LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1981, Page 315

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314 SPECIAL AND SUNDRY MATTERS

9-07

To Eliminate Bylaw 2.127 e
(Circularizing Synod)

WHEREAS, The Ohio District convention in 1974 petitioned
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to eliminate or amend
Bylaw 2.127 e; and

WHEREAS, The Anaheim convention failed to do so; and

WHEREAS, The inconsistencies pointed to in 1974 are even
more pronounced in the light of Anaheim Res. 3.06, which
commends study, movements, actions, and even dissent as
long as these are carried out in a decent and orderly manner;
and

WHEREAS, Res. 3.06 included the recognition that there have
been many times in the past and there may be times in the
future when those who would level responsible criticism within
the Synod feel the need to gather together in an organization,
the purpose of which is to coordinate many voices into one and
to express their comment and criticism in a meaningful way;
and

WHEREAS, The 1977 Dallas Res. 5-30 declined a similar
overture by inferring that the general matters covered in
Anaheim Res. 3-06 did not apply to the nominations of
President and Vice-President and that 2.127 e has served a
useful purpose; and

WHEREAS, 2.127 e has not been a long-lived Bylaw but a
relatively new one, and it has been controversial; and

WHEREAS, The President of Synod and various other officials
frequently circularize Synod on matters pertaining to issues
and procedures that have a strong bearing on votes and voting,
and this circularizing is usually via “official” and Synod-
sponsored publications and mailing; and

WHEREAS, The general guideline on matters pertaining to
circularizing covered in Anaheim Res. 3-06 ought to cover
specific applications such as nominations and elections of
candidates to important offices; and

WHEREAS, The opening of the political process tends to
encourage the involvement of more people and discourage the
always present alternative of “under the table” politics or the
“none dare call it politics played under the cover of other
labels” politics; and

WHEREAS, It is patently absurd to ask for individuals and
congregations to nominate officers and to otherwise participate
in the democratic processes of the church and, at the same time,
to suggest that it is wrong to exchange all manner of com-
munications about the persons and positions on which votes
will be taken; therefore be it

Resolved, That we petition Synod to eliminate Bylaw
2.127 e.

St. Thomas Lutheran Church

Rocky River, Ohio

Donald Reiss, President

James Kretzschman, Secretary

Phillip B. Giessler, Pastor

9-08

To Assure Objectivity
in Official Conferences

WHEREAS, Our fellowship in Christ and our unity in faith
has long been furthered by official pastoral and teachers
conferences; and

WHEREAS, In the past two decades official conferences have
sometimes created tensions and divisions by one-sided promo-
tion of novel and controversial views; and

WHEREAS, The Bylaws do not specifically mention (4.115)
doctrinal unity as a purpose for these gatherings; and

WHEREAS, Program committees frequently operate inde-
pendently of elected synodical officials; therefore be it

Resolved, That all programs for official conferences be
submitted in advance to the District president; and be it further

Resolved, That since District presidents are assigned re-
sponsibility for doctrine and practice (Constitution, XII, 7),
they be instructed to insure that all official programs include
competent and adequate replies to every challenge that is made
to our traditional doctrine and practice; and be it finally

Resolved, That this requirement be specified in Bylaw 4.115.
Hope Lutheran Church

San Leandro, Calif.

Ellen Pelham, Secretary

9-09A

To Thank God on 60th Anniversary
of Colorado District

WHEREAS, The Colorado District was organized by The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 1921; and

WHEREAS, God has richly blessed the Colorado District and
its congregations through the proclamation of His Holy Gospel
in those 60 years; and

WHEREAS, By the grace and by the power of His Holy Spirit,
He has strengthened His people and expanded His Kingdomin
and through the congregations of the Colorado District; there-
fore be it

Resolved, That this convention join with the members of the
Colorado District in thanking God for His grace and mercy
through the 60 vears of its history; and be it further

Resolved, That we commend the Colorado District to our
Lord in prayer, seeking His blessing on the congregations of
the Colorado District as they carry on the mission of Jesus
Christ and His church.

Colorado District
Ralph Phipps, President

Identical or similar:

9-09B

Redeemer, Albuquerque, N. Mex. Charles Borgman

9-10
To Observe District Centennial Year

WHEREAS, Lutheran Christians in the South felt a need
during the 1870s for a separate synodical District so that rapid
expansion and better growth could be achieved; and

WHEREAS, The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of
Missouri, Ohio, and other States in May 1881 granted permis-
sion for the formation of a new District, apart from its Western
District, to be formed in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Texas; and

WHEREAS, The Southern District of the Synod did then
formally organize on Feb. 8, 1882, at Zion Lutheran Church,
New Orleans; therefore be it

Resolved, That God be heartily thanked by Southern Dis-
trict Lutherans for a century of protection and growth during
which He graciously continued among us His precious Word
and His holy sacraments; and be it further

Resolved, That the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and
eighty-two be observed among us as a centennial year of
celebration and thanks; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention gathered in July
1981 be asked to recognize God’s grace in this year of centennial
thanksgiving and celebration by Southern District Lutherans;
and be it finally

Resolved, That the following year be appropriately cele-
brated with special worship, prayer, and fellowship occasions
which shall climax and conclude at the Southern District
convention in June 1982.

Southern District
Richard E. Kuehnert Jr., Secretary