LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1986, Page 26

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26 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

Lutheran churches in North America.

Dr. David W. Preus, bishop of The American Lutheran
Church, brought greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. He
congratulated Dr. Bohlmann and Dr. Mennicke on their
elections to the presidency and first vice-presidency of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Dr. Preus mentioned
the many family ties between and among Christians who
are members of various Lutheran churches. Bishop Preus
shared some of the contents of the Statement of Faith of
the new Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He in-
dicated his regret that The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod is not a part of the new church, but expressed his
thankfulness for the areas in which our church bodies work
cooperatively. Dr. Preus pointed out that a believer is not
baptized into a Lutheran church, but into the body of
Christ. He concluded his greetings by encouraging all to
become involved in evangelism.

Dr. Reuben T. Swanson, secretary of the Lutheran
Church in America, represented Bishop Crumley, who is
recovering from surgery. Dr. Swanson indicated his mes-
sage would echo much said previously by Dr. Preus. He
spoke of areas in which our church bodies have worked
cooperatively. He expressed the hope that the coming of
the ELCA will not lessen future working relationships be-
tween The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and the
ELCA. Dr. Swanson concluded by saying The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod is great, but our God is greater.

Dr. Elwyn Ewald, executive secretary of the Association
of Evangelical Lutheran Churches, mentioned emotional
ties which he has to The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod. He indicated bringing greetings to this convention
was one of the most difficult assignments he has faced, and
he promised to speak with blunt honesty. He spoke of suf-
fering pain due to judgments of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod in the past, stating that there is some un-
finished business between the two church bodies. However,
Dr. Ewald indicated we need to forgive each other and
move into the future. The AELC considers itself to be in
fellowship with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
He spoke of future hopes of the AELC to broaden rela-
tionships with Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, and others
in an ecumenical church. Dr. Ewald concluded by wishing
God’s blessings upon The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod.

Rev. Vilis Varsbergs, president of the Latvian Evan-
gelical Lutheran Church in America, brought greetings to
the convention. He said that God in His providence has
kept the Latvians alive and sent them on a twofold mission:
(1) To warn the churches of the West of Marxism and god-
less Communism, and (2) To help the churches in Latvia
survive. He indicated their need for help to rebuild
churches in Latvia, and to acquire Bibles and devotional
books. He concluded by saying that all churches in the
West should permit God to be their steering wheel, not a
spare.

Rev. Donald Sjoberg, bishop of the Evangelical Lu-
theran Church in Canada, brought greetings from the EL-
CIC, a church which was born on Jan. 1, 1986. This new
church body has given high priority in its constitution to
relationships with other church bodies. The ELCIC Coun-

cil has asked him to be in contact with The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod regarding altar and pulpit fel-
lowship. Further action on this will be taken once Lutheran
Church—Canada becomes an autonomous church body.
Bishop Sjoberg expressed appreciation for cordial rela-
tionships with Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod leaders
in Canada.

Dr. Reuben Swanson, president of the Lutheran Council
in the United States of America, thanked The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod for its contributions to LCUSA
for the past 20 years. Many important programs have been
carried out for the past two decades. With the coming of
the new Lutheran church in the United States, LCUSA
will become history, although its work will continue. Dr.
Swanson said members of LCUSA have worked together
successfully in many areas without compromising the in-
tegrity of the participating church bodies. He wished God’s
blessings upon this convention.

Rev. L. R. Likness, executive director of the Lutheran
Council in Canada, pointed out the changing Lutheran
church body scene in Canada. These changes have also
affected the Lutheran Council in Canada, which now is
working in a reduced role. The Council in Canada will be
involved mainly in external matters. It has recently been
moved from Winnipeg to Toronto. In conclusion, he
thanked the convention for permitting him to bring greet-
ings on behalf of the Lutheran Council in Canada.

Dr. Henry Hamann, recently a visiting instructor at
Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, repre-
sented the president of the Lutheran Church of Australia.
He brought greetings from the brothers and sisters in Aus-
tralia, and encouraged The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod to continue in its efforts to be a confessional Lu-
theran church.

Response of President Bohlmann

Dr. Ralph Bohlmann responded to the greetings
brought from the representatives of other church bodies
and councils by pointing out that differences among Lu-
theran bodies are many. The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod desires to further in every way possible our witness
to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dr. Bohlmann expressed the
hope that the spirit of forgiveness mentioned by Dr. Ewald
can continue among all Lutherans. He pointed out that
there is much that is being done jointly by Lutherans in
many areas, such as helping to feed the hungry and re-
locate refugees. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is
working on guidelines for determining relationships
among Lutherans. He pledged to Lutheran friends that
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is willing to pur-
sue, under the cross of Jesus Christ, further discussions
with our fellow Lutherans.

Theology and Church Relations

Committee 3 presented Res. 3-05. Since President Gros
of Argentina was not present in the convention hall at the
time, it was agreed to wait with action on Res. 3-05 until
he is present. The committee presented Res. 3-02, making
the following changes: (1) The title to read “To Develop a
Theological Statement of Mission,” (2) Change line 43 by
adding the word “on” following the word “impact,” and (3)