LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1969, Page 21

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MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 21

Executive Secretary of the Board for Missions. Dr.
Kohn stressed that we are sent into the world with
the Gospel of reconciliation and that this world is a
world that is growing larger.

Dr. Alfred O. Fuerbringer presented the “Christus
vivit” award of Concordia Seminary to Mr. Alfred E.
Jordan, chairman of the Board for Missions. .

The resolution noting five anniversaries of mission
fields and consecrated ministers was amended to the
effect that a copy of this resolution be sent to Mrs.
Franz Mohn, the daughters of missionary Theodore
Naether, and Mrs. Augustus Reinke (TB 34—35, 1-03).

Elections

Chairman Bruns reported that 24 names had been
placed in nomination for President. The five highest
were, in alphabetical order: Victor Behnken, Oliver
R. Harms, Theodore ]*. Nickel, J. A. O. Preus, E. C.
- Weber. He instructed the delegates about voting pro-
cedures on this second ballot.
Missions

The report of the Committee on Missions was re-
sumed. The convention resolved that the Board for
Missions consult with the Stewardship Board to identify
and develop specific mission projects (TB 37, 1-06).
It commended Project Timothy and resolved to con-
tinue the project after amending the resolution to in-
clude seminarians (TI3 33, 1-01). It expressed confi-
dence in the mission j2ersonnel of the Synod (TB 35,
1-04). The conventior: did not act on the resolution
to continue cooperation in overseas mission, because
the time was up (TB 36).

Presentation ‘to Dr. Harms

Vice-President Wie-:deraenders called on Rev. Wal-
demar E. Meyer who presented a silver tray to Dr.
Oliver R. Harms on bezhalf of the Colorado District.

Church Relations

Chairman Lloyd Goetz brought the report of the
Committee on Church Relations (3). The convention
accepted a resolution to approve the agreement of
the merger between the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran
Churches and The Lutcheran Church — Missouri Synod
unanimously with a rising vote of thanks (TB 40,
3-01). Dr. John Kovac: was recognized.

The Synod resolved to continue efforts to strengthen
relations with sister churches (TB 40, 3-02).

Dr. Max Lohe, Pre2sident of the Lutheran Church
of Australia, was presented. He.delivered a stirring
message of goodwill. The convention requested that
his address be made available. Dr. Lohe received a
standing ovation.

The resolution asking for discussions to establish
altar and pulpit fellowsship with the Lutheran Church
of Australia was adopted (TB 41, 3-03).

The Synod declined to take action on joining the
World Council of Chiirches at this time, because the
Commission on Theol.ogy and Church Relations has
not had time to study’ this matter (TB 41—42, 3-04).

Res. 3-05 (TB 42) on discussions with the Lutheran
Church in America was referred back to Committee 3
for clarification of the expression “toward finding the
consensus necessary.”

The Synod requested the Commission on Theology
and Church Relations to arrange for a study of the
National Council of Churches in the United States of
America (TB 42—43, 3-06). It requested this same
commission to prepare guidelines for participation in
local councils (TB 43, 3-07).

Special Ministries and Sundry Matters

Rev. Herman R. Frincke presented the report of
Committee 11. He asked Dr. Oswald C. J. Hoffmann
to address the conventidn. Dr. Hoffmann expressed
thanks for the support given to the Lutheran Hour
and told of its being broadcast in 41 languages on
more than 1,500 stations. The Lutheran Hour has
brought many to a knowledge of salvation. Dr. Hoff-
mann likewise received a standing ovation from the
convention.

The convention expressed its gratitude to God for
the Lutheran Hour and promised continued support
(TB 50—51, 11-11).

It commended the work of the Bethesda Lutheran
Home and encouraged support of its program, accept-
ing its report with gratitude (TB 47—48, 11-07).

Chairman Frincke presented Dr. Albert G. Huegli,
president of Valparaiso University. Dr. Huegli reported
on Valparaiso University and asked for continued
support.

Elections

There was no majority for President on the second
ballot, and the chairman of the committee announced
that it hoped to have a ballot before the close of the
afternoon session.

Special Ministries and Sundry Matters

The convention éncouraged Valparaiso University
to maintain its distinctive Christian character, thank-
ing it and commending its report (TB 44—45, 11-02).
It urged its congregations to support the work of the
American Bible Society (TB 45, 11-03). Likewise it
received the report of the Commission on Architecture
and encouraged congregations to avail themselves of the
services of this commission (TB 46, 11-05). It declined
the overture dealing with pastors owning their own
homes (TB 46, 11-04). tt asked that groups wishing
to invite future conventions submit their proposals to
the Council of Presidents for recommendation to a
convention (TB 49, 11-09).

Chairman Frincke presented Rev. Arne Kristo, ex-
ecutive director of the Lutheran Deaconess Association,
who in turn presented eight deaconesses. The conven-
tion encouraged congregations to observe the 50th an-
niversary of the Lutheran Deaconess Association (TB |
44, 11-01).

Communications
Dr. August Bernthal presented the report of Com-