LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1969, Page 98

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98 RESOLUTIONS

Wuereas, The New York convention, 1967, adopted
Resolution 3-23: “Resolved, That the Synod recognize
that the Scriptural and confessional basis for altar and
pulpit fellowship between The Lutheran Church — Mis-
souri Synod and The American Lutheran Church exists,
that the Synod proceed to take the necessary steps
toward full realization of altar and pulpit fellowship
with The American Lutheran Church, and that the
Synod invite the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran
Churches to join with us in the same”; and

Wuereas, Since the New York convention many
meetings have been held within The Lutheran Church
— Missouri Synod and in conjunction with members
of The American Lutheran Church for the purpose of
discussing the issues of altar and pulpit fellowship; and

Wuereas, The “Recommendation of President and
Council of Presidents on ALC Fellowship” states: “Our
prolonged study and discussion has produced the con-
viction that we agree in the preaching of the Gospel
‘in conformity with a pure understanding of it’ and in
the administration of the sacraments ‘according to the
divine Word.’ Our discussions have led us to the con-
viction that we are in the tradition of true Lutherans
who are committed to the Holy Scriptures and who
subscribe to the Lutheran Confessions. We are per-
suaded that we share a mutual desire to strengthen
a united evangelical proclamation and to develop a con-
sistently evangelical practice” (CW, p. 94); and

Wuereas, The convention of The American Lutheran
Church (Omaha, 1968) has resolved to be in fellowship
with The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod; and

Whereas, The Holy Spirit has led us to recognize
this agreement in the Gospel so that we may confidently
look for further blessings and benefits upon our
churches as they manifest their fellowship (“Joint
Statement and Declaration”); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod express gratitude to God
for creating this unity among us, and we beseech Him
to increase our awareness of this great gift; and be it
further

Resolved, That with joy and praise to God the Synod
herewith formally declare itself to be in altar and pulpit
fellowship with The American Lutheran Church; and
be it further

Resolved, That the Synod reiterate the pledge made
in the “Joint Statement and Declaration” to seek a uni-
fied evangelical position and practice on the basis of
our commitment to the Gospel; that to this end the
Synod propose the creation of an intersynodical com-
mission to assist in the proper understanding and prac-
tice of fellowship, to supply counsel and aid as a sup-
port to the pastoral ministries carried on in the synods,
and to suggest appropriate means by which the mem-
bers of our synods may grow in their understanding
and practice of fellowship; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod authorize its President,
in consultation with the president of The American
Lutheran Church, to announce the establishment of

altar and pulpit fellowship between their respective
church bodies and to make suggestions for the appropri-
ate implementation of the worthy purposes of this
declaration; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod thank the officers, pastors,
and congregations of The American Lutheran Church
for their many acts of courtesy and kindness toward us
and especially for their willingness to meet with us for
doctrinal discussions; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod commit itself to the fol-
lowing

Conclusion:

We, the members of The Lutheran Church — Mis-
souri Synod, rejoice over the existing unity of faith
and confession, as stated in the doctrinal position of
The American Lutheran Church and The Lutheran
Church — Missouri Synod, and we embrace the oppor-
tunities and assume the obligations of altar and pulpit
fellowship. Recognizing that because of our sinfulness
and human frailties there remain imperfections in faith
and understanding of the riches of God’s grace, as well
as failings in life and practice consistent with the Gos-
pel, we pledge ourselves to draw these and all other
problems affecting our relationships into the perspec-
tive of God’s grace as revealed in the divine Word and
deal with them within that framework. We pledge our-
selves always to have a tender regard for each other’s
consciences and to stand by each other in mutual sym-
pathy and understanding, forbearance and love.

As members of The Lutheran Church — Missouri
Synod, committed to the Holy Gospel, we obligate our-
selves to continued study and discussion, always re-
membering that we, in the love of Christ, must “bear
one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
(Gal. 6:2)

Action: Adopted (12).

(When Committee 3 reported in Session 7, it was success-
fully moved from the floor to vote by ballot on any resolu-
tion deciding the question of fellowship with The ALC.
A motion to have proponents use odd-numbered micro-
phones and opponents the even-numbered failed to carry.
A motion to limit speaking from the floor to one minute was
amended to 3 minutes and adopted. When Res. 3-15 was pre-
sented by the floor committee later in the same session, its
adoption was moved and seconded. Mr. Richard C. Hannen-
berg then requested permission of the chair to read a mi-
nority report [Res. 3-15A] signed by 11 members of the
floor committee. The request was granted, and the minority
report was read. The motion was then carried to invite
President-elect J. A. O. Preus to address the convention on
the fellowship question, if he so desired, and to waive the
3-minute rule for him.

When the matter again came before the assembly in
Session 9, it was moved and seconded to suspend the rules
and set aside the agenda and to continue discussing the fel-
lowship question until a decision was reached. There were 485
in favor, 369 against the motion. Since the motion required
a % vote, it was lost. President Harms announced that
Dr. Preus had declined the request to make a statement at
this time but might wish to do so later. It was resolved to
limit each speaker to 2 minutes ;

During continuing discussion in Session 11 Dr. Preus did
make his statement. He voiced concern particularly for the
doctrine of the Word of God, saying that he favored a delay
to give opportunity for further study of this subject. How-
ever, he called upon delegates to vote according to their
conscience and promised to abide by the decision of this con-