# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1973_S50 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 50 THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS persons who have diligently sought the will of God in the Scriptures; and be it further Resolved, That The American Lutheran Church express its conviction that the Scriptures do not teach that women are forbidden to serve as ministers of Word and Sacrament or that women are always to be subordinate to men, but rather that men and women are to live and serve together as full partners in all aspects of the gospel, as St. Paul says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” (Gal.3:28); and be it further Resolved, That The American Lutheran Church express its willingness to continue to discuss this question in the Commission on Fellowship and to engage in multi-level dis- cussions as proposed by the Inter-Lutheran Consultation as presented to the Jurisdictional Presidents in February 1971; and be it further Resolved, That The American Lutheran Church respect- fully request The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod to continue to examine the Scriptures with all diligence as we commit ourselves to continued study; and be it further Resolved, That The American Lutheran Church express its fervent hope that The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod fully implement its declaration of fellowship with The Amer- ican Lutheran Church. ADMINISTRATION 2-09 To Restructure Commission on Theology and Church Relations Wuereas, The CTCR was created to assist the President of Synod and the Synod in the following ways: a. Serve the members of Synod as a clearinghouse for all matters relating to doctrinal unity in the Lutheran Church. It shall work closely with the President of Synod. b. Give guidance and advice in conducting institutes and seminars on theological matters of interest and concern in the Synod, and provide opportunities for theological study by pastors and teachers in service c. Consider and seek to adjust matters concerning which dif- ferences of opinion have arisen in Synod and which have been referred to it by the President and Vice-Presidents. The func- tions of this commission shall be strictly advisory in this capac- ity, along the line of brotherly effort in the interest of divine truth. d. Assist the President of Synod in representing the Synod in official contacts with other churches and synods in the interest of divine truth. e. Assist the President in his official contact with all sister churches of Synod by aiding, counseling, and advising them and strengthening the relations with and between them. It may plan conferences and meetings and the exchange of personnel to im- plement the above. f. Direct its activities toward preserving and strengthening the doctrinal unity which our Synod enjoys with others and pro- moting the cause of true doctrinal unity wherever possible. g. Advise and prepare special studies in theological matters both of an internal and external nature upon request of the President of Synod, the synodical officers, executives, boards, commissions, and committees. h. Thoroughly study Bible translations and revisions and re- port its findings to the synodical constituency. i. Keep the constituency of Synod informed concerning its activities and report to the synodical convention. [Reports and Memorials, 45th convention of the LCMS, Cleveland, Ohio /20— 29 June, 1962,’p. 252]; and Wuereas, God has blessed the Synod through the work of the CTCR; and Wuereas, The Synod has a continuing need for the ser- vices rendered by the commission as the Synod studies and investigates various theological and ecclesiastical issues; and Wuereas, The Synod has been blessed with individuals of theological and ecclesiastical expertise (e. g., pastors and teachers serving on the faculties of the Synod’s colleges) whose talents can be used effectively by the commission to carry out its study and investigative responsibilities; and Wuereas, The work of the commission would be expe- dited by the more frequent and intensive involvement of qualified individuals and groups of individuals within the Synod as the commission carries out programs of research on various issues needing study and reflection within the Synod; and Wuereas, Such a delegation of duties and responsibilities would decrease the need for the present size of the commis- sion; therefore be it Resolved, That the Commission on Theology and Church Relations make frequent use of individuals and groups within the Synod, such as the theological faculties of the Synod’s colleges, in the commission’s study and research activities; and be it further Resolved, That synodical Handbook Policy 2.109 (“Com- mission on Theology and Church Relations”), section “a. Membership,” be revised as follows: 2.109 Commission on Theology and Church Relations a. Membership. The Commission on Theology and Church Relations shall consist of nine voting members and one advisory member, to be selected as follows: 1. Four professors of theology from the terminal schools of the Synod —two of whom shall be pro- fessors at the seminaries of the Synod and no more than one professor from any given school — shall be elected by the Synod in convention. 2. One District President of one of the Synod’s Districts shall be elected by the Synod in conven- tion. 3. Four members, according to the pattern of one pastor, one teacher, and two laymen, shall be elected by the Synod in convention. 4. The President of Synod shall be the advisory member of the commission. Facuity Concorpia TEAcHERS CoLLEcE Seward, Nebr. W. Th. Janzow, President James Nelesen, Secretary 2-10 To Ask Council of Presidents to Review Bylaws on Doctrinal Review Wuereas, The literary scholarship of our Synod is seri- ously hampered by restrictive and prescriptive censorship; and Wuereas, Synod’s Handbook (1971 edition, Section F, Articles 11.151 through 11.163 inclusive) allows for serious conflict of interest in doctrinal review; therefore be it Resolved, The Synod instruct the Council of Presidents to review the aforementioned Articles and Bylaws; and be it further Resolved. That the Council of Presidents report to the next synodical convention. EASTERN REGIONAL PasTORAL CONFERENCE ENGLISH DISTRICT Bruce Lieske, Secretary 2-11 To Continue Editorial Board of CPH Wuereas, That in the plans and future consideration of operations of Concordia Publishing House thought may have been given to eliminate the Editorial Board of CPH; and Wuereas, The Editorial Board has proven its continued worth and existence by virtue of its long history of meri- torious service, thereby maintaining high standards of publi- cation, and establishing and preserving the excellent repu- tation of CPH: therefore be it Resolved, That Synod direct Concordia Publishing House to continue the Editorial Board indefinitely; and be it further