LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1981, Page 197

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To Encourage the Synod to Do More
to Meet the Needs of Persons
Who are Mentally Retarded

= RESOLUTION 7-01
Overture 8- 07 (CW, p. 305)

WHEREAS, There are still congregations that do not
utilize programs for teaching and evangelizing persons
who are mentally retarded; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Commission for Services to the
Mentally Retarded launch a vigorous campaign to
encourage congregations to become more aware of the
needs and capabilities of persons who are mentally
retarded so that they might find greater acceptance and
involvement in the life of the parish; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations be encouraged to iden-
tify families of persons who are mentally retarded and
provide meaningful support so that such families may
‘maintain a level of active involvement in the congre-
gation; and be it further

Resolved, That the commission include in this cam-
paign the materials needed for teaching and evangel-
izing; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage its congrega-
tions to take an active interest in legislation pertaining
to the lives and activities of persons who are mentally
retarded; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod recognize the need of
providing education for all professional workers in the
area of mental retardation; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod encourage the Board for
Higher Education in consultation with the Commission
for Services to the Mentally Retarded to give attention
to the recruitment and specialized training of full-time
professional workers in the field of mental retardation.

Action: Adopted (6).

To Update the 1943 Translation
of Luther’s Small Catechism
and the Exposition Thereof
RESOLUTION 7-02
Overture 7-19 (CW, p. 297)

WHEREAS, The Board of Parish Education has encour-
aged the Synod to work toward updating the wording of
the 1943 translation of the Enchiridion (Luther’s Small
Catechism); and

WHEREAS, The 1943 edition of the exposition of
Luther’s Small Catechism is a concise summary of the
chief parts of the Christian doctrine; and

WHEREAS, Many confirmands find the 1943 edition

of the catechism difficult to understand because the
language of the King James translation is not common-

197

7. PARISH SERVICES

ly used today and the exposition reflects that language;
and

WHEREAS, There are newer translations of the Bible;
therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the
Board of Parish Education to study the updating of the
Enchiridion and the exposition of the 1943 edition of
Luther’s Small Catechism (commonly known as the
blue catechism); and be it further

Resolved, That the Board of Parish Education pre-
sent the results of this study with a plan of action to the
next convention of the Synod.

Action: Adopted (9).

To Use Both Synodically Adopted
Small Catechism Translations

RESOLUTION 7-03

Report 3-01, Appendix A; Overture 7-18 (CW, pp.
157, 297)

WHEREAS, In 1967 the Synod adopted for use in our
congregations (Res. 7-04) Luther’s Small Catechism in
Contemporary English; and

WHEREAS, The Commission on Theology and Church
Relations has presented a helpful critique of Luther’s
Small Catechism in Contemporary English; therefore
be it

Resolved, That the Synod encourage congregations
to evaluate their use of Luther’s Small Catechism in
Contemporary English in the light of the critique
supplied by the CTCR; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage the Board of
Parish Education to utilize the 1943 translation of
Luther’s Small Catechism in the production of its
Christian education materials.

Action: Adopted as amended (6).

(Amendment: “either Luther’s Small Catechism in Con-
temporary English or” was deleted from the final resolved.)

To Support Lutheran Youth Fellowship
and Other Parish Youth Ministries

RESOLUTION 7-04
Report 7-02, Overture 7-22 (CW, pp. 287, 298)

WHEREAS, An increasing number of young people
are becoming involved in the total ministry of their
parish; and

WHEREAS, Young people are living out their lives as
members of the church now, as they proclaim and serve
their Lord; and

WHEREAS, Effective youth ministry needs to happen
in the parish on a day-to-day basis; therefore be it