# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1973_S200
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

NS ’S*CS

200 SYNODICAL ADMINISTRATION

WHEREAS, The change from a triennial to a biennial con-
vention has increased the Opportunity and climate for this
approach, and at the same time displaced what might have
become a worthy pattern in Synod, viz., a triennial circuit
counselors’ convocation; and

WHEREAS, The week-long circuit counselors’ convocations
of 1957 and 1960 made a great contribution to the life of
our church in terms of theological unity and enthusiasm for
our common tasks: and

Wuereas, The great advantage of these convocations was
that they brought together the entire leadership echelons of
the church as equals in a program of intensive study of the
Word of God, as well as a detailed review of all phases of
the work of the church; and

Wuereas, Regular convocations of our circuit counselors
would again provide a face-to-face, brotherly sharing of

reference to power groups, thus inviting the presence and
power of the Holy Spirit and giving Him free reign to heal
our hurts. At the same time, they would equip the key
communicators of our system, our circuit counselors, for
their vital role in involving all our pastors and congregations
in such sharing of our common concerns; therefore be it

Resolved. That a Synodwide convocation of circuit coun-
selors be held at least once in a quadrennium, this to be
a week of theological study and an intensive review of all
phases of the work of the church.

ComMIssIon on MIssIon anp MINISTRY IN THE CuHuRCH
L. C. Wuerffel, Chairman

4-57
To Establish Office of Conciliation

Wuereas, The office of President of Synod is charged with
the duty and responsibility of supervision of doctrine and
practice in the whole Synod, in accordance with Article XI
B of the Constitution; and

WHEREAS, Therefore, individuals whose concerns, com-
plaints, and Srievances have not been satisfied or removed
through other channels may appeal to the President of
Synod for further appropriate action; and

Wuereas, The present concerns for doctrine and practice
have greatly increased and magnified the number of com-
plaints and grievances being received by the President's
office; and

WHEREAS, It is in the best interest of harmony and recon-
ciliation, and to avoid polarization, that any such differences
or grievances be arbitrated and that formal disciplinary pro-
cedures be avoided wherever informal conciliation efforts
could prove successful; and

WHEREAS, The development of these procedures in the
most effective manner requires a degree of attention by and

trative mechanism has heretofore been provided in the
Bylaws for the execution of such responsibilities; therefore
be it

Resolved, That an Office of Conciliation be established,
as a function of the office of the President of Synod, to be
administered by a qualified, full-time pastor, such officer to
be appointed by the President and whose duties shall be as
ollows:

1. To receive and process complaints, grievances, and
charges that are directed to the office of the President of
Synod; and

2. To examine such gievances and attempt to resolve the

issues informally. If that proves impossible, to suggest
proper formal procedures to be followed consonant with the
Constitution and Bylaws; and

3. To help protect the rights and reputation of the parties
who are named or charged with error or impropriety, as
well as to try to ameliorate the parties who may feel ag-
grieved; and/or

4. To initiate action which might Prevent such com-
plaints, grievances, or criticisms from developing; and be it
further

Resolved, That this office be included in the Bylaws of
Synod under paragraph 2.31, making the following addition
thereto:

¢. Which shall include the Office of Conciliation
to be administered by a full-time officer who shall
be an ordained minister in the Synod.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
Scarsdale, N.Y,

Merlin C. Meyer, Pastor
Alfred Barsuhn, President

4-58

To Make Church Extension Board
Once Again an Elective Board

Wuereas, Resolution 4-40 of the Milwaukee convention
Proceedings revised section 2.04 of the Handbook providing
for the appointment of the synodical Church Extension
Board; and

WHEREAS, The committee’s report on synodical organiza-
tion reporting on “II. Synodical Convention Matters Short
and Long Ballot,” p. 215, Milwaukee convention Workbook,
states the following: “It 8enerally agreed that boards en-
trusted with larger amounts of operating funds serving a
vast number of synodical and _ nonsynodical people and in-
volved in highly important policy decisions, including rela-
tionships with nonsynodical agencies and churches, ought
to be elected by the delegates at the convention”; and

WHEREAS, The reasons mentioned for election of board
members are applicable to responsibility, activity, and inter-
church relationships of Church Extension Board members;
therefore be it

Resolved, That the synodical Church Extension Board
indly request the New Orleans convention to rescind the
action of the Milwaukee convention and again place the
svnodical Church Extension Board in section 2.03 Elective
Boards,
Cyurcu ExtTENSIon Boarp
A. C. Haake, Assistant Executive Secretary

4-59

To Retain Retirement Policy

WHEREAS, Experience and expertise are accumulated over
a period of years: and

WHEREAS, Many contributions in time and energy have
been made by persons over 65: and

Wuereas, City, state, federal, and private business em-
ployees in many instances have the option to remain em-
ployed in their field of specialties after age 65; therefore
e it

Resolved, That Synod continue with its present retirement
Policy as outlined in the 1971 Handbook, Section 2.105.

Boarb oF SocrA MINIstry ann Wortp RELIEF
Leslie F. Weber, Executive Secretary