LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1967, Page 152

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152 RETIREMENT AND

I

The dilemma of modern warfare impels us to engage
in “supplications, prayers, intercessions . . . for all who
are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life” (1 Tim. 2:1). We are to pray in love for
the leaders of the nations and in concern for the men
and women in the armed forces, commending them to
our heavenly Father’s care and protection.

We are to pray in faith for enlightenment when in
our ignorance we do not know which way to turn, in re-
pentance for our failure when we do not know how to
obey, in sorrow for our bitterness when we allow our
disagreements to strain our fellowship. We are to pray in
confidence for God’s corrective blessing in both church
and nation.

We are to pray in hope for peace among nations even
while we grope for a common understanding of what
peace might involve, leaving to God the way in which
He would fulfill our requests.

We are to pray in boldness for a mighty act of deliv-
erance, for God to act; it is out of the depths that we
cry. (1 Peter 3:11; Ps. 130:1)

st

The Christian is faced with difficult issues. Freedom
of expression encourages diversity in discourse and
opinion, while the complexities of modern warfare pro-
hibit oversimplification of proposed alternatives.

The divergence of opinion should encourage us Lu-
therans.to make responsible use of the public arena as
an avenue for expression in an open society. Christians
are obligated to seek information, to relate moral con-
siderations to political concerns, to counsel with one an-
other.

As-a church body we are not a political influence
group, identified with a particular program for waging
and conducting war. However, we believe that in its de-
sire for peace, justice, and freedom the church should
speak in the areas of its competence, according to the
measure of its knowledge.

In accordance with Scripture the church is to support
government (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-14) while at the
same time serving as an instrument of God’s grace and
healing. (Eph. 2: 13-16) .

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The crises of our times present the church with an
opportunity to exhibit herself in terms of her mission to
the whole world and to the whole man. First of all, the
church is to proclaim the Gospel of peace, in which
God’s saving act in Jesus Christ addresses men in every
situation. The Church is also to be concerned with all
who suffer from war — among them, military personnel
and their families, displaced persons, refugees, prisoners
of war, the injured, the alienated..

IV

Fully mindful of the demonic in history and the
problems occasioned by human failure, the church will
focus its hope in: God “according to the working of His

‘ BENEFIT PROGRAMS

great might which He accomplished in Christ when He
raised Him from the dead and made Him to sit at His
right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and
authority and power and dominion and above every
name that is named, not only in this age but also in that
which is to come; and He has put all things under His
feet and has made Him the Head over all things for the
church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills
all in all.” (Eph. 1:19-23) :

Resolved, That this convention request the pastors of
the Synod to communicate this message to the congrega-
tions of the Synod at a time to be designated by the
President of the Synod.

Action: Adopted as amended.
1) (Amended by insertion of “justice and freedom” in Part

To Act in Behalf of Those Who Are Poor
RESOLUTION 9-15
Overture 9-11 (CW, p. 276)

Wuereas, Our Lord has specifically enjoined us to
feed the hungry, clothe the ill-clad, and share with those
who are underprivileged; and

Wuergas, The church must give relief to the de-
prived; therefore be it

Resolved, That we endeavor to change the factors
which create poverty and contribute to other ills, so that
suffering might be prevented; and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage congregations to sup-
port such poverty programs as are consistent with our
faith; and be it finally

Resolved, That congregations seek out those who are
trapped in the web of poverty and deprivation and com-
mit themselves to sharing goods and energies and to
personal involvement in the name of the living Christ.

Action: Adopted.

10. RETIREMENT AND BENEFIT
PROGRAMS

To Receive Report of Board of Support
and Pensions
RESOLUTION 10-01
Report 10-01 (CW, p. 279) _

Wuereas, The report of the Board of Support and
Pensions indicates clearly the faithful carrying out of
the resolutions and intent of the Synod’s Support and
Pensions Plans; and

Wnrereas, The board and executive secretary of the
board have carefully administered the plan; therefore be
it

Resolved, That the convention receive this report and
express its gratitude to the board and its executives.

Action: Adopted.