# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1975_S409
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

410 SPECIAL AND SUNDRY MATTERS

This committee considered a variety of projects and plans.
the execution of which was referred to those agencies. depart-
ments, Districts. and auxiliaries that would be more ready and
capable with the necessary staff to implement them. These will
include ‘‘specials’ using the radio and television media, fol-
lowed by an evangelism thrust based in the local congregations.
Several tracts will also be produced for distribution. The
general theme for all of these activities will be “Freedom of
Religion” as assured to us by the Constitution of the United
States of America.

Liaison with all District Presidents, District contact per-
sons, and synodical schools will continue as further plans are de-
veloped. The Districts have been asked to establish liaison with
their respective state bicentennial commissions to plan mean-
ingful celebrations on all civic levels of their state. It is also
urged and encouraged that day schools. Sunday schools, and
other church groups seize the opportunity for staging various
entertainments and other forms of celebration made possible
by the arrival and stay of the Freedom Train, Wagon Train, the
Bike-centennial, and similar events.

What freedom of religion has meant to the history of our
nation and the Lutheran contribution in shaping this history
will continue to be an integral part of our observance of our
nation’s bicentennial. It is hoped that the members of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will avail themselves of
every opportunity to be active in promoting this idea.

The synodical American Bicentennial Committee hopes to
discharge all of its responsibilities by the spring of 1976, with an
anticipated impetus throughout the Synod for an ongoing cele-
bration that can be carried out on the basis of guidelines still
to be distributed. coupled with local enthusiasm.

American Bicentennial Committee
Richard Bardolph

Otis R. Bowen, M. D.

Donald Carpenter

Milton Carpenter, Advisory
Albert G. Huegli

Gerhardt W. Hyatt

Thomas McDougall

Lewis Spitz Jr.

Cyril M. Wismar

Mrs. Otto F. Stahlke. Secretary
August Suelflow, Chairman

9-05

To Make Mission Affirmations the
Theme for the 1977 Convention

WHEREAS, Our Lord has commanded. “Go therefore and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’: and

WHEREAS, He has also declared, “As the Father has sent
Me, even so I send you”; and

WHEREAS. There is danger that amid our manifold other
concerns and our current controversies we may fail to give
Christ’s mission our primary devotion of time and energy; and

WHEREAS. The Mission Affirmations, which summon us to
God’s mission, as adopted in Detroit in 1965 were unanimously
reaffirmed at the 50th synodical convention in New Orleans:
therefore be it

Resolved. That the Mission Affirmations provide the theme
and thrust for Bible study and for mission information and
inspiration at the 1977 convention of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod.

Ohio District
Car] A. Brummé, Secretary

9-06

To Expedite Convention Business

WHEREAS, A spirit of legalism impedes the orderly conduct
of Kingdom business by appealing to technical privileges,
points of order, and similar parliamentary devices; and

WHEREAS. A sense of fair play will not disregard the rights
of those who feel their interests have not been properly safe-
guarded; therefore be it

Resolved. That points of order, questions of privilege. and
similar challenges be presented to an assistant parliamentarian,
who shall record them by a system of visual projection where
they can be seen by all delegates and can be honored at the dis-
cretion of the chairman.

Hope Lutheran Church
San Leandro, Calif.
Roberta Strom, Secretary

9-07

To Adopt Procedure for Cessation
of Debate

WHEREAS. The convention has only a limited time for the
consideration of business: and

WHEREAS. In past conventions many important resolutions
have failed of consideration: and

WHEREAS, It is desirable to provide ample opportunity for
discussion, yet it is also desirable to permit the convention to
act on the business at hand: and

WHEREAS. Provision has been made for a sharing of proposed
convention resolutions with delegates in advance of the conven-
tion and also for the written expression of opinions by mail:
therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention adopt as one of its
standing rules the following:

Any voting delegate may call the question at any time. If
two thirds of the delegates voting favor a cessation of debate,
debate shall cease, and the chairman shall put the question.
After 30 minutes of debate on any main motion, there shall be
an automatic call of the question by the chair, and if 60 percent
of the delegates voting favor a cessation of debate, debate shall
cease and the chairman shall put the question. If less than 60
percent of the delegates voting favor a cessation of debate,
debate shall continue for another 30 minutes on such a main
question, at which time there shall be a second automatic call
of the question by the chair. If at this time more than 50 percent
of the registered delegates favor a cessation of debate, debate
shall cease and the chairman shall put the question. This proce-
dure shall continue until the question is voted on. In the case of
amendments to a main motion, there shall be an automatic call
of the question after each 30 minutes of debate. and if more than
50 percent of the registered delegates favor a cessation of
debate, debate shall cease and the chairman shall put the
question.

St. James Lutheran Church
University City, Mo.

John Essen, President

Carl Meinecke, Secretary
Tom Baker, Pastor

9-08

To Accomplish Convention Business

WHEREAS, Much important business at a synodical conven-
tion never reaches the floor for action: and

WHEREAS. Delaying tactics squander much valuable time
at a conyention; and

WHEREAS, The advisory delegation together with the visi-
tors section participate in voice votes and thus exert an un-
warranted influence on the business of the convention: there-
fore be it

Resolved. That each floor committee set forth the business it
deems necessary to bring before the convention 30 days in
advance of the convention: and be it further

Resolved. That each day’s business be accepted at the be-

ginning of the convention for all sessions of the convention:
and be it finally