LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1981, Page 158

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158 RESOLUTIONS

To Continue Discussions
with Other Christians

RESOLUTION 3-09
Overtures 3-88A—3-89 (CW, pp. 186—187)

WHEREAS, Lutherans share in the ecumenical con-
cern that has as its goal that all Christians “embrace
and adhere to a single, true religion and live together in
unity and in one fellowship and church” (AC, Preface 4);
and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
has been involved in bilateral discussions with repre-
sentatives of a number of Christian church bodies
(Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, United Methodists,
Baptists, Conservative-Evangelicals) (cf. 1981 Conven-
tion Workbook, pp. 154—155); and

WHEREAS, Individuals and congregations also fre-
quently have opportunity to discuss doctrinal issues at
the local level; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod implore God’s blessings on
its doctrinal discussions at all levels of participation;
and be it further

Resolved, That individuals of congregations of the
Synod be encouraged to search the Scriptures and the
confessional writings in the Book of Concord that they
may give a clear and uncompromising witness to the
truth of God, particularly to the central doctrine of
Scripture, namely, the justification of the sinner by
grace, for Christ’s sake, through faith.

Action: Adopted (13).

To Study Fellowship Document
RESOLUTION 3-10

Report 3-01, I (CW, p. 147); Overture 3-70 (CW, p.
182)

WHEREAS, The CTCR has just recently published the
study on “The Nature and Implications of the Concept
of Fellowship” (1981 CW, pp. 385 ff.); therefore be it

Resolved, That wecommend this report of the CTCR
along with its previously adopted “Theology of Fellow-
ship,” to the members of the Synod for their study and
guidance; and be it further

Resolved, That the members of the Synod be en-
couraged to share the results of their study with the
CTCR; and be it further

Resolved, That this convention endorse President
Preus’s letter dated June 19, 1981, referring to the 1977
actions of the Synod; and be it finally

Resolved, That the convention encourage our new
President to carry out the sense of that letter by
arranging to initiate the discussion referred to therein
promptly after he assumes office.

Action: Adopted as amended (13).

(Amendments: 1. the insertion of “along with its previously
adopted ‘Theology of Fellowship.’” 2. the addition of the last

two resolveds. The convention declined to add resolveds callin
for a poll of congregations after such study and for publicati
of poll results.)

To Urge Completion of Study
on Women’s Role in the Church

RESOLUTION 3-11
Overtures 3-21—3-24 (CW, pp. 165—166)

WHEREAS, The Synod has stated its position
Woman Suffrage in Denver Res. 2-17; and
WHEREAS, Overtures have asked for reconsiderati
of both the extent and limitations of women’s rolei in th
church; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Commission on Theology ‘an
Church Relations be urged to complete its study uni
Dallas Res. 3-06, “that particular attention be givend
the Commission on Theology and Church Relation
and its Social Concerns Committee to studying a
clarifying issues concerning woman suffrage ant
women teachers”; and be it further

Resolved, That while awaiting this study all ¢ con
gregations of the Synod continue to be guided by Denve
Resolution 2-17, as interpreted by the Commission‘o:
Constitutional Matters (Milwaukee, 1971, Workbook'p
244).

Action: Adopted (13).

To Make a Study on the Doctrine |
of Justification

RESOLUTION 3-12
Overture 3-11 (CW, p. 163)

WHEREAS, The current debate over the doctrine 0:
objective justification is causing concern in the Synod
and

WHEREAS, The need has been expressed to stu y
anew what the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confession
teach on this doctrine; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod ask the Commission.
Theology and Church Relations, the joint faculti
the seminaries, and the council of Presidents to make
study of the doctrine of justification within one ye
which gives proper expression to all the aspects of w!
the Scriptures teach on this matter; and be it further

Resolved, That this study be shared with the Syno¢
and be it finally

Resolved, That in the meantime all members ©!
Synod be requested to uphold and honor the Synod’
position on the doctrine of justification as articulated it
the Brief Statement.

Action: Adopted as amended (13).

(Amendment: addition of reference in the first resolved to:
the faculties and the Council of Presidents and the addition 0
“within one year.”)