# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1975_S169
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

169

9. SPECIAL AND SUNDRY MATTERS

To Observe the Black Centennial
RESOLUTION 9-01

Report 9-03 (CW, p. 409); N.O. Res. 11-22

Wuereas, The Synod has proclaimed 1977 to be the
year for synodical observance of 100 years of ministry
among black brothers; and

Wuereas, A specially appointed Black Centennial
Committee has been formulating specific recommenda-
tions for observing the Black Centennial; therefore be it

Resolved, That the entire Synod observe the Black
Centennial for a full year, beginning with the 1977
synodical convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board of Directors authorize the
implementation of those recommendations of the com-
mittee which it deems to be beneficial and practical; and
be it finally

Resolved, That a Synodwide thankoffering be gath-
ered during the year of observance for the purposes of
funding (a) the development of the celebration program
and (b) the recruitment and financing of the training of
black professional church workers.

Action: Adopted (10).
(The committee changed “supervise” to “authorize” in the
second resolved.)

To Encourage Use of
Materials Provided by the
American Bicentennial Committee

RESOLUTION 9-02
Report 9-04; Overture 9-27 (CW, pp. 409, 414)

WuereEas, The American Bicentennial Committee of
the Synod is actively pursuing its mandate to prepare
and provide materials that will enable our church body
to participate with Christian propriety and dignity in the
Bicentennial of our beloved nation; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention urge all con-
gregations to participate as fully as possible in the
observance of the Bicentennial of our nation’s birth,
making as full use as is practical of the materials
provided by the Bicentennial Committee.

Action: Adopted (10).

To Amend Bylaws
re Armed Forces Commission

RESOLUTION 9-03
Report 9-01 (CW, pp. 403—405)
Resolved, That the Bylaw revisions proposed by the
Armed Forces Commission be adopted:
PRESENT WORDING
15.23 General Duties

all branches of the Armed Forces by soliciting and
processing applications and granting ecclesiastical
endorsements for appointments as chaplains in the
Armed Forces and Veterans Administration;

15.27 Active Military Personnel

The commission shall —

a. keep an accurate record of all of Synod’s person-
nel serving in the various branches of the Armed
Forces;

c. provide Christian literature for personnel in the
Armed Forces and refer them to the nearest chaplain
or pastor and Communion service;

15.29 The Military and Veterans in Hospitals

b. secure the services of civilian pastors to minis-
ter in hospitals not served by a chaplain of the Synod;

PROPOSED WORDING
15.23 General Duties

c. endeavor to keep the Synod well represented in
all branches of the Armed Forces by soliciting and
processing applications and granting ecclesiastical
endorsements for appointments as chaplains in the
Armed Forces and Veterans Administration and as
directors of religious education for the military services;

h. maintain liaison and operation with the Divi-
sion of Service to Military Personnel of the Lutheran
Council in the U.S.A. in matters pertaining to the
military and with the Department of Institutional
Chaplaincy and Clinical Pastoral Education of the
Division of Mission and Ministry of the Lutheran
Council in the U.S.A. in matters pertaining to the
Veterans Administration.

15.27 Active Military Personnel

The commission shall —

a. keep an accurate record of all of the Synod’s
personnel serving in the various branches of the
Armed Forces;

c. provide Christian literature for personnel in the
Armed Forces and refer them to the nearest Lutheran
chaplain or military contact pastor and Communion
service;

15.29 The Military and Veterans in Hospitals

b. secure the services of Lutheran visitation pas-
tors to minister in hospitals not served by a chaplain of
the Synod;

Action: Adopted (10).

To Change Bylaw 5.31 k
(Appeals Cases)
RESOLUTION 9-04
Report 9-02 (CW, p. 408)

Wuereas, The present Bylaw 5.31 k states that the
records of the “final decisions” made by the Commission
of Adjudication or the Board of Appeals “shall be pre-
served in a locked file in the custody of the President of
the Synod”; and

Wuereas, That Bylaw presently specifies that “any
such closed files shall be opened only with the approval
of the Board of Appeals”; and

Wuereas, The Concordia Historical Institute, the

c. endeavor to keep the Synod well represented in Department of Archives and History, has been desig-