LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1973, Page 115

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RESOLUTIONS 115

quiring, the formulation and adoption of doctrinal state-
ments as definitive of the Synod’s position relative to
controverted issues; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod recognize Article II of
its constitution as requiring the Synod to take seriously
its confessional commitment to the pattern of sound
doctrine contained in the Symbols and to “regulate all
religious controversies and their explanation according
to it” (Preface to the Book of Concord, Tappert, p. 14;
cf. FC, SD, Rule and Norm, 10); and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod recognize that the only
basis for the acceptance of such statements is that they
are in accord with Scripture and the pattern of doctrine
set forth in the Symbols; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm its position (Mil-
waukee Proceedings, Res. 2-21 and 5-24) that such
statements, insofar as they are in accord with the Scrip-
tures and the pattern of doctrine set forth in the Lu-
theran Symbols, are, pursuant to Article II of the Syn-
od’s constitution, binding upon all its members. (Cf.
also Article VII)

Action: Adopted (6).

(See Minutes of Sessions 4 and 6 under Seminary Issues
for a detailed account of the debate.)

To Continue Discussion
with the Lutheran Church in America

RESOLUTION 2-13

Report 2-01, II, D; Overtures 2-144A through 2-150
(CW, pp. 35, 89—90)
Preamble

1971 Proceedings, Resolution 3-14, asked the Presi-
dent of the Synod in conjunction with the Commission
on Theology and Church Relations “to assure the Lu-
theran Church in America of our readiness to meet
officially with a view toward finding the agreement in
doctrine necessary for the establishing of pulpit and
altar fellowship.” Discussions have been held under the
aegis of the Lutheran Council in the USA through its
Division of Theological Studies. Representatives of The
Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod and the Lutheran
Church in America are presently engaged in these dis-
cussions. Additional meetings have been scheduled for
1973 and 1974.

Wuereas, Formal doctrinal discussions are still im-
peded by the traditional position of the Lutheran Church
in America that formal doctrinal talks are unnecessary
for church bodies subscribing the same Confessions; and

Wuereas, Agreement in doctrine has not been
reached; therefore be it

‘Resolved, That we respectfully decline the overtures
that ask the Synod to declare fellowship with the Lu-
theran Church in America; and be it further

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church — Missouri
Synod express its appreciation for the discussions that
have been held to date with representatives of the Lu-
theran Church in America; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage its President, in
consultation with the Commission on Theology and
Church Relations, to seek additional opportunities for
multilevel doctrinal discussions with the Lutheran
Church in America which include a discussion of the
meaning of our mutual subscription to the Scriptures
and the Confessions; and be it finally

Resolved, That the President of the Synod and the
Commission on Theology and Church Relations be re-
quested to report to the Synod on the progress and re-
sults of these discussions.

Action: None. Referred under omnibus Res. 4-47 to
the Board of Directors.

To Continue Study of National Council
of the Churches of Christ in the U. S. A.

RESOLUTION 2-14

Report 2-01, II, H; Overtures 2-160, 2-161 (CW, pp. 35—
36, 93—94)

Wuereas, The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod
at Denver, 1969, requested the Commission on Theology
and Church Relations to study “the basis, structure, and
operations of the National Council of Churches of Christ
in the U.S.A.” (Res. 3-06), and again at Milwaukee,
1971, “to continue to study this matter” (Res. 3-07) ;
and

Wuereas, The President of the Synod responded to
an NCC invitation and requested the Executive Secre-
tary of the CTCR to be an official observer to the 1972
NCC Assembly; and

Wuereas, With the approval of the CTCR, the Ex-
ecutive Secretary accepted an appointment to the Faith
and Order Commission of the NCC, to gain firsthand in-
formation; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod request the CTCR to con-
tinue its study of the NCC; and be it further

Resolved, That we respectfully decline Overtures
2-160, point 2, and 2-161.

Action: None. Referred under omnibus Res. 4-47 to
the Board of Directors.

To Warn and Provide Guidance
Concerning the Charismatic Movement
RESOLUTION 2-15
Report 2-01, I, B; Overture 2-87 (CW, pp. 30, 72—73)

Wuereas, Some members of The Lutheran Church —
Missouri Synod have become involved in the charismatic
movement; and

Wuereas, The influence of the charismatic movement
has caused dissension in several Lutheran Church —
Missouri Synod congregations, and

Wuereas, The movement is characterized by em-
phasis on the “charismatic gifts,’ by unionistic worship
practices, and by de-emphasis of other scriptural doc-