LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1981, Page 118

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120 GREETINGS OF THE BISHOP OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

Dr. James Crumley

discovering some of the excitement of ministry in these
times. For the first time since 1967 we showed a slight
increase in membership in 1980. It is interesting to note
that significant growth occurred among our minority
membership. Furthermore, the center of our membership
is shifting significantly toward the South and Midwest.
Minnesota is now our largest synod. Attendance at
worship services has increased, and the total pictureisa
reassuring one of growth in many ways.

Yet I am convinced that the strongest sign of the
Spirit’s guidance is not internally but in the relation-
ships which are opening up for us. I think it is safe to
predict that we with the ALC and the AELC will be
forming a new Lutheran Church in the next few years. I
see that possibility as a God-given opportunity for us to
face the future in creative ways. Historical accidents
have separated us Lutherans far too long; it is high time
for us to rise above them. God calls us into a future that
will not be an easy time for effective Christian witness,
and, above everything else, we must inquire as to God’s
intention for us. It is a future in which we need each

other, to be one with each other, and certainly not to }
isolated from one another. Jesus Christ has made y
one. As His people, we are called to recognize tha
oneness and to manifest it in every possible way. Tha
conviction has always been a part of the LCA. It w.
renewed in the 450th anniversary year of the Augsbur,
Confession, when we rediscovered the true ecumenicit:
of that document as the reformers insisted that the
were not sectarians but part of the one, holy, catholi
church.

Thus we are filled with joy at the imminent prospectg
of closer relationships with other denominations. Ag:
result of bilateral conversations with the Episcop
Church, we have the possibility in 1982 of declarin;
mutual recognition of the full ecclesia] nature of ear
church, mutual recognition of ministry, and a mo
open eucharistic hospitality. I suspect that the n
round of dialogs will propose full intercommunion,
hope so, for I consider our divisions at the Lord’s Tab]
scandalous and something to be overcome. We propos
to take official action to implement agreements reache
in confessional conversations. The same will be true%
our relationships with the Reformed, Methodist, an
other Protestant denominations, and even, I hope, wit!
the Roman Catholic Church. In 1982 a major documeni
defining our ecumenical position for the years ahead
will be proposed to the convention.

I must be candid to say that I know such astance will
deepen further the gulf between us and you. I trul
regret that division. Yet we must work out of our ow!
self-identity, just as I know you must as well. For us, th
unity of the church is just as important a matter.
embody fully as is truth. We will do all that we can
express that unity when doing so does not compromis
the Gospel, the true treasure of the church. :

We recognize that you are a true church because ya
also have the Gospel, yes, you are claimed by the Gospe
Our people yearn for that recognition to be mutual itt
every respect, for us to be together, for us to work at mor
things together, for us to trust each other rather than t
be suspicious of each other. We believe that the division
between us compromise our witness to God before thi
world. The proposal before your convention to brea
fellowship with the ALC causes us to fear that it will b
an even longer time before the chasm can be bridged,’
chasm that ought not to have existed in the first plac&:
When Jesus Christ is lifted up and placed at the center:
all of our faith and life, surely we know our oneness i
Him. Can we not find more ways to express it? :

I know that you strive to be faithful and obedient iif
your ministries. I bid you well and Godspeed.

James R. Crumley, D.D.

4. Remarks of the General Secretary,
Lutheran Council in the U.S.A.

Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ and to make
plain to all people the meaning of that divine sect!

“Yes, to me, less than the least of all Christians, has
God given this grace, to enable me to proclaim to the