LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1977, Page 41

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MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 41

the Synod; the Lutheran Hour, which is the largest
denominational religious network in the world; the
project of “Preaching Through the Press”; the televi-
sion ministry, which has been transferred from the
Synod to the International Lutheran Laymen’s League;
and to a chair of business ethics which has been
established at Valparaiso University.

Committee on Parish Services

Since some of the resolutions from the Committee on
Parish Services would be dealing with Valparaiso
University, President Preus introduced the president of
Valparaiso, Dr. Alfred Huegli, who brought the
greetings of the university to the delegates. In his
remarks he outlined the growth and development of the
institution and thanked the Synod for its support.

Chairman Zeile of the Floor Committee on Parish
Services then called on Rich Bimler, president of the
LEA, to present the Christus Magister award on behalf
of the LEA to Dr. Arthur L. Amt. This is an award
presented to an outstanding leader and educator in the
church. Dr. Amt addressed the delegates, expressing
his appreciation for having been able to serve his Lord
and his church.

Chairman Zeile reintroduced Res. 7-08 (TB 135),
which called for the development of a synodical youth
organization. Action on this resolution had not been
completed in a previous session. After hearing an
explanation of the change in direction which had
occurred within the international Lutheran Walther
League and referring to the confusion which occurs
when congregations use the term “Walther League” for
their youth organizations, the delegates adopted the
resolution as presented. In keeping with this resolution
the delegates adopted Res. 7-17 (TB 140), which called
for deletion of all references to the Walther League from
the synodical Handbook, and stated that the Synod no
longer recognizes the Walther League as an auxiliary
organization of the Synod. After adding the resolve
“that the Synod encourage the congregations to
provide barrier-free access and handicap parking” to
Res. 7-13 (TB 138), the delegates accepted it. This
resolution called for the improvement of services to
persons with handicaps through the provision of
materials and through continuing to seek ways and
means to implement an evangelical outreach to people
who endure blindness, deafness, developmental and
learning disabilities, and emotional problems. After
changing the final resolve of Res. 7-09 (TB 136) to read:
“Resolved, That the Board for Youth Ministry be
encouraged to plan a synodical youth gathering in 1979
or 1980 to encourage youth, young adults, and adults in
their commitment to the service of Jesus Christ in place
of an All-Lutheran Youth/Adult Gathering in 1979,”
the committee introduced this resolution to the conven-
tion, which adopted it as amended by the committee. It
then began discussion of Res. 7-10 (TB 136), a resolution
intended to give direction to the Board of Youth
Ministry with respect to All-Lutheran Youth/Adult
Gatherings. Time for discussion of this matter expired
before the delegates could hear a substitute resolution
which was to be introduced from the floor at the

beginning of the next session when resolutions from
the Floor Committee on Parish Services are considered.

Closing Devotion

Chaplain Streufert led the delegates in a closing
dinner prayer. The session was concluded with the
singing of several hymns by a teachers’ choir and with
the benediction.

Session 11

July 20, Afternoon
Opening

The eleventh session of the convention opened with
a devotion led by Chaplain Streufert. After hearing the
reading from Acts 13 by President Gerdat of the Brazil
District in Portuguese, Chaplain Streufert read the
identical section in English. He then led the delegates in
prayer.

Minutes

The minutes of the afternoon session of July 18 and
the morning session of July 19 were presented to the
delegates. No substantive changes were made. A
change, however, was reported in the afternoon session
of the minutes for July 16. In lines 45—47 (TB 276) all of
the words from “Livonia” to the end of line 47 were
replaced with the words “and The Savior of Kalamazoo
from the Michigan District to the English District while
declining action on the transfer request of Holy
Trinity, Livonia, and Faith, Livonia, because of their
withdrawal from the Synod.” No further substantive
changes were reported in the minutes for that day.

Convention Agenda

A delegate was granted the privilege of making a
motion which was adopted by the convention and
which placed Res. 9-04A (TB 269) on the active agenda
of the convention once again. This resolution had
previously been tabled.

Point of Privilege

President Dienst of the New England District was
granted the privilege of addressing the convention. He
brought an apology to the delegates from a delegate of
the District who had interrupted the morning session of
the convention. The delegate had been under stress,
and the members of the convention were asked to
remember him in their prayers.

Higher Education

Chairman Mennicke of the Floor Committee on
Higher Education introduced Res. 6-08 (TB 123), which
called for retaining the present endorsement procedures
for candidates for the pastoral office but also asked that
each member of the Board of Assignments be consulted
regarding candidates being recommended for place-
ment in his District and for inclusion of their sug-
gestions and recommendations in the final recommen-
dation of the plenary Board of Assignments. The
resolution (6-08, TB 123) was adopted. The necessary