# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1979_S160
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

9. SPECIAL AND SUNDRY MATTERS

To Express Opposition to Blasphemy
and Pornography in Movies,
in the Media, and in Literature

RESOLUTION 9-01
Overtures 9-07—9-08B (CW, p. 242)

WHEREAS The use of blasphemy and pornography is
becoming more pronounced in movies, in the media, and
in literature; and

WHEREAS, We as a church body should take a stand
against such blasphemy and pornography, and suggest
ways and means to counteract the same; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention go on record
as opposing all blasphemy and pornography in movies,
in the media, and in literature; and be it further

Resolved, That the Public Relations Department of
the Synod relay this stance to the producers of the public
media and develop guidelines for helping our congrega-
tions, our schools, and our families in their efforts to
protest and combat this evil trend.

Action: Adopted (5).

To Allow Concept
of Special Creation to Be Taught
in Public Schools

RESOLUTION 9-02A
Overture 9-09 (CW, p. 242)

WHEREAS, The concept of evolution is being taught
in many public schools as the sole origin of the world
and man; and

WHEREAS, Many accept the concept of a special
creation as the origin of the world and man (Heb. 11:30;
therefore be it

Resolved, That where the evolutionary concept is
being taught in the public schools, we urge that a special
creation concept should be permitted to be taught in the
public schools; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board of Parish Education senda
copy of this resolution to all state departments of
education.

Action: Adopted as amended (5).

(The convention declined to consider Res. 9-02 as a substi-
tute. References to the United States were deleted by common
consent from the two whereases. The words “we urge that”
were added by formal amendment.)

To Improve
and Emphasize Conferences

RESOLUTION 9-03
Overture 9-05 (CW, p. 241)

WHEREAS, Our various pastoral conferences for Cir-

161

cuits, regions, and Districts were begun to promote
fellowship, unity, mutual care, pastoral discussion of
current topics, Bible study, worship, continuing educa-
tion, etc., among our clergy; and

WHEREAS, Our Synod has in the past seen fit to
require attendance by our pastors at conferences; and

WHEREAS, The purposes for which these conferences
were begun are defeated when conference programs are
not of reasonable value; and

WHEREAS, The purposes for which these conferences
were begun are further defeated when pastors choose
not to attend for other than valid reasons (regardless of
program); and

WHEREAS, Most excuses offered for absences simply
show the low priority many pastors place on such
conferences; and

WHEREAS, Such priorities are in conflict with the
priorities of the Synod in establishing such conferences;
and

WHEREAS, It is agreed that implementation of the
Synod’s practices is the duty of the various District
Presidents and Circuit Counselors; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod direct its District Presi-
dents and Circuit Counselors to use their influence and
authority to maintain our system of conferences to
attain the purposes for which conferences are held; and
be it further

Resolved, That this charge be carried out by careful
attention to procedures and regulations already estab-
lished; and be it further

Resolved, That District Presidents and Circuit Coun-
selors exert influence to see that programs for spiritual
and professional growth are offered; and be it further

Resolved, That District Presidents and Circuit Coun-
selors, using brotherly admonition, contact those pas-
tors who show disregard for these conferences; and be it
finally

Resolved, That District Presidents and Circuit Coun-
selors encourage congregations to accept the cost of
such conferences for their pastors.

Action: Adopted (8).

To Amend Bylaw 15.51 (Archives)
RESOLUTION 9-04
Report 9-02 (CW, pp. 237—240)

The report of the Department of Archives and the
Concordia Historical Institute as presented on pp. 237—
240 of the Convention Workbook has been received,
noting especially the dedication of the building addition
Feb. 11, 1979, and also the significant anniversaries to
be observed in the coming biennium. In addition to the