LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 77

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grateful to the many fine people of the Synod for their
graciousness and kindness toward me, and especially
or the encouragement provided by their commitment to
fhe Lord and His church.

3. Government Contacts. I have also been involved
jn a number of contacts with national governmental
eaders, particularly when matters of interest and
goncern to the Synod have been involved, such as pro-life
uestions, tax matters, chaplaincy programs, the wel-
fare of church workers serving abroad, or human rights
dimensions of national and international events. These
ontacts have included briefings from state department
fficials, meetings with national military leaders, and
various visits with Lutheran Congressmen, Cabinet
fficers, White House staff persons, and, on two occa-
ions, the President of the United States. Government
Jeaders have not only expressed sincere appreciation for
he. people and programs of the Synod, but have been
ery helpful in dealing with a number of problems
including the recent detention of two of our Lutheran
yorkers in E] Salvador. Inasmuch as the Synod does
ot participate in the Washington-based LCUSA Office
yf Governmental Affairs, such contacts have been
articularly valuable.

4. Council of Presidents. The Council of Presidents
(consisting of our District Presidents together with the
odical President and Vice-Presidents) has continued
provide excellent leadership, counsel, and support,
t:only for those who are privileged to be its members,
Sut for the Synod itself and its many fine programs.
‘Ably chaired until 1982 by Dr. Wilbert Griesse, and
ce then by Dr. August Mennicke, the council has
ntributed much to the confession, solidarity, and
ission of the Synod during the past biennium and has
rovided invaluable advice and support in the conduct
if the synodical Presidency.

5. Presidential Appointments. In keeping with
nodical Bylaws, a number of appointments were
de to fill vacancies on synodical boards, commis-
fons, and committees. Their names were published in
he Reporter and are included in the list of board and
mittee members in The Lutheran Annual. In addi-
, a number of special committees were called for by
981 synodical convention, as follows:

0 study the franchise (2-14). See Report 5-05, CW,

“pp. 2183—215.

‘T'o rewrite adjudication procedures (2-23). See Report

25-04, CW, pp. 200—213.

sTo hold discussions with the ALC (3-10). See Report

: 3-01B, CW, pp. 97—98.

o:hold discussions with Valparaiso University (4-
18). See Appendix A below.

To expand continuing education committee (6-25A).

_ See Report 6-01, CW, p. 241.

o plan Luther quincentennial celebration (9-03).

See Appendix B below.

8--Dual Memberships. When Resolution 5-20 (To
Mdve: Those Holding Dual Membership from the
's of the Synod) was passed at the 1981 synodical

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 77

convention, there were 9 congregations, 32 active
pastors, 28 retired pastors, and 11 teachers claiming
dual membership in the Synod and the Association of
Evangelical Lutheran Churches. Through the patient
efforts of our District Presidents and the encouragement
of Vice-President Sauer, those numbers today stand at 3
congregations, 7 active pastors, 20 retired pastors, and 0
teachers. In keeping with the provisions of Res. 5-20,
extensions have been granted when warranted by
pastoral considerations or unusual circumstances. It is
hoped, however, that the remaining dual memberships
will be resolved in the very near future.

7. Theological Issues. Some of the President’s
involvement in theological matters is indicated in the
CTCR report (CW, pp. 89 ff.). The President’s office also
monitors the involvement of the Synod’s theologians as
they engage in various studies under way in the Division
of Theological Studies of LCUSA (see C'W, pp. 307—308),
including the implications of historical criticism as
requested by our 1981 synodical convention (Resolution
3-20). In addition I have addressed various theological
issues in numerous conferences and gatherings, in
several articles in the Lutheran Witness and elsewhere,
and in consultations with District Presidents as they
deal with various problems. Considerable effort was
spent in attempting to resolve issues that had arisen in
recent years concerning Dr. Walter A. Maier’s teaching
of the doctrine of justification (see Appendix C below for
my public report); this rather complex matter is current-
ly receiving careful attention from the leadership of our
Fort Wayne seminary, and we pray God’s blessings on
those efforts. In general, the theological health of the
Synod appears to be very sound, for which we praise our
gracious God.

8. Unionistic Services. During the past biennium,
nearly 60 instances of alleged unionistic worship
services were reported in 16 Districts of the Synod. All
cases were referred to the respective District Presidents
to determine the facts and, whenever warranted, to
minister to the involved pastors and/or congregations.
Several alleged instances proved to be based on inaccu-
rate accounts, but all others have been or are being dealt
with. Considerable study and continued effort is needed
within the Synod on this issue.

9. Church Relations Matters. Considerable time and
effort were expended during the past biennium on the
Synod’s relationships with other Christians. In addition
to the activities detailed in the CTCR report (see CW, pp.
92 ff.), several related matters should be noted briefly. In
November 1981 I visited the offices of the Ecumenical
Institute in Strasbourg and the Lutheran World Federa-
tion in Geneva. In September 1982 official greetings
were brought to the conventions of the AELC, LCA, and
The ALC as those bodies voted to form a new Lutheran
church body by Jan. 1, 1988. Later that month, Iissued a
proposal to the presidents of other American Lutheran
church bodies to form a new inter-Lutheran agency to
replace the Lutheran Council in the U.S.A. as soon as
possible (attached as Appendix D). That proposal
received considerable attention and resulted in an