and discussion among us of what we mean by “extraordinary situations and circumstances” so that we may be strengthened in our unity (note: the district presi- dent always has the right to direct his vice-presidents and circuit counselors to assist him in the endeavor); and be it further Resolved, That the 2006 Southern Illinois District convention direct the district president to present a report to the 2009 SID con- vention concerning his findings and the actions he has taken in order to restore our unity in doctrine and practice; and be it finally Resolved, That the 2006 Southern Illinois District convention memorialize The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to direct her district presidents to initiate a visitation of every congregation and pastor in their respective districts: (1) to determine whether those congregations and pastors are administering the Sacrament of Com- munion according to our synodically approved teaching on closed Communion, which is founded on the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions; (2) to guide, exhort and teach so that the practice and administration of the Sacrament of the Altar in our congregations be brought into harmony with our historic teachings and Confes- sions; and (3) where there is persistent disagreement and unwill- ingness to teach and practice in harmony with our synodical teach- ings and confession, to correct, exhort and rebuke so that souls may be strengthened, sins forgiven, and faith abound (note: the district president always has the right to direct his vice-presidents and cir- cuit counselors to assist him in the endeavor). Southern Illinois District; St. Paul, Edna, TX;Trinity, Herrin, IL; Greater Egypt Circuit Forum 11, Southern Illinois District 3-47 To Identify Congregations Practicing Open Communion WHEREAS, To the Montana District convention in 2006 the Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick indicated that he was unaware of any con- gregations in the Missouri Synod practicing open communion; therefore be it Resolved, That all the delegates from congregations that prac- tice open communion raise their hands. St. John Laurel, MT 3-48 To Express Welcome at Lord’s Table Rationale For Lutheran Christians, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ (technically called “The Verba”) are the primary focus for any teaching and discussion about the Lord’s Supper. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper because of the Word of Christ, “Do this for the re- membrance of Me.” “Is” means and effects what it says; the Word makes the Sacrament (cf. Luther, Large Catechism [Tappert], p. 448, #10-11). “Take ...eat... take ... drink... all of you” are di- rect commands, and we come to the Lord’s Table to commune in obedience to His command (Large Catechism, #45-45). As Franz Pieper reminds us, we “must guard against denying the Sacrament to those Christians for whom Christ has appointed it” (Christian Dogmatics, vol. III, p. 381). Those who read communion card and/or bulletin statements which in some manner state that only those in fellowship with the LCMS are permitted to attend the Eucharist hear a counter-com- mand: do not do this; do not take... eat .. . drink. Sadly, many people heed the counter-command of human beings rather than the direct command at the celebration of Holy Communion issued by the divine Lord. A human requirement and interpretation gets into the way of the clear and direct word and command of the Lord Jesus. That should not happen in the first place, and, when it has, it~ must be reformed. Martin Luther is not complicated nor does he add requirements: “He is truly worthy and well-prepared who has faith in these words, ‘given and shed for you for the remission of sins’” (Small Cate- chism). Lutheran Christians rightly teach that the Lord’s Supper is a means of grace, and we need to help one another keep the emphasis and focus on grace and gift and welcome rather than on restrictions and requirements and complicating barriers. Resolved, That the LCMS gathered in convention encourage all who preside at and gather for worship to extend words of welcome and hospitality to each and every Christian “who has faith in these words, ‘given and shed for you for the remission of sins’” at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist; and be it further Resolved, That we thank God for guiding us by His Holy Spirit, so that we attend to the clear Word of our Lord Jesus and help all who gather where He is present to respond in faith and obedience to His gracious command. Resurrection Coronado, CA 3-49 To Encourage Proper Care of Consecrated Eucharistic Remains WHEREAS, All teaching on the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper must be in agreement with Scripture and especially the Lord’s Words of Institution; and WHEREAS, We need to clearly confess the real presence and proper use of the Sacrament amid non-Lutheran contexts in our cul- ture (FC SD X); and Wuereas, The Lutheran Church in this country has been sub- jected to many influences from non-Lutheran protestant sources and this has impacted Eucharistic practices; and WHEREAS, It is not our personal faith that causes the real pres- ence of Christ’s body and blood in the Holy Supper; and WHEREAS, Martin Luther wrote in his second letter to Pastor Simon Wolferinus, which is referred to in FC SD VII 87, “There- fore we shall define the time or the sacramental action in this way: that it starts with the beginning of the Our Father and lasts until all have communicated, have emptied the chalice, have consumed the Hosts, until the people have been dismissed and [the pastor] has left the altar. In this way we shall be safe and free from the scruples and scandals of such endless questions. Dr. Philip defines the sacra-