LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1969, Page 40

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40 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

national crises (TB 267—268, 9-19) was referred to the
Board of Social Ministry for study and action. The
Synod withheld judgment on the grape strike and boy-
cott (TB 322, 9-20). It approved the appointment of
a staff member for housing concerns (TB 215—216,
9-15).

The resolution to adopt the policy statement on ac-
creditation of welfare agencies (TB 266—267, 9-18)
was referred to the Board of Directors for study and
action in consultation with the Board of Social Ministry
and with the agencies.

This completed the work of Committee 9.

Church Relations

Chairman Lloyd Goetz presented the report of Com-
mittee 3.

The Synod asked that efforts be continued to seek
reestablishment of fraternal relations with the Evan-
gelical Lutheran Synod and the Wisconsin Evangelical
Lutheran Synod (TB 338, 3-20). It referred Overtures
3-244, 3-245, and 3-246 (CW, pp. 189—190) to the CTCR
for study and report (TB 338, 3-21). It encouraged the
study of The Theology of Fellowship (TB 339, 3-22).
It accepted Part II of the report of the CTCR (TB 339,
3-23).

This completed the work of Committee 3.

Constitutional Matters

Chairman F. Niedner of Committee 5 announced that
the Synod itself had to act on the overtures regarding
the division of the Atlantic District. The Synod there-
upon declined the overtures to divide this District, but
by amendment (for TB 342, lines 47-48) resolved, “That
the Board of Directors study the matter of the division
of the Atlantic District according to the guidelines
adopted at this convention (TB 120, 4-03, and TB 121
to 122, 4-04) and that the Board of Directors of the
Synod present a definite proposal regarding the division
of the Atlantic District to the 1971 convention of the
Synod” (TB 342, 5-29).

It realigned the Northern and Southern Nebraska
Districts (TB 341--342, 5-28) and assigned District
boundary lines in Kentucky (TB 207—208, 5-24). On TB
342, line 2, read “Deuel” for “Devel.”

In order to reiterate the constitutional requirement
that member congregations must be served by pastors
and teachers belonging to the Synod, the convention
adopted Bylaw 4.02 (TB 206—207, 5-23). Referenda
not designated in the Constitution were declared un-
constitutional (TB 204—205, 5-22), and changes in the
Constitution to make them constitutional were denied
(TB 340, 5-25; the third whereas was struck by amend-
ment).

All delegates to synodical conventions are to be
elected by majority vote according to an amendment
to the Handbook, Bylaw 1.53, adopted by the convention
(TB 200, 5-16). The method of selecting delegates was
referred to the Council of Presidents (TB 200—201,
5-17), and the question of representation at synodical

and District conventions was referred to the President
(TB 201, 5-18). Resolution 5-20 (TB 203) in answer
to Overture 5-70U was referred to the Council of Presi-
dents for action. The President was empowered to ap-
point a study committee to clarify the final and binding
nature of Board of Appeals decisions (TB 343, 5-30).

Pleasant Hill Lutheran Church of Pleasant Hill,
Oreg., and Hope Lutheran Church of Woodburn, Oreg.,
were accepted into synodical membership (TB 343,
5-31).

Overture 5-68U was declined and the Council of
Administrators asked to offer recommendations regard-
ing principles to govern synodical elections and appoint-
ments (TB 369, 5-32).

The Synod adopted a revision of Handbook Bylaw
2.15 (and 3.35) (TB 370, 5-34) and accepted a revision
of Bylaw 3.61b and 3.39b (TB 369—370, 5-33).

The Synod declined Overture 3-44 (TB 340—341,
5-26).

By a motion from the floor it resolved that Overture
2-31 (CW, p. 81) is answered by Res. 2-27, which holds
that doctrinal statements of the Synod are to be honored.

Many Thanks

By formal resolutions, made, seconded, and adopted,
votes of thanks were extended to:

Dr. Oliver R. Harms for his handling of the conven-
tion;

The pages and hostesses;

Dr. Richard R. Caemmerer for his essay;

The secretaries and staff;

The local committees, and choirs, and the organists.

It was resolved to transmit to the Board of Youth
Ministry for distribution the resolution on involvement
and social action (8-11).

Registration

Chairman M. W. Lieske of Committee 16 announced
that the attendance at the convention consisted of:

993 voting delegates

500 pastors as voting delegates
493 laymen as voting delegates
558 advisory delegates

61 youth representatives

The report was adopted.

Announcement

The total amount collected for “world hunger” was
$2,040.

Closing Service

The closing service was conducted by the Reverend
Dr. Roland P. Wiederaenders, First Vice-President of
the Synod. On the basis of Matt. 6:9-13 he spoke words
of courage and encouragement. Dr. Harms closed the
48th convention of The Lutheran Church — Missouri
Synod at 9:00 p.m. in the name of-the triune God.

Cart S. Meyer, Assistant Secretary