LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2010, Page 168

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168

RESOLUTIONS
1 . Provide a structure that creates a convention culture in the
church that uses the Word of God as an instrument of the
Holy Spirit and His power in conversation, discussion,
and convincing;
2 . Provide economic savings; and

3 . Provide adequate time for church representatives to implement the work of the church at each level of governance .

That is the impetus behind the task force’s recommendation to amend the cycle of district and national conventions
from three years to four years .
Whereas, A four-year cycle that begins with the grassroots
of the Synod will create a convention culture characterized by
an intentional focus on the church’s common mission and confession, on contemporary issues faced by the church, and on
theology, nurture, edification, inspiration, and worship; and
Whereas, A change to a four-year cycle allows for the central role of congregations in all four years; and
Whereas, It is desirable to be the best stewards of both
the time and the money of the members of the congregations
of Synod; and
Whereas, Significant economic savings will be realized
by the congregations of Synod being assessed for a district
and a national convention every four years rather than every
three years; and
Whereas, The importance of matters coming from a
congregation, a circuit forum, or a district convention to a
convention of the national Synod is well served by a fouryear cycle; and
Whereas, The terminology of Constitution Art . VIII A and
B needs to be updated; therefore be it
Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
adopt a four-year cycle for district and national conventions;
and be it further
Resolved, That in the four-year cycle, circuits may hold
theological convocations in year one; districts shall hold theological convocations in year two; district conventions shall be
held in year three; and the national Synod convention shall be
held in year four; and be it finally
Resolved, That Constitution Art . VIII A and B be amended
accordingly, as shown (“2007 Handbook Convention Version,”
TB, p . 162) .
Action: Declined (3)
(Early in the discussion of the resolution, a motion was introduced to amend the resolution by deleting the words “rather than
simply serving as a culture of voting power or legislation” at the
end of the first listed objective . The committee agreed to accept the
deletion as a friendly amendment . After further discussion, Res .
8-18 was not adopted, failing to receive the required 2/3 vote [Yes:
680; No: 495] .)
2010 Convention Proceedings

Congregations Walking Together in Mission
by Clarifying the Priority of the Constitution
To Add A New Article XIV
RESOLUTION 8-27
TF Report (CW TFR, p. 44)
Whereas, There are no articles in the Constitution that
clarify that if a bylaw adopted by simple majority vote serves
to confuse or contradict the Constitution of the Synod, the
Constitution will “trump” the bylaw; and
Whereas, There is a need to clarify the relationship
between the Bylaws and the Constitution of the Synod; therefore be it
Resolved, That a new Article XIV to the Constitution be
adopted to satisfy this need, as shown (“2007 Handbook
Convention Version,” TB, p . 167) .
Action: Adopted (12)
(During discussion, a proposed amendment to the proposed article was declared not in order because it had not been reviewed by
the floor committee . Discussion continued until debate was ended
and Res . 8-27 was adopted as presented by the required 2/3 vote
[Yes: 762; No: 346] .)

Congregations Walking Together in Mission
with Covenants of Love
To Study Article VI of Synod’s Constitution
RESOLUTION 8-30B
TF Report (CW TFR, pp. 21-22); (CW TFR A, 1.5-6);
Overtures 8-16, 8-46–48 (CW, pp. 227, 237)
Whereas, The Blue Ribbon Task Force on Structure and
Governance has proposed an amendment to Constitution
Article VI (Requirements of Membership) for the purpose of
clarification and affirmation; and
Whereas, Concerns have been expressed throughout the
history of the Synod, including recently, about the proper
understanding and application of Article VI with respect to
the conditions or requirements for acquiring and holding or
retaining membership in the Synod; and
Whereas, These concerns as well as misunderstandings
and misapplications of Article VI have included such matters
as “subscription … to [Synod’s] Constitution,” “Renunciation
of unionism and syncretism of every description;” “Exclusive
use of doctrinally pure agenda, hymnbooks, and catechisms in
church and school;” and “examination and approval of [congregation’s] constitution and bylaws by the district”; and
Whereas, The requirements for membership reflect the
identity and values of Synod; and
Whereas, The ministers of religion–ordained and the
ministers of religion–commissioned of the Synod have an
important role and responsibility in the life of the church; and
Whereas, Membership in the Synod carries clear expectation; and