LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1967, Page 32

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32 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

President Harms resumed the chair. He announced
that arrangements are being made with the telephone
company for a weekly 2-minute message to the con-
gregations by the President of the Synod for a trial
period of 6 months.

Rev. Peter R. Hunt offered the closing prayer.

Session 14

July 13
Opening wy 13, Afternoon

Mr. Edwin J. Werner opened the session with prayer.
The minutes of Session 13 were adopted as read.

Committee 9 — Social Action and Welfare

The convention expressed concern for the interna-
tional crises, offered guidance on the moral issues in-
volved, and asked the pastors to convey the message
incorporated in the resolution to their congregations.
The resolution was amended in line 3, Page 332, to
read: “However, we believe that in its desire for peace,
justice, freedom , . .” (TB 331—332, 9-14).

It encouraged fairness in business and employment
and directed the Board of Social Ministry and District
boards of social ministry to evaluate existing projects
and. agencies and to offer specific recommendations to
the Synod’s “boards, institutions, agencies” (added by
amendment), congregations, and their membership (TB
295, 9-12).

It commended the Prince of Peace Volunteers (TB
295—296, 9-13).

It encouraged congregations to help the poor and
to support such poverty programs as are consistent with
our faith (TB 358, 9-15).

With this Committee 9 completed its work.

Committee ?— Parish Education. and Services

Discussion was resumed on TB 121—123, 7-04, to
authorize the use of the intersynodical translation of
Luther’s Small Catechism with recommended changes.
An amendment to add the word “true” in number 11
(TB 122, line 26) was defeated. With the previous
question moved and passed, the resolution was adopted
unanimously,

The convention assigned the education research proj-
ect on parish life and Parish education to the Commis-
sion on Mission and Ministry in the Church (TB 297,
7-06). It gave certain duties to the Board of Parish
Education, asking it to seek to establish closer coordina-
tion and to render a report to the 1969 convention (TB
298, 7-07). It referred the authors of Overtures 7-03,
2-101 U, and 2-17 to a letter dated Feb. 20, 1967, to
all pastors of the Synod and asked that the matters
relating to A Man to Follow be closed (TB 299, 7-08).

It accepted the report of the Board of Parish Edu-
cation and commended the staff for its fine work (TB
299, 7-09).

With this Committee 7 completed its work.

Recognition

Dr. Harms recognized Dr. Lawrence Meyer of St,
Louis; Rev. Frederick W. Noack of Australia; Dr, E,
George Pearce of England; Rev. Hans Lutz-Poetsch
of Germany; Dr. Won Yong Ji of Korea.

Committee 5 — Constitutional Matters

The convention resolved to retain the present name
of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod (TB 344,
5-28).

It eliminated Paragraphs 6.54 e and 6.67 from the
Handbook because they are duplications of 6.127 and
6.105 respectively (TB 239, 5-13).

It permitted St. Paul Lutheran Church, Columbia,
Pa., to transfer from the Southeastern District to the
Eastern District (TB 239, 5-14).

It amended Handbook 5.01 a to provide appointments
to District boards of appeal when exceptions must be
made to the rule (TB 240, 5-15).

It amended election procedures by changing Hand-
book 2.121 and 2.138 (TB 273—274, 5-16).

It changed the reading of Handbook 1.24 regarding
orientation procedure (TB 274, 5-17).

It revised paragraphs 1.51, 1.53, 1.55, and 1.57 of
the Handbook, changing the method of electing dele-
gates to synodical conventions (TB 275—276, 5-18).
Twenty men spoke on the resolution.

Special Committee

Dr. Harms reported on the disposition of overtures
received after the 10-day deadline and on the disposi-
tion of one overture under the provision of Bylaw 1.27 f.

Committee 4— Synodical Administration

The convention Passed a resolution emphasizing the
necessity of exercising economy (TB 365, 4-32). It
asked for a continuation of the study of administrative
procedures in the Synod and Districts in the interest
of good stewardship and economy (TB 365—366, 4-33).

It adopted the report of the Committee on Collo-
quies for the Pastoral Office, changing paragraphs 4.51,
4.53, 4.55, 4.57, 4.59, 4.61, 4.63, 4.65, 4.67, 4.69, 4.71, and
4.73 of the Handbook (TB 366—371, 4-34).

TB 371, 4-35 was withdrawn.

The convention asked that synodical flags be pro-
vided to the Districts as soon as feasible (TB 371 to
372, 4-36).

It expressed confidence in the administration of the
synodical Board of Directors and its fiscal officers (TB
372—373, 4-37). Applause greeted the announcement
that the resolution was adopted.

The convention amended Handbook 2.175, revising
it to grant authority to alter division groupings, added
2.175 b, and renumbered the paragraph (TB 373—374,
4-38).

It declined Overture 4-28 about mailing of non-
synodical materials (TB 225, 4-23).

It accepted the report of the First Vice-President
of the Synod and thanked him for his faithful services
(TB 225, 4-24).