LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1992, Page 117

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THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS . 119

fully reported that Lutherans and Roman Catholics have
reached a “fundamental consensus” in the Gospel; and
Wuereas, The Commission on Theology arid Church
Relations has prepared a response to this “Common State-
ment,” affirming its belief that Lutherans and Roman
Catholics “are now closer on the doctrine of justification
than at any time since the collapse of their last extended
official discussion of the topic at Regensburg in 1541”; and
Wuereas, The CTCR has noted that both sides in the
dialogue have also presented evidence that this affirmation
“does not necessarily involve full agreement between Cath-
olics and Lutherans on justification by faith”; therefore be
it
Resolved, That we praise the Spirit who makes us one
for bringing us to this historic point towards doctrinal un-
ity; and be it further j
Resolved, That we thank the LCMS participants in the
dialogue for their faithful witness to our Lutheran heri-
tage; and be it further
Resolved, That we commend Justification by Faith
(Augsburg Publishing House, 1985) and the CTCR’s re-
sponse (CW, pp. 313—16) to the members of the Synod for
study and reference; and be it finally
Resolved, That we urge the LCMS to continue to par-
ticipate in this dialogue with prayers for the resolution bf
the disagreements that remain.

Action: Adopted (14).

To Encourage Theological Study
RESOLUTION 3-16
Report R1-8 (CW, p. 10)

Wuereas, The President of the Synod has recom-
mended that the pastor and teacher conferences of the
Synod engage in intensive theological study of the follow-
ing issues:
© The nature and distinctive functions of the pastoral

office
© The ministries of men and women in the church
© Communion practices ‘
© Lutheran. worship practices
@ Dealing with divisive and disruptive conduct
© End of life questions
and rr

Wuereas, The church and its workers are well-served
by serious and regular theological study by the conferences
of ordained and commissioned ministers; therefore be it!

Resolved, That the convention encourage official con-
ferences in the Districts as well as Circuit conferences and
forums to engage in such theological study; and be it
further - '

Resolved, That the Council of Presidents and the CTCR
be asked to provide encouragement and helpful resources
to facilitate such studies.

Action: Adopted (14).

To Encourage Study of CTCR Document
The End Times ©

RESOLUTION 3-17
Overture 3-106 (CW, p. 214)

Whereas, Jesus emphasized that His kingdom is not
of this world; and :

Wuereas, Many sincere Christians believe that Jesus
will come again to establish a kingdom on this earth over
which He will reign visibly for a thousand years; and

Wuenreas, Millennialist views concerning a reign of
Christ on earth have led many Christians to embrace mis-
leading ideas that are injurious to faith; and
' Wuereas, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, on
the basis of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions (AC
Art. XVII), has rejected false teachings regarding a visible
earthly, millennial reign of Christ; therefore be it

Resolved, That we give thanks to God for the CTCR’s
document The End Times, which addresses many of the
errors and false teachings in our day and shows the clear
teaching of God’s Word concerning millennialism and other
eschatological matters; and be it further

Resolved, That the document The End Times, prepared
by the CTCR, be commended to the Synod—its pastors,
teachers, professional church workers, and congrega-
tions—for study and direction in scriptural and confes-
sional truths regarding the last times.

'

' Action: Adopted (14).

‘ To Commend CTCR Document
1 Corinthians 6:1-11:
An Exegetical Study to the Church
; for Careful Review

RESOLUTION 3-18
Overture 3-99 (CW, pp. 210-11)

Wuereas, The Commission on Theology and Church
Relations has produced a report entitled 1 Corinthians
6:1-11: An Exegetical Study (CW, 317-21); therefore be it
+ Resolved, That the Synod thank the CTCR for its efforts

on this project; and be it further

Resolved, That the members of the Synod be encouraged
to study the document with care and submit their reactions
and responses to the CTCR.

Action: Adopted (14).
To Encourage Completion of Study
on Gambling
RESOLUTION 3-19

Report R3-01, I, B, 11 (CW, p. 66); Overture 3-105 (CW,
p. 214)

:

Wuereas, The 1991 convention of the South Dakota
District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod for-
mially requested that the Commission on Theology and
Church Relations promptly address the subject of gam-
bling; and