# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1973_S37 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS 37 for theological opinions. The commission is therefore in the process of preparing a document on the Lutheran stance toward ecumenism which will explicate the Synod’s position on ques- tions pertaining to inter-church activities. This document will incorporate the commission's “more detailed set of guidelines” requested by the 1971 synodical convention (Res. 3-10) as well as its interpretation of references to “unionism” in Article VI of the synodical Constitution (in response to an overture from the English District referred to the Commission by 1971 Res. 2-16). The commission hopes to release this document early in the next biennium. III. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS A. Repository Function The statement of commission functions adopted by the 1971 synodical convention (Res. 2-29) provides that the commission shall provide ‘a repository for theological treatises, conference papers, and similar documents and studies.” The intention of the committee who recommended the inclusion of this function was that the commission would receive copies of such essays and papers for possible use in its work or for referral to others who might have an interest in such areas. However, the wording of this function appears to be in conflict with responsibilities al- ready assigned to the Concordia Historical Institute. The commission recommends: 22. That the Synod eliminate the epository function from the list of the commission's responsibilities in the synodical Hand- book, and request Concordia Historical Institute to keep the commission informed of important theological treatises. con- ference papers. and similar documents and studies that might be useful for the work of the commission. B. Commission on Social Concerns After a number of consultations between representatives of the CTCR and the Commission on Social Concerns, the Com- mission on Social Concerns has requested a closer working relationship with the CTCR. Because such a relationship would be mutually beneficial to both commissions, the commission endorsed the request of the Commission on Social Concerns and referred it to the Committee on Organization for reeommenda- tion to the Synod. C. Continuing Education Because of the press of time, the 1971 synodical convention did not take explicit action on the commission’s report and recommendations pertaining to continuing education. The com- mission therefore calls the Synod’s attention to its report on this matter in the 1971 convention Workbook (p. 37). During the coming biennium, the commission hopes to develop more effec- tive means of carrying out its constitutional responsibilities in this area. The commission again recommends: 23. That the Synod request the synodical President. in con- sultation with the Council of Presidents. to provide for the coordination of the continuing theological education programs carried out by the commission and other agencies and institutions of the Synod. D. Executive Tenure The present Bylaws of the Synod provide that the Executive Secretary of the commission shall serve for a period not ex- ceeding 2 years, and also provide that the appointment may be renewed. The Board of Directors has also established a 2-year term for the presently unfilled position of Assistant Executive Secretary. The commission is of the opinion that both the quan- tity and the sensitivity of its work require that its executives ordinarily continue in their positions for a longer period of time than 2 years. The commission believes that its work and the interests of the church would benefit from having its executives serve under the same provisions for renewable 4-year terms as apply to other synodical executives (cf. Bylaw 2.11). The commis- sion therefore recommends: 24. That the Synod establish renewable 4-year terms of office for the Executive Secretary and Assistant Executive Secretary of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations. and that the Commission on Constitutional Matters be requested to make the necessary changes in the synodical Bylaws. E. Bible Versions Committee The Bible Versions Committee. which carries on its work under the aegis of the commission. has as its purpose to help the church deal responsibly regarding the nature and use of English Bible versions. Members of this committee are Drs. Martin Scharlemann, Walter Roehrs, Walter Maier, and Erich Kiehl. During the past biennium, this committee has been in contact with various groups working on new translations of the Bible. The committee has also begun to reevaluate its purpose and function in light of the Synod's present needs in this area. F. Exchange Study Committee The Exchange Study Committee. begun in 1954 and incor- porated into the structure of the CTCR in 1962. has continued to arrange academic programs between the Synod and its sister churches in various parts of the world. The complete report of this committee is appended to these minutes as Appendix J. The commission recommends: 25. That the Synod encourage the Commission on Theology and Church Relations to develop and expand the exchange study program as an important means of contributing to the theological growth and enrichment of the church bodies involved. G. District Committees Some Districts have established a committee on theology to study important theological questions confronting the District and as a means for encouraging theological study at the district level. The commission believes that such committees offer con- siderable promise for the theological well-being of the Synod. The commission is currently developing policies and procedures for maintaining appropriate liaison between such District com- mittees and the commission on the pattern of existing Synod- District relationships for other boards or commissions. H. CTCR Materials During the past biennium, the commission has continued to receive a large number of orders for its documents. These orders are now being filled by Concordia Publishing House. A complete list of documents produced by the commission avail- able through Concordia Publishing House is attached to this report as Appendix K. A Concluding Word These are indeed troublesome times for The Lutheran Church -— Missouri Synod. Our current doctrinal tensions involve important aspects of the Christian faith: they are not merely theologians’ quarrels. Moreover, our Synod’s commitment to doctrinal integrity is being tested in some of our ecumenical involvements. These are also challenging times for our Synod. We need the willingness to prize God's truth, centering in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, above all blessings—including ecclesiastical stability and peace. At the same time, we need to develop more effective ways of sharing Jesus Christ with our complex modern world. Both to preserve and to share God's truth. the bitterness and hostility of our flesh must give way to the patience and gentleness of God's Spirit. Perhaps our greatest challenge is to trust that God will actually give us what He has promised in Jesus Christ — forgiveness for our sins, peace for our lives, and power for our tasks. His grace is sufficient for us, and for our world. COMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS Theodore F. Nickel, Chairman Norbert H. Mueller, Secretary APPENDIX A Woman Suffrage Shortly before the Denver convention in 1969 the CTCR published a study document entitled, Woman Suffrage in the Church. The Denver convention of the LCMS adopted Res. 2-17 | Pro- ceedings pp. 88—89) which accepts the CTCR’s findings, which declare among other things: We find nothing in Scripture which prohibits women from exer- cising the franchise in voters’ assemblies... .