LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 89

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ng the Synod’s position on joint worship. The need
or such a paper stemmed from recognition by the
suncil of the need for guidance regarding participation
jnter-Lutheran events, particularly during this 500th
aniversary year of Martin Luther’s birth, and prior to
h completion of a proposed churchwide study of inter-
ristian relationships.
Previously in that meeting the council had supported
ng-term study process presented by the Commission
eology and Church Relations for developing
lines for all inter-Christian relationships. Such
delines were requested by the 1981 synodical con-
on. Stages of the study process include develop-
nt of case studies through widespread regional and
ct pastoral conferences before guidelines would be
buted for study in early 1985.
» The Council endorsed the principles in the Presi-
t’s paper and agreed to use it as counsel in the

rticipation in joint worship services is often a
of confusion or discord; no other question creates
‘ore problems for us. Our handling of it requires great
hurchmanship on the part of all—particularly now as
wait the completion of our churchwide study and
3¢ development of new guidelines. Theses I and II—
presumably V—are the official Missouri Synod
on and should therefore be honored and upheld by
Theses ITI and IV are an exploratory effort to apply
traditional criteria to some current questions in a

Synod’s position on joint worship services while
ring possible ways for meaningful involvement

Its Importance

dk. For continued faithfulness to God’s truth
2. For LCMS solidarity
: For maintaining the bond of peace within Luther-

. For clarity in broader ecumenical relationships

Historical Factors

Unionism implied doctrinal compromise or

; 3. Fear of causing offense
* 4. Concerned with witness given by ail joint actions

3 6. Distinction between fellowship in sacred matters
Bad cooperation in n external matters

°8. Efforts to manifest unity inadequate?

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 89

Theses for Discussion

I. The members of the Synod (that is, pastors,
teachers, and congregations) are expected to observe
the positions and policies of the Synod. Deliberate
failure to do so breaks our covenant, creates discord,
and often causes offense.

II. It is the position of the Synod that its members
are free to engage in joint worship only with the pastors,
teachers, and congregations of the Synod, its partner
churches, and church bodies with whom the Synod isin
altar and pulpit fellowship.

(See Constitution, Art. VI, which renounces “union-
ism and syncretism of every description, such as...
taking part in the services and sacramental rites of
heterodox congregations or of congregations of mixed
confession.” Several synodical resolutions have also
spoken against holding joint worship services with
those with whom we have not established pulpit and
altar fellowship; see e.g., 1965 Res. 2-16, 1967 Res. 2-18
and 2-19, and 1969 Res. 3-18).

III. Members of the Synod may conduct, cosponsor,
or participate jointly with other Christians in certain
public events (such as celebrations, gatherings, rallies,
convocations, exhibitions, pageants, concerts, collo-
quia, or conferences), provided the following principles
are observed:

a. The event is not a joint worship service. This
would mean that any clergy participants would
not be vested and that program components
would not include either sermon or sacrament;

b. The event does not imply that doctrinal unity
exists among the sponsors or participants;

c. The purpose of the event is fully consistent with
the position, policies, and objectives of the Synod;

d. Program components should be consistent with
the inter-Lutheran, inter-Christian, interreligious,
or civic nature of the event, as the case may be;

e. Participation in the event does not compromise or
weaken the witness of the Synod in any respect;

f. Permission to conduct, cosponsor, or participate
in the event has been granted by the responsible
synodical official (namely, District Presidents for
events within their Districts, and the synodical
President for regional, national, or international
events).

IV. Members of the Synod may find it particularly
desirable to conduct, cosponsor, or participate in such
public events with other Lutherans for purposes such as
the following:

a. Commemoration of a significant event in our
common Lutheran history, such as the birth of
Luther, the beginning of the Reformation, or the
adoption of our confessional documents;

b. Thanksgiving for the doctrinal heritage of
Lutheranism;

c. Education of participants in one or more aspects
of Lutheran history or doctrine, or in a subject of
special interest and importance to all participat-
ing Lutheran church bodies;