LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1995, Page 114

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WHEREAS, According to demographics many rural communities
have decreased in population significantly and are suffering finan-
cially; and ,

WHEREAS, Many rural congregations have suffered financially
because of man-made and natural disasters; and

WHEREAS, There is no established fund or organization specifi-
cally designed to help rural congregations suffering financially, and
many people have the desire to help but do not know how they can;
therefore be it

Resolved, That a special ad hoc committee be established to or-
ganize a “Rural Ministry Fund” to raise and seek funds to provide
grants to encourage and to support rural congregations because of
a man-made or natural disaster. And that the proposed “Rural
Ministry Fund” and all its structure be brought to the next con-
vention for approval.

me resolution was referred to the Rural Task Force in Resolu-
tion A.

To Commend Support for Concordia
Historical Institute

RESOLUTION 2-13
Overture 2-48 (CW, p. 149)

Wuereas, A sense of church history is invaluable in
order to maintain a proper perspective and one’s confes-
sional identity; and

WHEREAS, The historical message of our great Gospel
heritage must move from our institutional archives to the
highways and byways in order to make a powerful positive
impact upon future generations; and ‘

WHEREAS, Concordia Historical Institute (CHI) plays a
critical role in keeping members of our Missouri Synod
aware of its rich Gospel roots, so that we might continue to
bear great Gospel fruits; and .

WHEREAS, The CHI has for years been operating with a
shrinking synodical subsidy, a staff far too small to propa-
gate more of its vital message, and a need for fiscal support
to make its gold mine of information more accessible to the
public; and

WHEREAS, The occasion of the Synod’s 150th anniversary
provides an opportunity for increased awareness and ap-
preciation of our history; therefore be it

Resolved, That convention delegates make known to
their respective Circuit congregations the crucial role of
CHI; and be it further

Resolved, That convention delegates encourage their re-
spective Circuits to encourage endowment gifts to CHI; and
be it finally :

Resolved, That CHI be commended to the Synod’s Board
of Directors for increased synodical subsidy in future bud-
get consideration.

Action: Adopted as amended (11).

(By common consent the word congregations was added after
Circuit in the first resolve and the words encourage endowment
gifts were substituted for grant endowments in the second re-
solve.)

To Require Transfer of Records
of Retiring Synodical Officers
RESOLUTION 2-14

Overture 2-49 (CW, p. 149)

WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.705 of the Handbook provides for the
regular transfer of the records of synodical officers, boards,

CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES 115

commissions, committees, and other entities to the Concor-
dia Historical Institute for preservation; and

WHEREAS, Such regular transfer of records is essential
for the proper preservation of the Synod’s life and work and
to enable the Institute, as the synodical Department of
Archives and History, to serve the interests of the Synod
by providing essential information when needed in the fu-
ture; and ;

WHEREAS, The records created by synodical officers,
boards, commissions, committees, and other entities are the
property of the Synod and should only be disposed of under
procedures and guidelines established by the Department
of Archives and History; and ,

WHEREAS, Records of retiring synodical officers have not
always been transferred to the Institute in a timely man-
ner, resulting in the loss of valuable and essential informa-
tion to the Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That Bylaw 3.705 “Transfer of Records” be
amended to read as follows:

PRESENT / PROPOSED WORDING

3.705 Transfer of Records

a. All records created by officers of the Synod,
boards, commissions, committees, task forces, and other
entities owned or controlled by the Synod are the prop-
erty of the Synod and may be disposed of only under
procedures and guidelines established by the Depart-
ment of Archives and History and supervised by it.

b. [Present paragraph a.]

c. The records of retiring officers (President, First
Vice-President, Secretary) not needed by their successors
shall be transferred to the Department of Archives and
History within six months after they leave office. Such
transfer shall be done under the auspices of the Depart-
ment of Archives and History’s staff and in consultation
with the successor in the office.

d-j. [Present paragraphs b-h.]
Action: Adopted (11).

To Reaffirm Concordia Publishing
House’s Purpose and Direction

RESOLUTION 2-15A
Overture 2-61 (CW, p. 152)

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod was
even before its organization concerned with good Lutheran
(scriptural) printed materials; and .

WHEREAS, The Lutheran church was blessed by the pub-
lication Der Lutheraner before its inception as The Lu-
theran Church—Missouri Synod; and

WHEREAS, C. F. W. Walther begins in the first issue of
Der Lutheraner with a statement of purpose that not only
sets forth his aims, but even today eloquently summarizes
the purpose of Lutheran publishing, stating:

It is our duty to testify to our local fellow citizens what is
believed and taught in our church and hence according to
what principles we are acting ... It shall serve particularly:

1. To acquaint (the reader) with the doctrine, the
treasures, and the history of the Lutheran Church;

2. To offer proof that this church does not belong in
the category of the Christian sects, and that it is not a
new, but rather the old, true church of Jesus Christ on
earth, and that it by no means died off, indeed cannot