LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1969, Page 164

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164 RESOLUTIONS

grams which operate in and direct themselves toward
the action areas outlined under the proposed LCUSA
Open End Appeal and the requested $30 million offer-
ing for relief and inner-city missions; and

Wuereas, There are many unanswered questions
concerning the administration, allocation of funds, and
selection of possible recipients, regarding the proposed
LCUSA Open End Appeal; therefore be it

Resolved, That we recognize that opportunities for
rich and total ministries in our nation’s larger metro-
politan inner cities and in many areas throughout the
world are ripe and limitless; and be it further

Resolved, That we caution ourselves against the sin
of “living in purple and fine linen” while passing by
the beggar and the poor on the street; and be it further

Resolved, That each and every member of The Lu-
theran Church — Missouri Synod reassess and prayer-
fully consider his own personal blessings from God
and in reflection of the love of Christ reevaluate per-
sonal and corporate stewardship plans and goals and
gifts; and be it further

Resolved, That participation in the $30 million offer-
ing and the proposed LCUSA Open End Appeal be re-
spectfully declined at this time, but that we request
the Board of Directors in consultation with the Stew-
ardship Department to continue study and investigation
of the proposed LCUSA Open End Appeal and to come
with an appropriate recommendation to the next con-
vention of the Synod; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations be encouraged to con-
tinue supporting prayerfully and financially our present
programs of social ministry and World Relief; and be it
finally

Resolved, That the Board of Directors plan the de-
velopment of an annual united appeal which will pro-
vide funds for the Board of World Relief, inner-city
research and ministry, and similar social ministries
within our church.

Action: Adopted (10).

(A motion to recommit failed. An effort to amend the
fourth resolved to empower the Board of Directors to com-_
mit the Synod to participate in the LCUSA Open End
Appeal instead of making recommendations to the next con-
vention failed by a standing vote of 273 to 426.)

To Return to Basic Principles
of Venture of Faith
RESOLUTION 12-24 (replacing 12-05)
Overture 12-08 (CW, p. 476)

Wueneas, Special Synodwide appeals have been nec-
essary in 1967 and 1968 and will be necessary again in
1969 to supplement synodical budget income so that the
church’s corporate mission might not be critically hin-
dered; and

Wuereas, Such special appeals for synodical budget
income develop poor stewardship attitudes and prac-
tices among our congregations and become increasingly

unproductive in providing the necessary funds; there-
fore be it

Resolved, That we engage in a more zealous sharing
of the edifying Word together with its stewardship and
mission implications on every level of congregational
and synodical life; and be it further

Resolved, That each congregation reevaluate the per-
cent ratio used in dividing its offerings between the
home budget and the worldwide mission program, after
which each congregation is urged to strive for a more
favorable ratio in favor of the worldwide mission
through District and the Synod by increasing its giving
by at least 2% per year; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Stewardship Department of the
Synod provide District Presidents and leaders with
guidance, materials, and helps necessary to lead the
congregations of the Synod into a God-pleasing involve-
ment in mission on every level.

Action: Adopted (10).

13. NOMINATIONS

The report of the Board for Convention Nominations
(see Workbook, pp. 482—486) was presented and
adopted with several changes listed in the minutes.
Other names were placed in nomination from the floor.
See Minutes, Sessions 1 and 7, for details.

14. ELECTIONS

The complete results of the elections held during the
convention are appended to the Minutes.

15. REGISTRATION, CREDENTIALS,
AND EXCUSES

Committee 15 is happy to report that a total of 993
voting delegates (500 pastors and 493 laymen) were
present at this historic convention in Denver, Colo.
There were also 558 advisory delegates, thus making
a total convention membership of 1,551.

In addition to these, there were 61 youth repre-
sentatives and 896 registered visitors plus a large num-
ber of unregistered visitors.

Three pastoral voting delegates and 10 lay voting
delegates were absent. We're very sorry these men
were unable to share this enriching experience with us.

Our committee wishes to pay special public tribute
to Dr. Herbert Mueller, the Synod’s Secretary, for his
kindness and technical assistance; also to the Rev. James
Groerich and his staff for their many long hours of
hard work, for their devotion to their Lord, their help-
fulness to our committee, and their graciousness to all
of you.

Action: Adopted (16).

(For complete registration listings and tabulations, see
first pages of the PRocEEDINGS.)