LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1967, Page 31

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

Peels

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 31

It returned to the resolution about the observance
of the Reformation anniversary. After a motion to
recommit was lost and the previous question was moved
and passed, the resolution was adopted (TB 53, 3-12).

The convention instructed the Commission on Wor-
ship to prepare materials for annual periods of prayer
for unity (TB 152, 3-14).

It took no action on Overtures 3-07, 3-10, 3-50 U,
and 3-51 U, as they refer to altar and pulpit fellowship
with the Lutheran Church in America, and referred
this matter to the Commission on Theology and Church
Relations (TB 278, 3-19).

Committee 4— Synodical Administration

The convention declined Overture 4-48 U, that all
administrative positions be filled by laymen, and urged
that where possible such positions be filled with lay-
men (TB 223, 4-20).

It asked the Department of Research and Statistics
to study the matter of District size and boundaries
and to bring recommendations to the 1969 convention
(TB 222, 4-18).

It referred the request of the Lutheran Human
Relations Association to the Board of Directors (TB
222, 4-19).

It granted permission to the Commission on The-
ology and Church Relations to rearrange its internal
subcommittee structure (TB 223—224, 4-21).

It stipulated that cost estimates should accompany
overtures and resolutions involving capital outlay or
current expenditures to the extent feasible (TB 224,
4-22).

Recognition
Dr. Harms recognized Mr. Clarence Amling.

Memorial Service

A memorial service was conducted by Dr. Paul
Streufert. He spoke on 1Cor.15:21. The convention
choir sang an anthem. The Litany of Commemoration
was used,

Session 13

Opening July 13, Morning

Rev. Peter R. Hunt conducted the opening devotion
with the Order of Matins. The theme was “God — Risen
and Ruling Lord.”

Dr. Oswald C. J. Hoffmann presented the fourth
part of his essay. He emphasized the catholicity of the
church, the catholicity of our Lord. The continuity of
the church is dependent on Christ.

The minutes of Session 12 were adopted as read.

The chairman announced a change in the agenda;
committees will report in the following order: 1, 3,
4, 6, 7, 8.

Committee 1— Missions

The convention placed the Board for Church Ex-
tension in the Division of Missions (TB 356, 1-29).
Committee 1 was dismissed with thanks.

Committee 3— Church Relations

The resolution to take steps toward declaration of
altar and pulpit fellowship with The American Lutheran
Church was placed before the convention (TB 313f to
313g, 3-23). By a vote of 704 to 48 it was resolved that
the debate on the resolution and amendments, if any,
be limited to 2 minutes per speaker, who may speak
only once. An amendment to the resolution was lost.
After considerable discussion, a second amendment was
defeated. After the previous question was moved and
carried, the resolution was adopted (with fewer than
10 dissenting votes). After the resolution was declared
adopted, President Harms asked the assembly to rise
and offered a prayer.

Vice-President W. Harry Krieger took the chair at
10:45 a.m.

Committee 4— Synodical Administration

The convention endorsed the principle of coordinat-
ing the auxiliaries in the Synod, asking for continued
study and a report to the 1969 convention (TB 228 to
229, 4-29).

It accepted the report of the Synod’s Board of Di-
rectors, asked it to report recommendations to the
Synod in 1969 about the possible realignment of Dis-
tricts, warned against significantly increasing the debt
of the Synod, and concurred in the prayer for the suc-
cess of the Ebenezer program (TB 229—230, 4-30).

It wants the study of the location of the synodical
headquarters to be continued and authorized an appro-
priation of $25,000 therefor, requesting a report to the
1969 convention (TB 230—231, 4-31).

The resolution to institute changes in the adminis-
trative structure is to be studied by the Board of Di-
rectors, and recommendations are to be reported to the
next convention of the Synod (TB 375, 4-39).

Committee 8— Young People’s Work

The convention declined Overture 8-02 U in regard
to the Walther League structure and program (TB
300, 8-06) and Overture 8-03 U regarding the new
publication Arena (TB 300—301, 8-07).

Committee 8 was dismissed with thanks.

Committee 6 — Colleges and Seminaries

Discussion was resumed on the resolution about
emphasizing the recruitment of Negro teen-agers (TB
248, 6-24). The resolution was amended: “and be it
finally Resolved, That this convention affirm that it
recognizes the relationship between recruitment of Ne-
gro teen-agers and their employment by the church as
a part of a truly integrated ministry.” The resolution
with the amendment was adopted.

The resolution to proceed with building the junior
college at Irvine, Calif., and to retain the college at
Oakland until the new school at Irvine is opened was
presented. The question was divided. Time expired
before discussion was completed (see TB 189—190,
6-12).