# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2007_S226
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

226 SEMINARY AND UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

modation on what the timeless traditional concept of marriage has
always meant” (www.lcms.org/pages/ internal.asp?NavID=4662).

The Concordia University Board of Regents discovered Dr.
Nelson’s affiliation with the homosexual agenda only several days
before the award was to be given and, without doubt, that compli-
cated this issue. Still, a distinguished university of our church gave
the Spirit of Christ award to an advocate of ungodly sexuality. This
is scandalous to the church and should not be repeated. Since our
Synod’s Board of University Education has as part of its responsi-
bilities to “monitor the ongoing faithfulness of all Concordia Uni-
versity System institutions to the Synod’s doctrine and practices”
(Bylaw 3.8.3.4.1) and to “work to maintain and enhance the Christ-
centered Lutheran character of its institutions, [and] establish ex-
pectations for the quality of its institutions” (Bylaw 3.8.3.4.1), itis
fitting that this board give guidelines to the Synod’s universities as
they give honorary degrees and awards.

WHEREAS, In His holy Word the Triune God has clearly con-
demned all sexual immorality, including homosexual sin (Gen.
18-19; Exod. 20; Lev. 18; Rom. 1); and

Wuereas, In our day, many have need to hear the true procla-
mation of God’s Word so that they may be brought from their
bondage and captivity to homosexual sin by the power of the Holy
Spirit through the Word of God (Rom. 1-3; 1 Cor. 6-7); and

WuerEAS, Concordia University, River Forest, bestowed upon
Dr. Mary Nelson the Spiritus Christi Medallion award in recogni-
tion of her work among the poor of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, It is publicly known that Dr. Nelson is affiliated with
Inclusivenet, an organization that advocates the inclusion of ho-

mosexuals in the life of the church apart from repentance, including
the ordination and service as pastors of active homosexuals in the
ELCA; and .

WHEREAS, The awarding of the Spiritus Christi Medallion bears
a false witness to the confession of the LCMS and Concordia Uni-
versity by stating that one who publicly promotes a sin against
Christ is worthy of an award that bears our Lord’s name; and

WHEREAS, This type of error should never be repeated; and

Wuereas, The Synod’s Board of University Education has its
responsibility to “monitor the ongoing faithfulness of all Concordia
University System institutions to the Synod’s doctrine and prac-
tices” (Bylaw 3.8.3.4.1) and to “work to maintain and enhance the
Christ-centered Lutheran character of institutions, [and] establish
expectations for the quality of its institutions” (Bylaw 3.8.3.4.1);
therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board of University Education compile clear
guidelines for awarding of honorary degrees and awards for the in-
stitutions Concordia University System to ensure that honorees are
those whose faith and lives are in accord with the Word of God and
the doctrine of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; and be it
further

Resolved, That the East Region Pastoral Conference send this
overture to the 2007 Synod convention in Houston.

East Region Pastoral Conference
North Illinois District