LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2019, Page 155

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5. THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS
Things Hold Together in Christ: The Intersection of Science and
Christian Theology (2015); and be it further
Resolved, That pastors care for and instruct their people,
especially their young people, by addressing issues related
to the intersection of faith and science by leading
thoughtful discussions that:
• help them remain faithful to our confession as set
forth in the Scriptures, exhibited in our
Confessions, and affirmed in the Synod’s publicly
stated positions; and
• address accurately and honestly the assumptions,
theories, and findings of scientists along with the
challenges that they raise for Christian thought;
and be it finally
Resolved, That pastors encourage and equip their people
to look for and engage in respectful and thoughtful
conversations that give a Christian witness.
Action: Adopted (6)
It was moved and seconded to amend the first bullet of the first
resolve to read in its entirety, “God created the world in six days
(Genesis 1).” After discussion, the chair, noting the orders of the
day, put closure of debate on the amendment to a vote, which
carried [Yes: 732; No: 213]; the amendment failed [Yes: 309; No:
662]. The chair put closure of debate on the main motion to a vote;
this carried [Yes: 691; No: 268]. Res. 5-09A was adopted as
presented by a show of hands. The President noted on this topic
that “we try to say only what the Bible says, and otherwise to keep
our mouths shut,” and thanked the delegates for the way they
handled debate on this resolution.

To Commend the Lutheran Church—
Canada CTCR Report
Cremation and the Christian
RESOLUTION 5-10
Overtures 5-29–30 (CW, 440–41)

WHEREAS, The practice of cremation is gaining
acceptance in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Questions about the propriety of cremation
from a theological perspective have arisen over the years;
and
WHEREAS, Such questions have been referred to the
Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) by
several previous Synod conventions; and
WHEREAS, The CTCR has, in consultation with the
seminaries, examined and commended the report prepared
by the Lutheran Church—Canada CTCR, Cremation and the
Christian; therefore be it

Resolutions

Resolved, That the Synod in convention commend
Cremation and the Christian to pastors and congregations
for study and discussion.
The referenced document may be accessed at:
www.lcms.org/about/leadership/
commission-on-theology-and-churchrelations/documents/general-resources#statementsfrom-church-bodies.
Action: Adopted (7)
There being objection to the chair’s suggestion to proceed to the
main motion, the resolution went to debate but this was shortly
closed [Yes: 840; No: 60]; the resolution was adopted [Yes: 828;
No: 84].

To Address Questions about
Unity in Doctrine and Uniformity
and Variety in Practice
RESOLUTION 5-11
Overtures 5-31–32 (CW, 441–42)

WHEREAS, Questions and concerns continue to arise in
the Synod about the relationship between unity in doctrine
and uniformity and variety in practice (Constitution Article
III 7); and
WHEREAS, Certain practices in the church are divinely
mandated while other practices are in the realm of
adiaphora (neither commanded nor forbidden by the
Scriptures but serve to edify the church (see Augsburg
Confession VII; Formula of Concord Solid Declaration XI);
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod direct the Commission on
Theology and Church Relations to prepare a study
document on the issue of the relationship between unity in
doctrine and uniformity and variety in practice, together
with a Bible study on this issue specifically designed for
congregational use, discussion, and guidance.
Action: Adopted (7)
After discussion, closure of debate was moved and carried; the
resolution was also adopted on a voice vote.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2019 (67TH) LCMS CONVENTION | 155