LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 155

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THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS 155

church which present the Synod’s opposition on the
basis of the Scriptures to willful abortion (1981 Res.
3.02); and be it further

Resolved, That the Board for Parish Services prepare
and distribute to all congregations materials suitable
for the observance of the annual Life Sunday the third
Sunday in January (January 15, 1984) which stress the
sanctity of life for all human beings regardless of age or
condition; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board for Social Ministry
Services be directed to develop proposals by which
congregations might help expectant parents and
families, might encourage adoption for those who may
regard abortion as their only option, and might provide
supportive services for those experiencing an untimely
pregnancy; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board for Youth Services develop
new materials regarding premarital relationships,
abortion, and adoption that are pertinent to our youth
society today; and be it further

Resolved, that the Synod direct its appropriate
officials (synodical President, District Presidents,
boards, and commissions, etc.) to communicate formally
the official position of the Synod against willful abor-
tion to all clergymen, social service agencies, auxiliaries,
and hospitals associated with the LCMS, and that those
officials do all in their power to see to it that they take a
clear and forthright stand against willful abortion by
all associated with the Synod, so that the witness given

to the world demonstrates the commitment of the LCMS:

to provide protection and care for the living but unborn;
and be it further

Resolved, That all members of the LCMS be reminded
of their privilege and responsibility to apply Law and
Gospel properly as they offer compassionate counsel to
all those troubled by matters pertaining to abortion;
and be it finally

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod commend Lutherans for Life for its clear witness
in behalf of sanctity of life, also the unborn, and that we
encourage the members of the Synod to-support its
efforts.

Action: Adopted as amended (8).

(The fifth resolve was inserted by amendment. Another
amendment to strike the “except” clause at the end of the first
resolve failed to carry.)

To Encourage Convening of Free
Lutheran Theological Conferences

_ RESOLUTION 38-05
Overtures 3-68 (4), 3-99A—F (CW, pp. 116,
122—123)

WHEREAS, Free Lutheran Theological Conferences
have a precedent in the 19th century and have resulted
in many rich blessings to The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod; and

WHEREAS, Free Lutheran Theological Conferences
have provided an opportunity to strengthen and uphold
the historic Lutheran Scriptural and confessional
position; and

WHEREAS, The President of the Synod in his report to
the Synod has encouraged participation in Free
Lutheran Theological Conferences; therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod direct the President of the Synod during the
coming triennium to encourage the convening of Free
Lutheran Theological Conferences for Lutherans in
North America and throughout the world; and be it
further

Resolved, That the President, in consultation with
the Commission on Theology and Church Relations,
prepare suggestions and guidelines for participation in
these free conferences; and be it finally

Resolved, That the President of the Synod report to
the next convention the results of these conferences.

Action: Adopted (5).

To Encourage Peacemaking and
the Study of Problems Concerning
the Church and Nuclear Arms

RESOLUTION 3-06A

Report 3-01, I, B, 8 (CW, p. 91); App. 3-01A (CW, p.
97); Overtures 1-42—1-47, 3-31 (pp. 39—41, 106)

WHEREAS, It is God’s desire that all people of the
world live in peace with one another (Rom. 12:18; Heb.
12:14); and

WHEREAS, Christians are called to be peacemakers
and reconcilers in the world (Matt. 5:9); and

WHEREAS, The state has a divine mandate and
responsibility to defend the life, welfare, and property of
its citizens (Rom. 13:1-7); and

WHEREAS, The nations of the world areinvolvedina
massive buildup of armaments, thereby creating
tensions and international concerns about the risk of
nuclear war and causing concern among many about
the most effective use of our limited resources; and

WHEREAS, Many churches and church leaders have
been promoting highly specific political policies and
judgments regarding national defense, nuclear
weapons, and disarmament; and

WHEREAS, Various individuals and groups have
raised questions about the possibility of conducting
“just wars” in an age of nuclear weaponry, as well as the
justification for civil disobedience; and

WHEREAS, “The Gospel does not legislate for the civil
estate but is the forgiveness of sins and the beginning of
eternal life in the hearts of believers” (Apology XVI, 6);
and

WHEREAS, The CTCR in its report to the Synod
entitled “Guidelines for Crucial Issues in Christian
Citizenship” (1965, p. 7) states the following: “The