LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1962, Page 61

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MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 61

A motion was made to close debate after all who had
asked for the floor had had the privilege to speak. The
motion carried. The resolution was adopted by a rising
vote of 650 to 20. Later three delegates asked for the
privilege of withdrawing their negative vote. After
other matters had been taken up, a delegate raised the
question from the floor whether the adoption of this
resolution constitutes a settlement. The chair answered
that it took for granted that Dr. Scharlemann’s state-
ment represents a settlement unless he shows otherwise
and that he will be held to his statement.

Committee 10-——-Support and Pensions

The resolution proposing major changes in the Pen-
sion Program was discussed once again (TB 383,2) and
was finally adopted with Vice-President Wiederaenders
in the chair.

Committee 1— Colleges and Seminaries
The convention adopted changes in the following
Handbook paragraphs as proposed (TB 137,5): 6.53
a, b, c. Paragraph “c” was amended through the inser-
tion of the words “in writing” after “notice,” line 44.
After the singing of a hymn the delegates viewed
the motion picture “This Is Our Challenge.”

Session 13
June 27, Morning

Dr. H. J. A. Bouman spoke on “Unionism and
Proper Practice” in the opening devotion, sketching the
development of this extra-Biblical word from the days
of the Prussian Union. Today it refers to inter-Christian
contacts on religious levels. Each such instance must
be evaluated separately on the basis of God’s Word and
with due consideration to loyalty, unity, and love,
“three beautiful daughters” of saving faith. President
Arlen Bruns of the Kansas District officiated.

The minutes of the previous evening were adopted
as read. Pastor Machina on a point of privilege sub-
mitted a written statement taking exception to the ac-
tion of the convention on resolution (TB 518,19). The
chair stated that others could sign if they so desired
and that he would announce later what would be done
with the statement. Delegations were appointed during
the session to place wreaths on the graves of two former
Presidents of the Synod, Drs. Wyneken and Schwan.

Committee 2— Missions

The convention adopted resolutions with reference
to the intensification of the mission work in Asia (TB
536,21), the upgrading of the seminaries in the Orient
(TB 536,22), increased appropriations for missions (TB
537,23), the use of mass media of communications (TB
494,11), the church in town and country (TB 492,9),
intercultural outreach (TB 493,10), possible mission
work in Bermuda (TB 496,14), and mission activities in
Brazil (TB 179,7). After the convention declined to
strike “Resolved, b,” it adopted a resolution calling for
the development of a Synodwide mission approach to
the Negro American (TB 502,20). After the word “sub-

stantial” had been deleted from line 2 (TB 491) by
a standing vote of 238 to 189, a resolution was adopted
with reference to the problems of the inner city (TB
490,8). The work among the deaf was gratefully ac-
knowledged (TB 495,13). In a special ceremony the
John of Beverly Award was presented to Dr. George
Gaertner, senior missionary to the deaf.

Committee 11— Finance and Stewardship

Discussion was again given to Resolution 16 (TB 433)
calling for a special offering. The amendment to strike
the amount ($50,000,000) failed to carry. A motion to
refer the resolution back to the committee with in-
structions to rewrite it in terms of Memorial 816 failed
to carry. Discussion could not be continued.

Committee 13—- Special Ministries and Miscellaneous

Dr. Behnken relinquished the chair to Vice~Presi-
dent A. C. Nitz. By means of a standing vote the
convention expressed its appreciation to Dr. Martin
Strieter, Mr. Clarence Amling, and Dr. John W. Boehne
(TB 508,25). The former two responded briefly. The
assembly thanked God for the services of the workers
who had died during the past triennium (TB 506,23).
A resolution declining Memorial 1129 (TB 507,24) was
referred back to the committee for a better statement
or tie-in with a previous resolution. The convention
declined (TB 508,26 substituted for TB 244,10) Memorial
324-A requesting the dismissal of a congregation and
its pastor from the Synod. Later in the session a motion
calling for a recount of the vote on this resolution failed
to carry. Resolution 27 (TB 509) was withdrawn by the
committee. The assembly expressed sympathy to the
H. W. Niermann and Walter Brockopp families (TB
510,28) and voiced opposition to communism and mate-
rialism (TB 248,17). It was decided (TB 247,16, cor-
rected) to refer Memorial 1127 to the Committee on
Constitutional Matters (Section A) and to the Board
of Directors (Section B).

President John Kovac of the SELC brought the
greetings of his Synod.

The evening sessions for Wednesday and Thursday
were extended by one hour by common consent.

The meeting adjourned with a table prayer spoken
in unison.

Session 14
June 27, Afternoon

The opening devotion was conducted by President
Karl Graesser of the Atlantic District.

With Dr. Oliver Harms in the chair, the minutes of
the morning session were adopted as read.

Elections Committee

The slate of candidates for the Commission on The-
ology and Church Relations was approved with the
addition of Pastor Kenneth Miller and the substitution
of Dr. Leonard Dierker for Teacher Delbert Schultz.
Later the following were declared elected: Pastors
Henry G. Hartner, Louis T. Wohlfeil, Herbert E. Hohen-