LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1981, Page 155

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THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS 155

session, although some changes were made at the suggestion
of LCMS representatives and other dialog participants.

Certain theological differences evident in dialog discus-
sions and reflected in the final document made it inappropriate
for LCMS representatives to concur in the approval of the
document as a joint statement. One of the LCMS representa-
tives submitted to the group a written explanation of his
reasons for voting against adoption of the common statement,
and his explanation was included in the official minutes of the
dialog. It says, in part:

a. LCMS representatives maintained that an adequate defini-
tion of baptism should cite Matthew 28:18-20. After extensive
discussion, the majority of the dialog participants agreed to refer to
this passage although not all would agree with the position of the
LCMS representatives that Matthew 28:18-20 is an accurate report
of the institution of baptism by the risen but not vet ascended Lord.

b. During discussions about the source of correct doctrine regard-
ing baptism, LCMS representatives maintained that Scripture is the
only source of Christian doctrine for the church today. The majority
of dialog participants, however, refused to refer to Scripture as the
only source of doctrine.

Since these disagreements pertain to the very essence of baptism
and to the sola scriptura principle of Lutheranism, the undersigned
cannot in good conscience join the “Statement” of the majority. forit
ignores the disagreement and makes them appear unimportant.

Although the dialog sessions did not produce a state of full
concord among the participants, they did provide many oppor-
tunities for the joint study of the Word of God on theological
issues, and LCMS representatives were able to listen and speak
in an atmosphere which was generally amicable and conducive
to helpful and open discussion.

LCMS representatives during the past biennium were Rev.
Arthur Crosmer, Prof. Jerrold Eickmann, and Dr. Willis
Wright.

4, Lutheran-Baptist

Under the auspices of the Lutheran Council in the U.S.A.
and the Baptist World Alliance, dialogs between various
Lutheran and Baptist groups began in 1979. Lutheran partici-
pants include representatives of the Lutheran Church in
America, The American Lutheran Church, AELC, and The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Baptist participants
include representatives of, among others, the Southern Baptist
Convention, American Baptist Churches, Progressive National
Baptist Convention, North American Baptist Churches, and
Seventh Day Baptists. During the past biennium three meet-
ings of the dialog have been held: Oct. 15—17, 1979, Southern
Baptist Seminary, Louisville; April 17—19, 1980, Concordia
Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne; Nov. 13—15, 1980, New
Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Two final meetings of
the dialog have been scheduled in 1981.

The initial dialog dealt with the historical and theological
context of the dialog. Papers were given on the history and
development of the Baptist and the Lutheran churches in
North America. Following responses, there was discussion of
areas of agreement and disagreement between the two tradi-
tions in terms of their historical origins and theological
convictions. The second dialog considered the role of faith/
experience and sacrament/ ordinance in each heritage. Cordial
but candid discussion concerning the nature of “faith” and the
“sacraments” helped clarify existing positions. The third
dialog turned to exegetical work, with papers on pertinent
Biblical passages pertaining to faith and Baptism.

Papers were also presented on “faith” as perceived by
Baptists and Lutherans. The fourth dialog focused on church
and ministry, with papers and responses by both groups.
Points of convergence and divergence were identified. On
certain issues, such as the authority of Scripture, differences
surfaced both within denominational groups and between
them.

The LCMS representatives are appreciative of the friendly
and respectful manner in which the dialogs were conducted
and for the serious study of the Scriptures which was under-
taken by the dialog participants. Thus far the dialogs have
been a useful means for the clarification and communication of
the historic positions of each tradition.

Both the Lutherans and Baptists have had an international
participant: Dr. Daniel F. Martensen, Lutheran World Federa-
tion, and Dr. R. Beasley-Murray, British Baptist theologian.

Representatives of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
have been Dr. Paul Barth (now deceased), Dr. James G. Manz.
and Dr. C. George Fry.

5. Lutheran-Conservative/Evangelical

Under the auspices of LCUSA’s Division of Theological
Studies, the Lutheran-Conservative Evangelical Dialog began
in October 1979. During the past biennium two meetings of this
dialog were held. A final meeting is scheduled for April 1981.

Discussion topics have included: “New Birth and Baptism,”
“Faith, Experience,” ‘‘Pietism,” “The Role of Discipline in the
Church,” “Ecclesiological-Perspectives,” “‘The Church in the
World,” and “References to Anabaptists in the Augsburg
Confession.” The topic at the final meeting will be “The
Authority and Interpretation of Scripture.”

Representatives for the dialog were chosen from seminary
faculties of the participating church bodies. The LCMS repre-
sentatives during this biennium were Dr. Lorenz Wunderlich.
Dr. Martin Haendschke, and Dr. Arthur Graudin.

E. NCC and WCC

In keeping with its responsibility to assist the President of
the Synod in dealing with other church bodies the CTCR
monitors developments within the National Council of
Churches and the World Council of Churches. On the recom-
mendation of the commission Dr. Samuel Nafzger, executive
secretary, was nominated by President Preus to serve as a
member of the NCC’s Faith and Order Commission for the
1979—81 triennium. The Executive Secretary has served as
member of this commission since his appointment by the
president in 1976 and has submitted periodic reports to the
CTCR.

F. The Charismatic Movement
1. Meeting with Charismatics

Since the charismatic movement continues to be a matter of
concern, the commission has kept itself informed of various
developments in this movement. On March 18, 1980, the
Executive Secretary spoke on this issue at Concordia Semi-
nary’s “Day of Theological Reflection.” Immediately following
this, program members of the CTCR’s Executive Committee
met with two representatives of the Lutheran Charismatic
Renewal Service to discuss concerns which these two persons
had with respect to the Synod’s position on the charismatic
movement (cf. 1977 Res. 3-10A; 1979 Res. 3-10).

2. Conference on the Holy Spirit

The President of the Synod reported to the commission on
his attendance at the eighth International Lutheran Confer-
ence on the Holy Spirit, heldin Minneapolis, Minn., Aug. 7—11,
1979. Dr. Preus was invited to bring greetings to this confer-
ence. Following consultation with the CTCR he accepted this
invitation, with the understanding that he would present the
Synod’s position on the charismatic movement. The text ofthe
President’s address to this assembly was printed in the
September 1979 issue of the Lutheran Witness.

III. AUXILIARY COMMITTEES
A. Report of the Exchange Study Committee

The Exchange Study Committee functions as an auxiliary
committee of the CTCR. Appointed to this committee by the
plenary commission for the 1979—81 biennium were Dr. Robert
Preus and Dr. Norbert Mueller from Concordia Theological
Seminary, Fort Wayne, and Dr. Ralph Bohlmann and Dr.
Richard Schultz of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Dr. Lowell
Schoer serves as CTCR liaison.

Since 1962, when the convention of the Synod placed the
exchange study program under the supervision of the CTCR
(Res. 3-06A), the commission has made it possible through its
Exchange Study Committee for members of the Synod and its
partner churches to participate in exchange study and teach-
ing programs in the seminaries of the Synod. The committee is
grateful for the way in which this program has contributed to
the theological enrichment of our coworkers in the partner
Lutheran churches and for the increased understanding which