LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1977, Page 137

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RESOLUTIONS 137

WHEREAS, Guidance and input to these discussions
should include those who will ultimately be most
affected by continuing exploration in these fields; and

WHEREAS, Serious questions concerning the
legimitate use of technology to extend life beyond
“naturally” occurring limits, the control of human
behavior through surgery and drug therapy, the use of
techniques such as amniocentesis to diagnose disease
and determine sex in the unborn child, medical
experimentation on human subjects, and the altering of
the genetic code in both human and animal subjects
have led the U. S. Congress and the general public to
express concern regarding proper ethical constraints in
biomedical research; and

WHEREAS, Pastors are becoming increasingly in-
volved in these issues in their ministry to individuals
confronted with making personal decisions in life-and-
death matters; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod encourage the CTCR and
its Social Concerns Committee, in consultation with the
Commission on Services to the Mentally Retarded, to
address themselves to the moral aspects of these
questions with the purpose of providing assistance to
pastors in their counseling, guidance to members of
professions involved in the technical aspects of
bioethics, and information to the members of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod on the serious
questions raised by developments in the life sciences.

Action: Adopted (16).

To Promote Proper Discipline
RESOLUTION 3-27
Overtures 3-37A—B, 3-114A—3-1 15 (CW, pp. 80,
102—103)

WHEREAS, The Synod has spelled out a thorough
and effective means of helpful supervision and dis-
cipline in its Handbook (III, E, Circuit Counselors and
Official Visits, and V, Adjudication and Appeals); and

WHEREAS, The exercise of proper supervision and
discipline is intended for the promotion of the unity of
the true faith and a united defense against schism and
sectarianism (Constitution, Art. ITD); therefore be it

Resolved, That elected officials be reminded of
the responsibilities of their office and be encouraged to
perform their work with confidence in the power of the
Spirit working through the Word.

Action: Adopted (16).

(The delegates declined to add the last three resolves of
Overture 3-114A.)

To Refer “Revision
to A Statement” to the Church

RESOLUTION 3-28
Report 3-01, App. 3-01A (CW, p. 48)
WHEREAS, The 1975 Anaheim convention (Res. 3-05)

instructed the CTCR “to prepare and submit to the 1977
convention” the four revisions that had been
recommended by the CTCR in its “Report on Dissent”;
and

WHEREAS, The CTCR has prepared and adopted this
document in September and November 1976 and
January 1977; therefore be it

Resolved, That the convention commend the CTCR
for all its work and refer the “Revision to A Statement”
(CW, p. 48, App. 3-01A) and other CTCR documents for
the prayerful study and use of the church.

Action: Adopted (16).

To Urge Unified Witness Against
Anti-Christian Organizations

RESOLUTION 3-29
Overtures 3-89—3-91 (CW, pp. 96-97)

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
has declared itself to be firmly opposed to all societies,
lodges, and associations of unchristian and antichris-
tian character (Handbook 14.01 and 14.03); and

WHEREAS, No changes have been made, not even by
so-called “animal” lodges, that would remove the
Synod’s objections and that would permit a change in
the Synod’s position; and

WHEREAS, A common witness against such
organizations is vital to maintain the unity of faith and
life within the synodical fellowship; and

WHEREAS, Congregations that disregard these
Bylaws of the Synod—

1. present a false witness to the world and to their
own members;

2. undermine and weaken the witness of others that
seek this position out of a sincere concern for the
spiritual life and welfare of God’s people;

3. cause confusion and uncertainty among those
who hold or seek membership in such organizations in
that they are accepted in some LCMS congregations
and rejected by others; therefore be it

Resolved, That congregations in the Synod be
encouraged to study and discuss Art. XIV of the
synodical Handbook together with materials available
from the synodical Commission on Organizations; and
be it further

Resolved, That all members of the Synod be strongly
urged to follow the guidelines of Art. XIV out of love
and concern for other members of the Synod and from a
desire to help provide common witness to the world;
and be it finally

Resolved, That District officials be reminded of their
responsibility to exercise proper Christian, evangelical
supervision and discipline in such cases wherever such
leadership is required.

Action: Adopted (16).