LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1989, Page 110

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110 RESOLUTIONS

souri Synod (LCMS) under God’s blessings have enjoyed
a long history of fraternal ties and relationships; and

Wuereas, The LCSA and the LCMS, especially since
the official formation of the LCSA in 1967, have experi-
enced an informal fellowship relationship growing out of
‘and based on their common ties with their sister churches

/ Wuereas, The LCMS for many years has assisted the
LCSA through the Bleckmar Mission of its sister churches
in Germany by sending missionaries to aid in evangelistic
work and seminary teaching in southern Africa; and

Wuereas, The LCSA has requested through its bishop
“the formal recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship” be-
tween our churches; and

Wuereas, The Board for Mission Services, the Board of
Directors, and the Church Relations Department have pre-
pared a protocol document outlining a partnership agree-
ment between the LCMS and the LCSA; and

Wuereas, Discussion between the representatives of
our two churches have revealed that complete agreement
in doctrine and practice exists; therefore be it

Resolved, That the LCMS express praise and thanks-
giving to God for our brothers and sisters in Christ in the
LCSA and for the many blessings that He has so graciously
worked among them; and be it further

Resolved, That we acknowledge with gratitude to God
the unity of confession that has been given to our churches
under the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions;
and be it further

Resolved, That the LCMS formally recognize the exis-
tence of altar and pulpit fellowship with the LCSA; and
be it further

Resolved, That we pray for continued blessings in the
years ahead on our two churches and the fellowship that
we have come to enjoy; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod officially recognize the Lu-
theran Church in Southern Africa as a partner church and
that the President of the Synod be responsible for imple-
menting this relationship as soon as possible.

Action: Adopted (4).

(During discussion, delegates declined an amendment stating,
“Resolved, That the LCMS reaffirm its position on apartheid,”
since it is already clear that both the Synod and the Lutheran
Church in Southern Africa are opposed to racism in any form.)

To Thank God for Lutheran Church—
Canada Partnership

RESOLUTION 3-03
Report R3-01 LI, d (CW, p. 61)

Wuereas, Lutheran Church—Canada (LCC) (made up
of the three Canadian districts formerly of the Synod) held
its constituting convention in May 1988, and began func-
tioning as an autonomous partner church of the Synod on
Jan. 1, 1989; and

WueErEAS, Representatives from both church bodies
have agreed to meet together twice a year to deal with
issues of mutual interest and concern and in order to main-

tain and strengthen our confessional unity; therefore be it

Resolved, That we give thanks to God for our confes-
sional unity and cordial working relationship with the
LCC; and be it finally

Resolved, That we wish this partner church the Lord’s
richest blessings in its mission and ministry as an auton-
omous church body.

Action: Adopted (8).

(Adoption of this resolution was followed by the singing of
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.”)

To Encourage Services of Women _.
RESOLUTION 3-04A
Report R2-04 (CW, pp. 47-50)

Wuereas, The Lord of the church has bestowed unique
gifts upon the church to accomplish the mission of bringing
the Gospel to the whole world; and

WueEreEas, These gifts have been bestowed upon both
men and women of the church, the priesthood of all be-
lievers; and

WueEreas, The Synod has not yet utilized the service of
women to the fullest extent in the life and work of the
church; and

WHEREAS, There continues to be confusion about the
role and service of women in the church; and

WueEreas, The Report of the President’s Commission on
Women entitled “God’s Woman for All Generations” and
the report of the Commission on Theology and Church Re-
lations “Women in the Church” (September 1985) are help-
ful resources; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod recognize with thanksgiving
all of God’s gifts to His church, in particular the gift of
people; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage Districts and con-
gregations to make full appropriate use of the ministry
and service of women; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage study and discus-
sion of the reports mentioned above in Bible classes, Cir-
cuit Forums, and other settings; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod encourage every District to
establish a Commission on Women or provide other ve-
hicles for the purpose of (1) sharing resources for the min-
istry of women; (2) encouraging women to recognize and
accept their responsibility for what the church teaches; (3)
identifying existing and further ministries ready for their
qualified and joyful service; and (4) calling attention to the
eagerness and desire of the women of the church to share
their gifts.

Action: Adopted as amended (9).

(The words Encourage women to recognize and accept their
responsibility for what the church teaches were first adopted as a
substitute for “Sharing resources for the ministry of women.”
Later, it was agreed that those words should also be retained. An
amendment stating, “Resolved, That the LCMS reaffirm its po-
sition that the pastoral office is restricted to properly qualified
men as the Holy Spirit has clearly stated in the pastoral epistles
of 1 Timothy and Titus,” was declared out of order since the con-