LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1981, Page 47

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unconstitutional since the present Constitution of the
Synod requires that amendments to the Constitution be
presented in written form. The amendment was there-
fore removed from consideration. The convention then,
by a two-thirds majority, adopted lines 11—34 (TB 234).
Lines 36—66 (TB 234) were then adopted by a simple
majority vote. By these actions Res. 2-19A (TB 234) was
adopted as presented.

Essay

Dr. Martin Koehneke, former president of Concordia
College, River Forest, Ill., served as the essayist for the
day. His essay, entitled “Citizens of Heaven,” was
centered around the study of sections of the Scripture
from Romans, Colossians, Revelation, and Hebrews. He
concluded his essay by saying that “Citizens of heaven
have a great calling: to touch their neighbor who is the
Christ in their midst, with the love of God. That is our
calling until He calls us home.”

Point of Privilege

Responding to a point of privilege, one of the dele-
gates expressed his concern about the number of people,
especially pastors, who have been leaving during the
essay period. He stated his opinion that special instruc-
tions regarding this matter should be given to all
delegates before coming to the next convention of the
Synod. The Chairman indicated his agreement with
this concern.

Recognition

Reverend Nostbakken of the Ev. Lutheran Church—
Canada, representing Dr. Jacobson, who could not
attend because of illness, brought greetings to the
convention from that church body. In his remarks he
referred to the good relationships which the ELCC
enjoys with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in
Canada. This fellowship is highly valued and the
church body looks forward to participation in future
dialogs with the Synod.

Dr. Preus also introduced Ursula Glander, co-
ordinator/director of the American Bible Society, to the
convention. In his introduction Dr. Preus pointed out
that the gift of Bibles received by delegates at the time of
registration was a gift from the American Bible Society.
It was the society’s way of saying thank you for the
support of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. In
her brief remarks to the delegates, Ms. Glander ex-
pressed her thanks for the support of the Synod and its
congregations and briefly described the work of the
society, which now has 65 partner Bible societies. She
also expressed special thanks to Dr. Preus for his
support and presented him with a special copy of the
Good News Bible.

Higher Education

The delegate who had indicated his intent to call for
reconsideration of Res. 6-19 (7B 131) presented his
request at this time. The delegates, however, declined to
reconsider the resolution. Chairman Lloyd Behnken of

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 47

the Floor Committee on Higher Education then intro-
duced Res. 6-02A (7B 280) which would authorize the
Lutheran Church—Canada to determine the location of
seminary education in Canada. A correction was made
in line 65 (TB 280) changing the word “or” to ’as”. With
the consent of the committee the words “in a fair and
consistent manner” were also added after the word
“made” in line 55 (TB 280). The convention then
adopted the resolution with these changes. They also
agreed to defer action on the preparation of Bylaws for
the governance of St. Catharines and asked the Board
for Higher Education while decisions are being made
regarding the future of seminary education in Canada,
to perform the functions of a board of control for St.
Catharines (Res. 6-03, TB 113).

Res. 6-04A (TB 237) was next brought before the
convention for consideration. This resolution, if
adopted. would grant four-year status with baccalau-
reate degree granting privileges to St. John’s Winfield,
Kans., with the understanding that current agreements
between the Board of Control, St. John’s College and the
Board for Higher Education would be honored by both
parties. Time expired before discussion of this resolution
could be completed.

Election Results

Chairman Simon of the Floor Committee on Elec-
tions announced the results of the second ballot for
officers and boards of the Synod. The results of this
ballot are also attached to the Minutes.

Closing Devotion

In keeping with the emphasis which was brought to
the attention by Dr. Suelflow in his opening devotion,
Dr. Richard Dickerson, executive secretary of the Com-
mission on Black Ministry, led the delegates in the
closing devotion.

Session 12

July 9, Afternoon
Opening Devotions

Dr. August Suelflow once again led the devotions for
the convention, illustrating the work of the Synod it its
various areas with another vignette. He chose Vice-
President Hilgendorf, one of the earliest Vice-Presidents
of the Synod, to point out the activity which had been
carried out in the history of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod in the area of home missions. The
devotion was closed with a benediction and the singing
of a hymn after Dr. Suelflow had urged the delegates to
“In Remembrance, Move Forward.”

Minutes

The Minutes of Session 7, 8, and 9 were approved as
submitted.
Missions

After the Floor Committee on Missions had present-
ed Res. 1-09 for consideration by the delegates, asking