LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 82

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82 PRESIDENT’S REPORT

basic religion courses and in its confirmation classes. It
also agreed to prepare “working papers” on the teaching
of religious and theological studies at Valparaiso which
would delineate such matters as academic freedom and
responsibility, the canons of scholarship in university
education in a religiously pluralistic setting, the nature
of doctrinal and Lutheran confessional affirmation,
and the character of the university’s chapel ministry.

At the second meeting, 16 June 1983, the representa-
tives discussed the large volume of materials made
available by the university. A member of the theology
faculty discussed a “working paper” on “The Nature
and Role of Theology at Valparaiso University.”

The discussion explored the impact of university-
type teaching by questioning, challenging, and testing
on the faith of a freshman student, how such methods
can be used without lapsing into religious debunking,
destroying faith, and inducing skepticism. It also
explored what degree of orientation a freshman needs to
undergo to understand and cope with university-type
teaching and how university questioning and inquiry
can serve to strengthen rather than threaten the faith of
students.

It was agreed that at the next meeting the synodical
representatives will respond to the instructional
materials made available by the university and present
the specific concerns of the university’s LCMS consti-
tuency.

Gerhardt W. Hyatt, Chairman

Appendix B
Luther Anniversary Committee

In keeping with the provisions of 1981 Res. 9-03, “To
Commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Birth of
Martin Luther,” in the fall of 1982 the President of
Synod appointed a special Luther Anniversary Com-
mittee to plan the synodical commemoration of this
event and the Board of Directors of Synod approved Oct.
30, 1984, as the recommended date for congregational
and regional celebrations.

The Luther Anniversary Committee held three meet-
ings on Nov. 1, 1982, Dec. 6, 1982, and Feb. 22, 1983. The
committee focused its attention on three objectives: the
monitoring and coordinating of the various Luther
anniversary celebrations throughout the Synod; the
preparation and distribution of resource material for
use by congregational and regional celebrations, and
the planning of a special rally to mark the Synod’s
official celebration of Luther’s 500th birthday at the
1983 synodical convention.

In order to accomplish the first objective, the com-
mittee compiled a listing of the various celebrations
planned by Districts, colleges, seminaries, and auxili-
aries of the Synod for publication in the Reporter. It also
brought to the attention of synodical leaders various
celebrations of Luther’s birthday throughout the world.

In April of 1983 the committee, with the assistance of
the Board for Parish Services, sent a packet of resource
materials to all synodical congregations. Included in

this mailing were the following items: monthly program
suggestions for August 1983 to July 1984; ‘worship
suggestions, including orders of service, sermons, and
sermon outlines; messages for children; a banner
pattern; a Luther tract; and a listing of resource items
available from CPH.

“Live and Proclaim: A Night with Luther” is the
theme of the Luther rally planned by the committee for
the official synodical celebration of Luther’s 500th -
birthday at the 1983 synodical convention. The rally, |
which will be introduced by a proclamation of the .
Synod’s celebration of this event by President Ralph A.
Bohlmann, features Luther quotations on the six chief.
parts of Christian doctrine, Luther hymns sung by a
mass choir and by rally participants, a brass choir, and ‘
a multi-media presentation. Copies of this program will -
be sent to all synodical congregations following the
convention.

Serving on the Luther Anniversary Committee were
the following: Mr. H. James Boldt, Dr. Robert Kolb, Dr.:
Samuel Nafzger, chairman, Dr. Milton Nauss, secre-
tary, and Prof. William Schmelder. Throughout its work’
the committee has sought to provide assistance to the
members of the Synod in giving thanks to God for the}
work of His servant Martin Luther by focusing on the:
great truths of the Christian faith so boldly and clearly.
proclaimed by the Reformer.

Samuel H. Nafzger, Chairman. :

Appendix C

Public Statement
on the Dr. Walter A. Maier Matter

In 1980 and 1981 former synodical President J. A
Preus called the Synod’s attention to concerns that had;
been expressed about Dr. Walter A. Maier’s teaching 0:
the doctrine of justification. Since my installation:
synodical President in September 1981, I have met wit
Dr. Maier on numerous occasions to discuss his positio
in depth. He has also made presentations on this subjet
to the Council of Presidents in September and Novembs
1982. The purpose of these conversations and disc
sions has been to gain a careful understandin,
evaluation of his viewpoint in order to advis
seminary president and Board of Regents, who rem
primarily responsible for his doctrinal supervision.

In November 1982 and January 1983 I gave the .
dent and Board of Regents of the Fort Wayne seminaj
an extensive two-part report which concludes that
Maier should not be dealt with at this time @
“persistent advocate of false doctrine,” but neverthe
finds his position on justification, ‘‘while contall
many fine emphases and insights,” to be “defectiv
both substance and clarity.” That report noted furth
that his position “in some but not all respects” muskt
regarded “as dissenting from the position of ‘Ts
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and for thatr
must be handled in keeping with the provision
procedures of our synodical Handbook.” Subsequi
conversations and correspondence with Pres d;