LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2010, Page 115

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THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS

To Cooperate in Externals
with Theological Integrity
RESOLUTION 3-03
Overtures 3-01–02, 3-05–08 (CW, pp. 165–167)
Whereas, The 2001, 2004, and 2007 conventions of the
Synod asked that various aspects of cooperative working
arrangements with the ELCA be evaluated by the Praesidium
with results and recommendations reported to the subsequent
conventions; and
Whereas, In 2010 President Kieschnick formed a task
force to address the theological implications of the decisions
of the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly regarding homosexuality; and
Whereas, The task force produced a document titled
“Theological Implications of the 2009 ELCA Decisions”
(2010 Convention Workbook [CW], pp . 14–18); and
Whereas, “Theological Implications” refers to the Synod’s
long-standing position: “Our Synod should clearly recognize that, in cases of necessary work on the local, national,
or international level, where the faith and confession of the
church are not compromised, and where it appears essential
that the churches of various denominations should cooperate or at least not work at cross purposes, our churches ought
to cooperate willingly to the extent that the Word of God and
conscience will allow” (1965 Commission on Theology and
Church Relations (CTCR) Report, Theology of Fellowship [ p .
43], officially adopted by the Synod in 1967 [Res . 2-13]); and
Whereas, The Synod’s position stated above clearly sets
forth two fundamental principles:
1 . “the church cannot compromise its faith and confession”;
and
2 . “there are circumstances in which churches ‘ought to
cooperate’ to the extent that the Word of God and conscience will allow”;
and
Whereas, The task force statement goes on to offer the following analysis and guidance:
In light of these two principles, it has been the long-standing practice of confessional Lutheran churches to distinguish
between joint participation by churches and church workers in
Word and Sacrament ministry (“altar and pulpit fellowship”
or communio in sacris) and cooperation between churches in
matters of physical need (cooperatio in externis) . To maintain
such a distinction carefully and conscientiously prevents both
compromise of the teachings of the Christian faith and disregard
of human needs which can be addressed more effectively by
groups working together than by individuals or churches working on their own .
Because of doctrinal differences, the LCMS is not now nor
has it ever been able to be in a relationship of altar and pulpit
fellowship with the ELCA . Nevertheless, we have engaged in
many cooperative activities with the ELCA, nationally and locally, in order to meet physical needs . These cooperative activities, however, are threatened by the sexuality decisions of
the ELCA, because, in some cases, the ELCA’s new affirmation

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of same-gender relationships may contradict understandings or
goals that have enabled cooperative activities in the past . As one
example, the CTCR already in 2006 addressed the decision of
an adoption agency to treat same-gender relationships as equal
to marriage for adoptive purposes . The opinion states: “On the
basis of the clear teaching of Scripture regarding homosexual
behavior and about God’s will and design for marriage and the
family as foundational units for society as a whole, it is the express opinion of the CTCR that a policy of placing adopted or
foster children into homosexual contexts would stand in opposition to the official doctrinal position of the LCMS .”
In areas where we currently have working arrangements with
ELCA congregations and entities, the status of those working
relationships is dependent on policies and actions taken by the
various entities from national to local levels . We do not believe
the ELCA’s recent sexuality decisions should necessarily or
summarily end our work together in these agencies . However,
we hope and expect that the leadership of such entities will respect the theological position of the Synod (including its position on same-gender sexual activity) and avoid any policies
or decisions which would require us to cease our support and
involvement in their activities .
We cannot dictate the exact direction(s) various cooperative
relationships will take in the future, primarily because the nature
of agreements between ELCA and LCMS congregations and
entities varies on a case-by-case basis . Frank and serious discussion on this issue needs to continue on various levels so that
convictions and beliefs are not compromised and that worthy
projects, activities, and relationships between our church and
others may continue wherever possible . We urge LCMS participants in such cases to make decisions about whether to continue
involvement on the basis of the principles we have discussed .
We also suggest the following questions for consideration in
making these decisions:

1 . Is the purpose of the joint work fully consistent with the positions, policies, and objectives of the Synod?
2 . Do cooperative efforts imply doctrinal unity with the ELCA
or endorsement of ELCA positions on same-sex relationships
or other matters of disagreement with the LCMS?
3 . Does the joint agency or organization distinguish itself as an
entity from the churches that support it?
4 . Are all the policies and programs of the organization consonant with the doctrinal position of the LCMS?
5 . Do the individuals who lead the organization openly support
and encourage efforts, positions, or policies which compromise the theological stance of the Synod?
We urge LCMS participants to answer such questions as
these and to make decisions about whether to continue involvement on the basis of the principles we have discussed [2010
CW, p . 16] .

Therefore be it
Resolved, That the task force be thanked and commended
for its work on identifying practical implications of the 2009
ELCA decisions on human sexuality; and be it further
Resolved, That, in keeping with the basic principles set
forth in the task force statement, cooperation in externals with
other churches, including the ELCA, continue with theological integrity; and be it further
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