LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2010, Page 114

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114

RESOLUTIONS

died and risen, but also that we speak the truth of God’s Word
to our neighbor; and be it further
Resolved, That the 2010 LCMS convention commend the
statement of the ILC, “Same-Gender Relationships and the
Church,” for study and reference; and be it further
Resolved, That the 2010 LCMS convention commend
the President’s task force statement of the “Theological
Implications of the 2009 ELCA Decisions” for study and reference; and be it finally
Resolved, That the 2010 LCMS convention affirm that
• “[W]here the Bible speaks clearly regarding matters of
human values, conduct, or behavior, such teachings
may not be denied or qualified, but must have continuing relevance in every era of the Church” (“Theological
Implications,” 2010 CW, p . 15);
• “[T]he LCMS believes and teaches that same-gender
genital sexual activity—in every situation—violates
the will of our Creator and must be recognized as sin”
(“Theological Implications,” 2010 CW, p . 15);
• “Though we affirm the demands of God’s Law without
reservation, we Christians confess that the sins of the
world have been forgiven through Christ’s suffering and
death on the cross” (“Same-Gender Relationships,” 2010
CW, p . 66);
• “Loving, compassionate recognition of the deep pain and
personal struggles that same-sex inclinations produce in
many individuals, families, and congregations may not
be neglected in the name of moral purity” (“Theological
Implications,” 2010 CW, p . 15); and
• “The healing voice of Jesus—Sacred Scripture—seeks
to lead us into the richness of the life God intends for us .
Prohibitions against adultery, homosexuality, and promiscuity of any sort are kind words, warning us against
behavior that would diminish or destroy human wholeness” (“Theological Implications,” 2010 CW, p . 15) .
Action: Adopted (6)
(After Res . 3-01A was formally introduced, debate was ended
immediately and the resolution was adopted as presented [Yes:
1,133; No: 35] .)

To Support Confessional Lutheranism at Home
and Abroad
RESOLUTION 3-02A
Overture 3-14 (CW, p. 169)
Whereas, The decisions of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA) at its August 2009 Churchwide
Assembly in Minneapolis regarding homosexual relationships
are contrary to Scripture and 2,000 years of Christian teaching
and to confessional Lutheranism in particular; and
Whereas, Many congregations and individuals have withdrawn from or are considering withdrawal from affiliation with
or membership in the ELCA and consider their decision necessitated by conscience, Holy Scripture, and right reason; and
2010 Convention Proceedings

Whereas, For the sake of good order and in furtherance of
the clear proclamation of the Gospel of Christ, many of these
same congregations and individuals have organized themselves
into groups such as Word Alone, Lutheran Congregations in
Mission for Christ (LCMC), Lutheran CORE, etc .; and
Whereas, Individual and congregational contacts from the
ELCA with LCMS congregations and officials have increased
significantly since August 2009; and
Whereas, This decision by the ELCA has also grieved
Lutherans and upset inter-church relations among confessional
Lutheran church bodies outside the United States; and
Whereas, While this state of disruption and uncertainty
among confessional Lutherans threatens to hinder the proclamation of the Gospel, it also calls us to confess our faith
anew; and
Whereas, The LCMS, while not encouraging discord in
the ELCA, nevertheless cannot turn away from those who dissent from the ELCA, lest we deny our own convictions; and
Whereas, The LCMS has been encouraged to provide
leadership and support to emerging and formative Lutheran
church bodies; therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS earnestly pray for her brothers
and sisters in the ELCA, including those who have departed
from this biblical and Christian understanding, asking that the
ELCA would reconsider—even now—its actions; and be it
further
Resolved, That the LCMS provide encouragement to other
Lutheran church bodies as they strive to remain faithful to confessional Lutheranism; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS commend groups such as Word
Alone, Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC),
Lutheran CORE, and others for their courage and faithfulness in opposing the ELCA’s recent decision; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS commend efforts such as the
Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR)sponsored Confessional Leadership Conference (June 2010),
which gathered Lutheran leaders from around the world for
the purpose of promoting confessional Lutheranism; and be
it further
Resolved, That the CTCR be requested to continue to
develop plans for confessional leadership (cf . 2007 Res . 3-03)
by sponsoring an international model theological conference
on confessional leadership in the 21st century; and be it finally
Resolved, That the LCMS through the Office of the
President and the CTCR continue to explore ways together
with the ILC to bring together Lutherans for the purpose of
promoting confessional Lutheranism throughout the world .
Action: Adopted (6)
(Debate was quickly ended and the resolution was adopted as
presented [Yes: 1,093; No: 61] .)