# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1975_S69 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS 69 Resolred. That the members of our congregations and the pastors who lead them or are connected with them in any way be encouraged to pray for a greater manifestation of the unity of the Spirit; and be it finally Resolved. That the District President be asked to submit this resolution as an overture to the 1975 convention of the Synod in Anaheim to encourage all congregations and pastors of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod actively to work toward unity in the confession of faith. through our Lord Jesus Christ. Minnesota North District August Mennicke, President Edmund Bentrup, Secretary Identical or similar: 3-19B and 3-19C SELC District Immanuel, Oceanside, Calif. Albert Marcis R. B. Faerber 3-20A To Foster Reconciliation WHEREAS. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has adopted several doctrinal resolutions in the attempt to resolve several issues of controversy in our church: and WHEREAS. Many other reconciling and healing efforts have been attempted and promoted: and WHEREAS, Synodical and District officials have earnestly striven for such dialog and genuine face-to-face reconciliation under the Holy Spirit and in God’s Word in the past: and WHEREAS. Some who are in opposition to certain synodical decisions yet have earnestly desired, urged, and promoted face-to-face dialog without malice: and WHEREAS. Some members of the Synod have refused face- to-face conversations and discussions for reconciliation and have even ridiculed and maligned those who attempted to work out a God-pleasing healing; therefore be it Resolved. That the members of the Michigan District as- sembled in convention deplore all unchristian attitudes which reject the invitations and efforts for reconciliation offered by members of the Synod: and be it further Resolved. That members of the Michigan District and the Synod be urged to engage in constructive person-to-person discussion and communication on the basis of Scripture and the Confessions to clarify the issues of controversy, that reconcilia- tion and healing may be achieved: and be it finally Resolved. That members of the District and the Synod implore the Holy Spirit’s guidance and beg Christ’s mercy for pardon and peace so unity may be restored and our individual and congregational energies may be expended in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. Michigan District Norbert H. Mueller. Secretary Identical or similar: 3-20B and 3-20C Peace, New Berlin, Wis. Martin Bangert Grace, Jacksonville, Fla. Paul Brenner 3-21A To Strive for Unity WHEREAS, All members of the Synod sin daily and have oftentimes sinned against each other in word and deed, causing much dissension, grief, and turmoil within the Synod: and WHEREAS. The Synod, Districts, colleges. local congregations, and all other facets of our church have suffered greatly as a result of this disunity and dissension; and WHEREAS, Such dissension and disunity greatly detract from the ability of the Synod to fulfill its obligation of extending the Lord’s kingdom: therefore be it Resolved. That all members of the Synod, individually and collectively, seek forgiveness of all their sins: and be it further Resolved. That all members of the Synod, and especially those members in positions of leadership. fervently seek recon- ciliation of all factions and dissenting groups of the Synod: and be it finally Resolved. That, in order to preserve the doctrine of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. those members of the Synod whose stated doctrinal position is in conflict with the Holy Bible and the Lutheran Confessions be dealt with accord- ing to Matt. 18 and in a manner pleasing to God. that His name may be glorified and His kingdom extended. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church North Platte, Nebr. L. V. Schneider, President Craig Wolske. Secretary Identical or similar: 3-21B Messiah, Plainfield, N. J. Wm. Hughes 3-22 To Put an End to Doctrinal Confusion WHEREAS. The Synod has been engaged in doctrinal conflict over many years: and WHEREAS. Doctrinal conflict under God where proper Chris- tian discipline is exerted can serve the wholesome purpose of separating false teachers from the orthodox, making manifest those who are of one spirit. and establishing those who see the truth in their Christian faith (cf. 1 Cor. 11:19; 1 John 2:19); and WHEREAS. Continued doctrinal conflict can be a very destruc- tive. demoralizing, and frustrating experience which keeps a church body from being an effective witness to Christ in the world if and when such conflict becomes a reason for com- promise, retreat from former confessional principles, and a prolonged policy for coexistence with error; and WHEREAS. The many conferences. convocations, special committees. etc.. which have been called officially and un- officially to deal with the present conflict seem to indicate a fear of applying decisive Christian discipline and tend to promote and prolong confusion because of an unwillingness to heed Scriptures admonition, Rom. 16:17: therefore be it Resolved. That this convention of the LCMS exhort those who find themselves in disagreement with the public doctrine and practice of the LCMS to cease from any effort to broaden the Synod's doctrinal boundaries so as to make room for diverse and opposing teachings: and be it further Resolved. That those who find themselves in opposition to the teachings of the Synod either make an honest effort to see. accept, and follow the position of the Synod to which they by membership declare themselves to be in harmony, or if they find it impossible to do so. to stop causing doctrinal conflict and confusion by their insistence on membership within the Synod: and be it further Resolved. That those who cannot in good conscience and will not abide by the practice and teaching of the Synod's public confession sever their relationship with the Synod and join a church body with which they are in agreement: and be it finally Resolved. That they do this within 3 months after the close of this convention, so as not to cause prolonged confusion and disturbance to the Synod and its congregations. St. Paul's Lutheran Church Fairmont, Minn. Willis Hinz, Chairman Charles Backstrom. Secretary 3-23A To Recognize Cause of Synodical Crisis and Take Steps to Remedy It WHEREAS. The former president of the Synod, Dr. John W. Behnken, pointed to the influence of new theology on views