LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2010, Page 237

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synod structure and governance
8-46

To Retain Current Article III 7 of Constitution
re Church Practice
Whereas, In 2005, President Gerald Kieschnick appointed the
Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance; and
Whereas, Experience teaches that maximum attention must be
given to details and wording in making adjustments and/or changes
impinging on structure; and
Whereas, The Synod would do well to proceed with prayerful and
appropriate care in considering any changes; and
Whereas, Recommendation 1: Affirm and Clarify Governing
Documents in the task force’s final report of October 15, 2009, has
far-reaching and significant import; and
Whereas, This recommendation will impact and modify Art. III
7 of the Synod’s existing Constitution; and
Whereas, Uniformity in church practice is extremely important;
therefore be it
Resolved, That Our Savior Lutheran Church, Muscatine, IA,
memorialize the Synod to replace proposed Art. III B 8 with Art. III
7 of the existing Constitution.
Our Savior, Muscatine, IA; Zion, Wilton, IA
8-47

To Amend Article III of Constitution
Whereas, The Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and
Governance (BRTFSSG) has identified various weaknesses in Article
III “Objectives” of the Constitution of the Synod; and
Whereas, The task force has suggested replacing the current
“Objectives” wording with an expanded and radically altered Article
III entitled “Mission and Purpose”; and
Whereas, A more simple revision of the historic objectives would
be easier to understand and would define the Synod’s God-given
purposes more clearly; therefore be it
Resolved, That the proposed “Mission and Purpose” wording for
Article III not be added to the Constitution, but that the following
“Objectives” wording be adopted to replace the current wording of
Article III:
Article III Objectives
1. The conservation and promotion of the unity of the true faith
within and outside of the Synod (Eph.4:3–6; 1 Cor. 1:10) and a
united defense against schism, sectarianism, and heresy (Rom.
16:17).
2. The united extension of the Kingdom of God by the
proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. The recruitment, education, and continued training of pastors
and other servants for the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
4. Thorough Christian education through catechesis and the
promotion of Lutheran primary and secondary schools and
institutions of higher education.
5. Publication and distribution of orthodox Lutheran literature and
media.
6. The highest possible uniformity in church practice, church
usages, and in general in congregational matters.
7. The evangelical supervision of the doctrine and practices of
those who teach God’s Word in the Synod.
8. The protection of congregations, pastors, and other called
workers in the performance of their duties.

237

9. Provision of aid to people in need through coordinated acts of
mercy.
Zion
Taylor Ridge, IL
8-48

To Retain Current Wording of Article VI 4
Whereas, In 2005, President Gerald Kieschnick appointed the
Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance; and
Whereas, Experience teaches that maximum attention must be
given to details and wording in making adjustments and/or changes
impinging on structure; and
Whereas, The Synod would do well to proceed with prayerful
and appropriate care in considering any changes; and
Whereas, Recommendation 1: Affirm and Clarify Governing
Documents in the task force’s final report of October 15, 2009, has
far-reaching and significant import; and
Whereas, Existing Constitution Art. VI 4 is more concise in its
requirements than the proposed Article VI B 2; therefore be it
Resolved, That Our Savior Lutheran Church, Muscatine, IA,
memorialize the Synod to replace proposed Article VI B 2 with existing Article VI 4.
Our Savior, Muscatine, IA; Zion, Wilton, IA
8-49

To Return to Previous Definition of Function
of Doctrinal Resolutions
Rationale:
The Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance
(BRTFSSG), appointed by President Gerald Kieschnick, has proposed amending Article VIII C of the Synod’s Constitution to include
some of the material currently treated in Bylaw 1.6.2, namely, the distinction between doctrinal resolutions and doctrinal statements. The
task force’s proposed wording for Article VIII C 2 b mentions “certain doctrinal resolutions of special significance” and requires that
these special doctrinal resolutions be adopted by a two-thirds majority vote. In its proposed Bylaw 1.6.3, the task force gives as examples
of doctrinal resolutions of special significance “those initiating, modifying, or repealing specific positions or practices of the Synod.”
The task force’s presentation to the 2009 district conventions indicated that “close majority votes on doctrinal matters do not promote
unity and are conducive to increased internal conflict and consternation.” This observation makes a great deal of sense if such close
votes are to initiate, modify, or repeal aspects of the Synod’s position. However, the task force’s observation does not trace the roots
of any recent difficulties the Synod may have experienced over doctrinal resolutions adopted by relatively small majorities.
In 1975, the Synod called for the appointment of a Special
Committee on Doctrinal Statements to clarify the status of doctrinal
statements. This committee consisted of August Suelflow (chairman),
Henry Eggold (vice-chairman), Ralph Bohlmann, Herbert Mueller,
Frederick Niedner, and Norman Troyke. Harold Olsen was a consultant and Samuel Nafzger served the committee as staff person and
secretary. This committee brought its recommendations to the Synod
in 1977 (Convention Workbook, pp. 71–73.) It proposed bylaws on

2010 Convention Workbook

2010 Convention.indb 237

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