LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1977, Page 175

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RESOLUTIONS 175

responsibilities to determine whether a given in-
dividual is indeed qualified in every respect for the
ministry of Word and Sacrament; and

WHEREAS, It would be poor stewardship of time and
effort to assign this responsibility to a new board or
committee because of the excessive amount of time
required of those serving on such a board or committee
if the assignment is to be carried out in a responsible
way and because the faculties are uniquely qualified to
determine the fitness for ministry of candidates with
whom they have had regular contact over a 4-year
period; and

WHEREAS, There is valid concern for additional
involvement by the Council of Presidents in placement
procedures; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod make no changes in
present procedures for endorsement (Bylaw 4.15 a, 1
and 2); and be it further

Resolved, That each member of the Board of
Assignments be consulted regarding candidates being
recommended for placement in his District, and that
their suggestions and recommendations be a part of the
final recommendation to the plenary Board of
Assignments; and be it fully

Resolved, That the Commission on Constitutional
Matters be directed to make the necessary changes in
the synodical Handbook to reflect this change in
procedure.

Action: Adopted (11).

(The delegates refused to consider Overture 6-46, CW, p.
245, as a substitute resolution.)

To Encourage Seminex Graduates
to Seek Endorsement

RESOLUTION 6-09

Overtures 6-32—6-35, 6-41—6-45 (CW, pp. 241—
242, 244—245)

WHEREAS, Concern continues to be expressed over
the nonendorsement of Seminex graduates; and

WHEREAS, Special procedures in keeping with the
Constitution and Bylaws of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod were devised in the spring of 1974 for
the 1974 graduates from Seminex and were extended to
the 1975 graduates of Seminex; and

WHEREAS, The vast majority of Seminex graduates
who availed themselves of this procedure were en-
dorsed for the pastoral ministry of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod; and

WHEREAS, In response to overtures to the 1975
convention, the delegates to the Anaheim convention
adopted a procedure whereby Seminex graduates of
1974, 1975, and 1976 could be endorsed under colloquy
procedures; and

WHEREAS, In establishing procedures for endorse-
ment by colloquy the delegates provided a special

procedure for Seminex graduates whereby they are
excused from some colloquy requirements; and

WHEREAS, Nearly all Seminex applicants who have
applied under the colloquy procedure have been
endorsed; and

WHEREAS, District Presidents and others of the
candidates’ choosing have been invited to participate
and have in fact assisted the Colloquy Board in the
interview process; and

WHEREAS, The Colloquy Board has, in exceptional
cases and in the interest of pastoral care, excused some
1976 Seminex graduates from a major portion of the
colloquy requirements (see 4.61 d); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention assembled
once more indicate, in a spirit of mutual repentance,
forgiveness, and reconciliation, the fervent desire of the
Synod to do whatever is possible in finding a God-
pleasing solution that will enable these men to serve
joyfully in the ministry of the LCMS and therefore
invite the graduates of Seminex who have not been
endorsed to follow the synodically adopted procedures
of the covenant which the members of the Synod made
with one another and to request admission to the
pastoral ministry of the Synod by making their desire
known to the Colloquy Board for the Pastoral Office;
and be it further

Resolved, That the Colloquy Board be commended
for and be encouraged to continue utilizing the
assistance of qualified persons in conducting the oral
examinations; and be it further

Resolved, That the Colloquy Board be encouraged to
continue to use the flexibility of the present Handbook
procedures in determining the length of the course of
study required of 1976 and 1977 Seminex graduates;
and be it finally

Resolved, That for Seminex graduates applying for
colloquy after January 1, 1978, the exceptional
procedures designed for them by the 1975 convention
and by this resolution shall ordinarily be discontinued
and the regular colloquy procedures observed.

Action: Adopted (11).

(Before adopting this resolution the convention declined
the following amendments:

1. To change the 3rd resolve to read: “. . . course of study
required, if any, of Seminex graduates and that any
residency study previously and successfully completed
at any one of the Synod’s recognized seminaries be
credited in the colloquy procedure.”

2. To substitute “at the time of the convening of the 1979
synodical convention” for “after January 1, 1978,” in
the final resolve.

3. To delete from the first resolve the words, “in a spirit of
mutual repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.”

4. To add a final resolve: “That the Colloquy Board, when
dealing with Seminex graduates who have applied for
colloquy, be called upon to include in its process, with
vote, the following: the District President under whose
supervision and pastoral concern the candidate has
placed himself, and a pastor, teacher, or professor in
good standing in the LCMS of the candidate’s choos-
ing.”

During the debate a call for the question was declined

once.)