LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1977, Page 37

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MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 37

line 68 (TB 112) before adopting the resolution as
amended. During the discussion of Res. 5-19 (TB 113),
calling for referral of Bylaw changes for the election of
delegates and voting privileges to the Task Force on
Constitution, Bylaws, and Structure, the convention
agreed to vote on Res. 5-19, 5-20, and 5-21 (TB 113)
collectively by title. However, because of discussion
which arose on each of the resolutions, they were
considered separately. Resolution 5-19 (TB 113) was
adopted by the convention after agreeing by common
consent to change the word “matter” to “question” in
lines 23—24 (TB 113). In response to a question from the
floor after adoption of this resolution the Secretary of
the Synod explained that Bylaw 1.53 as previously
adopted by the convention (Res. 5-08) would prevail
until the Task Force makes its recommendations and
until the convention acts upon them. Resolution 5-20
(TB 113), referring the limitation of the size of
conventions to the Task Force on Constitution, Bylaws,
and Structure, was also adopted. During the discussion
of Res. 5-21 (TB 113), which called for the referral of the
matter of cumulative voting to the Task Force on
Constitution, Bylaws, and Structure, the delegates
declined to consider a substitute motion which added as
a first resolve “that we approve the process of
cumulative voting” and to change the word “matter” in
line 60 (7B 113) to “approval.” A further amendment
was offered, calling for the change of “could be” to “has
been suggested as” in line 57 (7B 118) and of the word
“matter” to “question” in line 60 (TB 113). Time
expired, however, before action could be taken on the
amendment or the resolution.

Closing

Chaplain Streufert brought the morning session to a
close by leading the delegates in prayer.

Point of Privilege

After the closing devotion a delegate was granted a
point of privilege. In his statement he urged the
delegates to be present during the essay and Bible
study and to consider it as the most important matter of
the convention.

Session 8

July 19, Afternoon
Opening

Chaplain Paul Streufert led the delegates in the
opening devotion for Session 8. The Scripture reading
for the devotion consisted of the beatitudes from
Matthew 5, read first in the Finnish language by J.
William Sippola of Lansing, Mich., and then in English
by Dr. Streufert. In his devotion he referred to the
“triple S” of theology, that of sinner, Savior, and
servant. The delegates joined in the singing of the
hymn “Bow Down Your Ear, Almighty Lord.”

Minutes

The minutes of Sessions 4 and 5 stood approved as
submitted.

Theology and Church Relations

Dr. Happel, chairman of the Floor Committee on
Theology and Church Relations, introduced Res. 3-04
(TB 55), which offered a way to deal with the proposed
Lutheran Book of Worship. Before discussing the
resolution he indicated that Overture 3-16 (CW 103)
should be added in line 42 (TB 55) and that the word
“theological” should be struck from line 14 (7B 56). In
the extended discussion which followed the delegates
adopted an amendment, adding a fourth option on line
25 (TB 56). It was listed as “d) continue using the
present The Lutheran Hymnal.” By a vote of 548 to 501
they declined to consider a substitute motion. This had
called for retaining lines 44—58 (TB 55) to be followed
with the words “and Whereas, The final manuscript is
undergoing the doctrinal review process to insure
conformity with the Scriptures and the Lutheran
Confessions as required by the Synod’s Bylaws;
therefore be it Resolved, That the LCMS in convention
receive the new Lutheran Book of Worship as one of the
resources for worship available to the congregations of
the Synod, subject to successful completion of the
doctrinal review process.” The delegates also declined
an amendment to change line 12 (TB 56) to read “6,7, &
8) three lay members appointed by the synodical
President.” Although the convention agreed to ter-
minate debate on Res. 3-04 (7B 55), additional informa-
tion caused them to reconsider the action and to decide to
continue discussion of the resolution.

Task Force on Women

At this point Dr. Happel introduced Mrs. Jean
Garton, a member of the Task Force on Women, who
addressed the delegates briefly. She called attention to
the resolution on abortion, which would be considered
later, and pointed out that this matter involves justice
and rights but also compassion. She stated that we
need to be concerned about the alternatives to abortion.

Theology and Church Relations

When discussion of Res. 3-04 (7B 55) was resumed, a
motion was made and seconded to reconsider the
substitute motion which had previously been offered.
However, no action was taken on this when the
delegates voted to recommit the entire matter to the
Floor Committee on Theology and Church Relations.
Resolution 3-06 (7B 57), commending the Task Force on
Women and asking for a continuation of the study of
the role of women in the church, was adopted. Prior to
its introduction the committee had added Overture 3-85
in line 7 (TB 57), as well as the words “CTCR and its”
between the word “the” and “Social Concerns” in line
25. Resolution 3-07 (TB 57), calling for adoption of the
recommendation of the special Committee on Doctrinal
Statements was introduced. After brief discussion it
was declared that time had expired for consideration of
resolutions from this committee during the present
session.

Lutheran Television Ministry

Dr. Martin Neeb of the Lutheran Television
ministry addressed the convention with particular