LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1989, Page 118

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

118 RESOLUTIONS

To Study and Clarify Services of Women
in Congregational and Synodical Offices

RESOLUTION 3-13A

Overtures 3-79, 3-84, 3-86A-87, 3-95, 3-122 (CW, pp.
192, 194-97, 205)

Wuenreas, The position of the Synod, in approving the
1970 opinion of the Commission on Constitutional Matters,
based on a resolution of the Denver convention (1969 Pro-
ceedings 2-17, p. 88), is that women may not serve in the
offices of elder, chairman, or vice-chairman of the congre-
gation (reaffirmed in 1983 Res. 3-11, 1986 Res. 3-09); and

Wuereas, The Commission on Theology and Church
Relations (CTCR) has stated in its 1985 report Women in
the Church that “women may hold any office and serve on
any committee of the congregation which enhances the
work of the priesthood of all believers . . . the only stricture
would have to do with anyone whose official functions
would involve public accountability for the function of the
pastoral office (e.g., elders and possibly the chairman of
the congregation) . . . everything depends on the nature of
the functions assigned to various offices established by the
church” (p. 46); and

Wuereas, The Commission on Theology and Church
Relations has advised that it would be “inappropriate for
women to serve on commissions on adjudication, if and
when their official functions would in effect involve public
accountability for the function(ing) of the pastoral office”
(CW, p. 60); and

WHEREAS, Questions and concerns have been raised re-
garding the eligibility of women for service in all offices of
the congregation, including that of chairman, vice-chair-
man, and elder, as well as District and synodical boards
and commissions where their official function would in ef.
fect involve public accountability for the function(ing) of
the pastoral office; therefore be it

Resolved, That the CTCR, in consultation with the
Council of Presidents, prepare a study on the eligibility of
women for service in all offices of the congregation, in-
cluding that of chairman, vice-chairman, and elder and
District and synodical boards and commissions where their
official function would in effect involve public accounta-
bility for the function(ing) of the pastoral office; and be it
further

Resolved, That in the meantime, pastors and congre-
gations with patience and understanding be urged to con-
form to the position of the Synod concerning this matter.

Action: Adopted (14).

(Delegates declined to delete the words be urged to from the
final resolve.)

To Address Appropriate Roles for Women
and Men in Worship
RESOLUTION 3-14

Overtures 3-90-91 (CW, pp. 195-96)

Wuereas, The Gospel images and expectations of
women—particularly those associated with the incarna-

tion, the resurrection, and the ministry of Jesus—present
strong and persistent recognition of the active and vital
roles of service that women can offer to our Lord and to
others; and

Wuereas, The Commission on Theology and Church
Relations (CTCR) has stated that there are certain distinct
functions which should not ordinarily be carried out by the
laity (who may hold auxiliary offices) but which are to be
exercised by the pastor, including the following:

1, Preaching in the services of the congregation

2. Leading the formal public services of worship

3. The public administration of the sacraments

4. The public administration of the Office of the Keys
(Women in the Church, p. 42); and

Wuereas, The CTCR has also stated in its report
Women in the Church: “There is no ceremonial law in the
New Testament regarding the reading of Scripture in the
context of public worship. Nor is there explicit apostolic
prohibition of such reading by women. Nevertheless, it is
the opinion of the CTCR that the reading of the Scriptures
is most properly the function of the pastoral office and
should therefore not ordinarily be delegated to a lay per-
son, woman or man,” (Women in the Church, p. 45); and

Wuergas, The use of lay assisting ministers, both fe-
male and male, is permitted within the rubrics of Lutheran
Worship for the reading of the lessons, except the Gospel
and the leading of the prayers of the people; therefore be
it

Resolved, That the Synod urge and encourage the con-
tinued service of women and men to our Lord and His
church in accordance with His will as set forth in Holy
Scripture; and be it further

Resolved, That the CTCR report Women in the Church
and especially Section III, “Guidelines for Practice,” be
commended for study and guidance; and be it finally

Resolved, That the congregations of the Synod proceed
with care and sensitivity in making decisions permitting
the lay reading of the Scriptures, recognizing decisions in
this regard lie in the area of Christian judgment.

Action: Adopted (15).

To Encourage Study of “An Evaluation
of Some RIM Materials”

RESOLUTION 3-15

Reports R3-02-03 (CW, pp. 64-68); Overtures 3-65A—
71 (CW, pp. 187-90)

WHEREAS, There was value in the three discussions con-
ducted between synodical representatives and the repre-
sentative charismatic pastors; and

Wuereas, The Commission on Theology and Church
Relations at the request of the President of the Synod has
evaluated documents of Renewal in Missouri (RIM); and

Wuereas, “The commission has found statements in the
RIM materials which, despite RIM’s stated intention, are,
in the judgment of the commission, not consistent with the
doctrinal position of the Synod” (CW, p. 66); therefore be
it