LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1971, Page 165

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RESOLUTIONS 165

that restatements of doctrine with reference to contem-
porary issues are properly made by resolution at synod-
ical conventions in recognition of what the Holy Serip-
tures teach about the doctrines in question (cf. C. F. W.
Walther: “If when matters of this kind are under con-
sideration, a vote is taken, this dare not be done in
order to let the majority of votes decide but to learn by
way of the vote whether all have recognized what is
right and are in agreement with it” — Pastoraltheologie,
1872, page 372; cf. also Francis Pieper: “The only pur-
pose of voting in matters of doctrine is to see whether
all now understand the teaching of the divine Word and
agree to it; the purpose of the vote is not to decide the
correctness of a doctrine by a majority vote or even by
unanimous vote. The orthodox Christian church re-
mains aware of the fact that it cannot by resolution
make or give birth to Christian doctrines, but must
always merely set forth from Scriptures and profess
over against the prevailing error the doctrines submit-
ted and settled in Scripture” — Christian Dogmatics III,
p. 430); and

Wuereas, The reference to the Synod in Article VII
of the Constitution wherein the Synod is said to be “but
an advisory body” refers to the congregation’s right of
self-government and of rejecting resolutions “not in ac-
cordance with the Word of God or inexpedient as far
as the condition of a congregation is concerned” (Hand-
book, pp. 17—18); and

Wuereas, The first object of the Synod is “The con-
servation and promotion of the unity of the true faith
(Eph. 4:3-6; 1 Cor.1:10) and a united defense against
schism and sectarianism (Rom. 16:17)” (LCMS Con-
stitution, Art. III, 1, p. 15); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm the desirability of
the formulation of doctrinal statements which clearly
set forth the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and apply
them to issues of our day; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod clearly state that such doc-
trinal formulations are subordinate to the Lutheran
Confessions; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod distinguish between reso-
lutions concerning doctrine formulated and adopted at
a convention and more formal statements of belief which
are produced by officially authorized groups, and which
are then presented to the congregations and clergy of
the Synod for study and discussion, and which are sub-
sequently adopted by a synodical convention; and be
it further

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm the resolutions of
recent conventions that the Synod “honor and uphold
the synodically adopted statements as valid interpreta-
tions of Christian doctrine” (1969 Proceedings, p. 91);
and be it finally

Resolved, That in the case of the aforementioned
more formal and comprehensive statements of belief
that the Synod declare —

(1) its position that these statements, together with
all other formulations of doctrine, derive their authority

from the Word of God which they set forth from the
Holy Scriptures;

(2) its insistence that the ministry of the church re-
gard these formulations with special seriousness and
that those who disagree with these formulations in part
or in whole be held to present their objections to them
formally to those officials whom the Synod has given the
immediate supervision of their doctrine;

(3) its conviction that as a result of joint study of
the Word of God the Holy Spirit will lead the Synod
into all truth, that possible errors in the aforementioned
statements will be discovered and corrected, that in-
stances of failure to submit to the clear teaching of the
Holy Scriptures will be evangelically dealt with on an
individual pastoral basis, and that the Synod can speak
with a voice that is Scriptural, Gospel oriented, truly
Lutheran, and that we will continue to “walk together”
as a true Synod.

Action: Adopted (14).

(While the convention was continuing its discussion of
the resolveds of Resolution 2-21 in Session 11, an amendment
was moved and seconded to substitute Resolution 5-24. In
answer to a question the chair ruled that if this amendment
would not carry, Resolution 5-24 would be back in the hands
of Committee 5 to come up at the proper time when Com-
mittee 5 reports. Thereupon the amendment to substitute
Res. 5-24 was defeated, 450 to 469. Committee 5 introduced
the resolution in Session 14. After some discussion it was
adopted almost unanimously. The delegates joined in singing
the doxology in praise to God for this reconciling moment,
See also Resolution 2-21 as adopted in amended form earlier
in Session 14.)

To Decline to Permit Restriction of District
Clergy Offices to Parish Pastors
RESOLUTION 5-25

Overture 5-36 (CW, p. 261)

Whereas, In the interest of uniformity of procedure
within the Synod, Districts should not be permitted to
establish differing procedures of election; and

Wuereas, The results requested can be obtained
through discriminatory nominations and elections;
therefore be it

Resolved, That Overture 5-36 be declined.

Action: Referred under omnibus resolution to Board
of Directors for study and report to next convention.

To Affirm the Opinion of Commission
on Constitutional Matters
(Fact-Finding Committee )

RESOLUTION 5-26
Overture 5-53 (CW, p. 265)

Wuereas, We have examined the opinion of the
Commission on Constitutional Matters referred to in
Overture 5-53 concerning the appointment of a fact-
finding committee by the President of the Synod; and

Wuereas, The opinion itself does not contain the
“principal and agent” terminology; and