LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1981, Page 160

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160 RESOLUTIONS

To Observe Proper Procedures
of Dissent

RESOLUTION 3-17
Overture 3-43 (CW, p. 173)

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is
“eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace” (Eph. 4:3); and

WHEREAS, All members of the Synod have the right
to express their dissent through a brotherly and orderly
procedure (Handbook 1:09 e); and

WHEREAS, Improper methods of dissent cause offense
and division; therefore be it

Resolved, That all members, for the sake of unity and
peace, be urged to observe proper procedures of dissent;
and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm 1977 Resolution
3-01.

Action: Adopted (14).

To Reaffirm Position on Membership
in Anti-Christian/Un-Christian
Groups

RESOLUTION 3-18
Overture 3-16 (CW, p. 165)

WHEREAS, The Handbook of the Synod on the basis
of Scripture sets forth a declaration of opposition to all
societies, lodges, and organizations of an un-Christian
or anti-Christian character; and

WHEREAS, There is continued need to instruct and
remind the membership of the opposition to Christ by
participation in such groups; therefore be it

Resolved, That this convention reaffirm the Synod’s
position of opposition to all societies, lodges, and
organizations of an un-Christian or anti-Christian
character; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations be urged to instruct all
members in this matter to the intent that they not so
compromise their Christian faith and witness.

Action: Adopted (14).

To Retain the Terminology
of ‘‘President”’ and “‘Vice-President”’
RESOLUTION 3-19
Overture 3-42 (CW, p. 173)
WHEREAS, The Constitution of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod uses the designations “‘Pres-

ident” and “Vice-President” for officials of the Synod
and its Districts; and

WHEREAS, These terms have become common usage
and serve the Synod well; and

WHEREAS, There seems to be no compelling reason to
change; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod respectfully decline Ov
ture 3-42.

Action: Adopted (14).

To Ask LCUSA to Study Implications
of Historical Criticism

RESOLUTION 3-20
Overture 3-95 (CW, p. 188)

WHEREAS, A recent essay in Lutheran World Report
(“The Augsburg Confession in the light of Biblic
Interpretation,” June 1980, pp. 3—34) argues that th
whole traditional Christology, from Nicaea and Chai.
cedon to Art. III of the Augsburg Confession, is uf
Biblical and untenable in light of modern historic
critical scholarship; and .

WHEREAS, This essay appeared as part of an Augs:
burg Confession jubilee observance in the official orgay
of the Lutheran World Federation, and was written by#
leading U.S. Lutheran exponent of historical criticism
therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod hereby instruct its Pr
ident to request the Divison of Theological Studies o:
LCUSA to place on the division’s agenda as a matter o
urgency a thorough discussion of the far-reachin
implications of historical criticism, as practiced in U, $
Lutheranism, for:

a) the central, Christological-Trinitarian core of th
Gospel;

b) the very possibility of confessional subscription;

c) the preamble of LCUSA’s constitution, according
to which the participating Lutheran church bodies. «:
see in the three Ecumenical Creeds and in the Con

fessions of the Lutheran Church...a pure exposition 0
the Word of God.

Action: Adopted (9).

To Involve Others in
Appointment of Doctrinal Reviewer

RESOLUTION 3-21

Overture 3-45 (CW, p. 174); Report TB Section
p. 17, 3-45B

WHEREAS, “Doctrinal review is the exercise of
Synod’s resonsibility for every doctrinal statemel
made in its material as defined in 11.153” (Handboo.
11.151 a, p. 215); and

WHEREAS, “The prime concern of doctrinal review
that the doctrine set forth be in accord with the Scr!
tures and the Lutheran Confessions” (Handbook, 11.1
b, p. 215); and

WHEREAS, The Synod’s concern for competent doc
trinal reviewers would be served better with input fro:
and the involvement of a greater number of leade!
therefore be it