LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1973, Page 142

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142 RESOLUTIONS

Wuereas, For more than 2 years, attempts at conciliatory
discussions and procedures have proved fruitless and the
gravity of the situation calls for immediate action; and

Whereas, The Handbook of the Synod states, that, “the
Synod, its boards and its members shall first of all hold him
responsible in all matters pertaining to the institution”
(6.91) ; therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod
in convention assembled, with deep regret, nonetheless, for
cause hereinbefore stated, and in the best interests of the
Synod, respectfully invite the resignation of Dr. John Tietjen
as president and professor of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis,
Mo., effective Aug. 1, 1973; and be it further

Resolved, That should the resignation herein invited not
be forthcoming by the time of the adjournment of this con-
vention, it appearing to this convention that a special au-
thorization to the President of the Synod is in the best inter-
ests of the Synod, the President of the Synod be and hereby
is authorized and empowered pursuant to Article XI, A 2
and B 8, of the Constitution to forthwith dismiss Dr. John H.
Tietjen from the office of president and professor of Concor-
dia Seminary, St. Louis; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board of Directors of Synod in either
event attend to the financial needs of Dr. John H. Tietjen for
an appropriate period of time; and be it finally

Resolved, That all proper and appropriate steps be taken
for the election and calling of a new president of Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.)

To Decline Further Action Regarding
Dr. Arlis Ehlen

RESOLUTION 3-13

Overtures 3-166, 3-167A, 3-167B, 3-168A, 3-168B, 3-169,
3-170 (CW, pp. 158—159)

Wuereas, The Board for Higher Education of The
Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod did not grant its
consent to the appointment of Dr. Arlis Ehlen to the
faculty of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and

Wuereas, This action was taken in keeping with
Handbook Section 6.53 a as interpreted by the Commis-
sion on Constitutional Matters on Jan. 22—23, 1970,
which opinion was reported to the Milwaukee conven-
tion (CW, p. 241) and not challenged; and

Wuereas, The Board of Control of Concordia Sem-
inary continued the salary of Dr. Arlis Ehlen for a full
year on the understanding that his appointment was
terminated June 30, 1972; and

Wuereas, This matter has been properly handled by
the properly constituted boards; therefore be it

Resolved, That no further action be taken in the
matter; and be it also

Resolved, That Overture 3-166 to reinstate Dr. Ehlen,
Overture 3-167A and 3-167B to declare him not guilty
of false doctrine, Overture 3-168A and 3-168B to furnish
particulars, Overture 3-169 to reopen the case, and
Overture 3-170 to admonish Dr. Ehlen be respectfully
declined.

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

To Implement Bylaw 6.53 d
RESOLUTION 3-14
Report 3-01D (CW, pp. 107—112)

Wuereas, The Commission on Accrediting of the
American Association of Theological Schools cited as
one of the reasons for placing Concordia Seminary, Saint
Louis, on probation the following: “The freedom of the
faculty to teach and publish research is circumscribed
in ways not defined in the terms of a contract of em-
ployment” (Report 3-01D, CW, p. 107); and

Wuereas, Bylaw 6.53d says, “. . . Limitations of
academic freedom because of the religious nature and
aims of the institution shall be stated in writing at the
time of the appointment and conveyed to the person
being appointed”; and

Wuereas, The concern of the AATS is not the sub-
stance of Bylaw 6.53d but rather the fact that it is not
being implemented throughout the Synod; and

Wuereas, The Special Task Force on Accreditation
recommends that this Bylaw be implemented (Report
3-01D, CW, p.110); and

Wuereas, The Constitution of The Lutheran Church
— Missouri Synod, Article II, clearly sets forth the
unique Scriptural and Confessional nature of the Synod
and therefore also of its institutions (cf. Articles of In-
corporation, Article II Objects, d.” “To establish, build,
conduct, and maintain theological seminaries, colleges,
academies, schools, and other institutions of learning’’);
and

Wuereas, The Constitution of The Lutheran Church
— Missouri Synod, Article III Objects, clearly sets forth
the unique objects (“aims”) of the Syned and therefore
of its institutions, specifically in this case:

1. The conservation and promotion of the unity of the

true faith (Eph. 4:3-6; 1Cor.1:10) and a united de-
fense against schism and sectarianism (Rom.16:17);

3. The training of ministers and teachers for service in
the Evangelical Lutheran Church;

7. The supervision of the ministers and teachers of the
Synod with regard to the performance of their official
duties;

and

Whereas, The Articles of Incorporation of the Synod
in Article II Objects clearly sets forth the unique pur-
poses for which the Synod was incorporated, namely:

a. To unite in a corporate body the members of the Evan-

gelical Lutheran Church who acknowledge and remain

true to the Book of Concord of the year of our Lord
1580 as a true exhibition of sound Christian doctrine.

b. To train ministers and teachers for service in the Evan-
gelical Lutheran Church.

c. To assist and advise congregations, pastors, and teach-
ers affiliated with The Lutheran Church — Missouri
Synod and to exercise supervision over such pastors
and teachers as to doctrine, practice, and performance
of their official duties.

And

Wuereas, In the “Act to Incorporate the ‘Concordia
College’ of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of