LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1981, Page 26

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26 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

have come to the Synod as a result of the efforts of
chaplains in the Armed Forces, a ministry which is
strongly supported by The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod.

Session 3

July 5, Afternoon
Morning Worship

Prior to the beginning of Session 3 the delegates had
participatedina morning Bible study led by Dr. Richard
Schultz of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and in a
prematins hymn sing. Liturgist for the service which
followed was Dr. Fred Precht, executive secretary of the
Commission on Worship, with the preacher being
Marcus Zill, Stewardship counselor for The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod. He chose as his text the
Gospel for the day, Matthew 9:35—10:8, and spoke on
the theme, “Forward in Response.” The KFUO Radio
Choir under the direction of Morris Anderson provided
special music for the service.

Opening Devotion

Continuing his series of opening devotions, Dr.
August Suelflow asked the delegates to join in the
singing of “Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s Head.”
After a brief devotion in which he stressed the blessings
which have come to The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod because of its adherence to the Word of God, he
led the delegates in prayer and in the singing of “Lord
Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word.”

Elections

Chairman Simon of the Floor Committee on Elec-
tions reported that 1,104 votes had been cast with 555
needed for election. The election results reported were as
follows: Bohlmann—394, Hyatt—111, Maier—270,
Mueller—329.

Point of Privilege

Speaking under a point of privilege, one of the
delegates asked that the three candidates remaining be
allowed to express their views on the issue of fellowship
which would be discussed in the afternoon session.
President Preus stated that it would not appear to be
advantageous to do so at this time but that he would
recognize the delegate later to present his request.

Ballots were then distributed, and after they had
been gathered balloting was declared closed.

Point of Privilege

The delegate who had previously requested an oppor-
tunity to hear the views of the presidential candidates
on the issue of fellowship was granted the privilege of
making a motion to the effect that the two-minute rule
be suspended so that candidates for the presidency of
The Lutheran Church—Misgouri Synod might speak on
the fellowship issue for a period of five minutes. The
delegates, however, declined this motion.

Church Relations

Chairman Cloeter of the Floor Committee on Church
Relations introduced Res. 3-01 (TB 65) calling for The
Lutheran Church—Misgouri Synod to declare that it
was no longer in altar and pulpit fellowship with The
American Lutheran Church. Prior to introducing the
resolution Chairman Cloeter led the delegates in prayer
for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this important
matter. Before the reading of the resolution the words
“with deep sorrow” were added in line 37 (TB 66)
between the words “Synod” and “herewith.” F ollowing
the reading of the resolution Chairman Cloeter pointed
out that the committee found no joy in presenting the
resolution, that it felt it had no other choice, and that the
decision to present the resolution had been passed
unanimously by the committee. He pointed out to the
delegates that we were not discussing a situation which
requires pastoral care, nor were we talking about fellow-
ship of faith, nor of the excommunication of The
American Lutheran Church, nor was the committee
proposing that discussion with The American Lutheran
Church be eliminated but rather that it is now more
imperative than ever. He also pointed out that in 1979
the convention had decided that if progress had not
made in achieving agreement, such lack of progress
would result in the breaking of fellowship.

Prior to the beginning of discussion on the resolution,
Chairman Preus indicated that the discussion would be
carried out on the basis of alternate presentations for or
against the resolution.

An amendment was introduced to strike lines 48—50
(TB 66) and add as a first resolved “that the above
declaration does not bind the consciences of those
congregations and pastors who believe that there is
sufficient consensus toward their continued practice of
altar and pulpit fellowship at this time.” During the
discussion an amendment was proposed which would
have eliminated the word “pulpit” from the amendment.
During the discussion a delegate on a point of order
contended that the amendment wasa substitute motion.
The Chair, however, ruled that it was not a substitute
motion and the ruling of the Chair was sustained by the
delegates. After agreeing to call the question on the
amendment to the amendment the delegates declined
this proposed action. After agreeing to cease debate, the
proposed amendment was also declined.

Elections

Chairman Simon of the Floor Committee on Elec-
tions reported the results of the third ballot for the
President of the Synod. The results were as follows:
Ralph Bohlmann—504, Walter Maier—215, Charles
Mueller—372. 546 were needed to elect. Prior to the final
balloting Dr. Simon led the delegates in prayer as they
prepared to make their decision. Ballots were then
distributed and following the gathering of the ballots,
balloting was declared closed.

Announcements
President Preus announced that requests had been