LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1992, Page 52

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52 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT

and Church Relations released a major study instrument
to assist the members of the Synod in applying our historic
church relations principle to a number of practical situa-
tions. The study recognizes the highly flexible situations
that confront many of our pastors and congregations and
attempts to offer a way to assist responsible confessional
decision-making in such instances. A more complete report
on this study is contained in the report of the CTCR to this
convention. This topic remains one of the highest priorities
of the Synod because of the frequent misunderstandings
and differences of opinion that exist within the Synod in
this sensitive area. The purpose of the churchwide discus-
sion is to assist all of us in achieving a stronger measure
of consensus in the application of our biblical and confes-
sional church relations principles, not to introduce a new
church relations agenda. Although the formulations of the
CTCR, and even the substance of its presentation, may be
revised as a result of reports from the churchwide study,
it is unfortunate that the churchwide discussions of these
issues have been marred by occasionally inaccurate, judg-
mental, and political responses.

In general, I believe The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod today is presenting an exceptionally strong, faithful,
and positive witness to the doctrinal position of our church
body in numerous ways throughout the world. In fact, we
need to become much more aggressive in our confessional
witness worldwide.

Relationship to Auxiliaries

The President’s office, together with key staff persons,
maintains close liaison with the leadership of the Synod’s
two auxiliaries, the International Lutheran Laymen’s
League and the International Lutheran Women’s Mission-
ary League. The presidents meet regularly for general
sharing and direction, and the executive committees meet
together with synodical leaders at least annually..The re-
lationships today continue to be excellent and are char-
acterized by a deep dedication to the task of meeting the
many opportunities for mission that we have around the
world. Inasmuch as both leagues are independent of syn-
odical decision-making structures, the existence of such
relationships is a great plus for the Synod, allowing us to
work through many questions where one or the other or
both auxiliaries are involved in projects in overseas areas.
The presidents of both auxiliaries have been invited to
bring special greetings to our convention,

President’s Commission on Women

Severe budget constraints have kept this special com-
mission of six women, appointed in 1984, from addressing
all of its concerns as completely as it would like. The focus
of this past triennium has been on developing contacts and
sharing resources among the District committees on
women that were encouraged by the 1989 synodical con-
vention. The focus of the commission and the District net-
work linked to it has been on expanding all opportunities
for the service of women to the church that are consistent
with our understanding of the Word of God. The commis-
sion has also been able to address reports from some areas
of the Synod where inappropriate attitudes toward the ser-
vice of women appear to exist. Of special importance for

this often sensitive issue was the commission's presenta-
tion to the Council of Presidents in early 1992, as well as
its contacts with our seminaries, designed to assist future
pastors in mecting the particular needs of women. The
report of this commission appears elsewhere in the
Workbook.

Black Ministry Task Force

In accord with 1989 Res. 1-04A, I convened a special
task force to review, evaluate, set goals, and create a vision
for the ongoing work of black ministry in our church body.
Twenty-three districts of the Synod responded to the sur-
vey prepared by the task force. On the basis of its extensive
study, the task force delivered its report to the President
on Jan. 9, 1991, with nine specific recommendations for
action. This excellent report and call to action has been
widely distributed throughout the Synod and has already
begun to bear fruit in a number of areas of black ministry.

Pro-Life Efforts

For several years, our church body has been recognized
as one of the strongest voices in the United States on behalf
of unborn human life and related life concerns. A special
task force of the Board for Social Ministry Services, as well
as our Washington Office of Government Information, has
been particularly helpful in expressing the Synod’s posi-
tion with reference to a number of governmental programs
or proposals, as well as encouraging instructional and car-
ing efforts at the local level.

Lutherans for Life, a pan-Lutheran organization
chaired by Dr. Jean Garton, who also serves as a special
unpaid consultant to the President and other synodical
officers and staffin this area, continues to provide excellent
leadership, as well as resources, in this important area.

As the abortion issue moves more and more to the state

‘level, it is important that individual Districts and congre-

gations develop greater knowledge and information about
this issue, with a particular focus on educational efforts
within our congregations. To that end, I have participated
in the 1992 formation of a national coalition of pro-life
leaders, who will attempt to support and lead such edu-
cational programs.

End of Life Issues

In October 1979, the Commission on Theology and
Church Relations issued a report on Euthanasia with
Guiding Principles. Since that document was produced,
end of life issues have been the subject of vigorous debate
in theological, legal, medical, and legislative arenas. Many
in our congregations, and especially our pastors who are
called to give guidance and counsel to parishioners, are in
need of the best advice and support the Synod can provide.
In order to draw responsible people together for a discus-
sion of end of life issues, I invited 12 people of the Synod,
all of whom are deeply involved in the subject, to serve as
a think tank. This meeting was held on Nov. 13, 1991. A
report on the discussion is planned for the May 1992 issue
of the Lutheran Witness. ,

Lf.
Discussions with RIM

Based on the analysis of certain statements associated

with “Renewal in Missouri,” the Commission on Theology