LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1995, Page 125

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To Use the Name Lutheran
RESOLUTION 3-13A
Overtures 3-120-130 (CW, pp. 187-91)

WueErEAs, We have been called Lutheran since the for-
mation of our Synod (and since Reformation times) and are
thankful for our doctrinal background and heritage; and
Wuenreas, The name Lutheran clearly identifies what
the member congregations and The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod believe, teach and confess; and

Wuereas, Basic Christian honesty and integrity require
that no deception of any sort be used in declaring the truth
of the Gospel before all the world, as St. Paul declares:
“Rather we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we
do not use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God. On
the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend
ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God”
(2 Cor. 4:2); therefore be it

Resolved, That all congregations and mission stations in
our Synod boldly profess in their official title and/or name
that they are “Lutheran”; and be it further

Resolved, That all congregations and mission stations of
our Synod state in their materials (bulletins, newsletters,
etc.) that they belong to The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod; and be it finally

Resolved, That all LCMS congregations gladly proclaim
our great doctrinal heritage to a world that needs the clear
proclamation of the truth.

Action: Adopted (11).

(A request to restore words relating to “encouragement” to
congregations to use the name Lutheran was not received. An im-
mediate request for reconsideration following adoption was not
accepted because there had been no intervening business. A later
request for reconsideration was also declined. It would have
stated at the end of the first resolve, except in special circum-
stances with the approval of the District President. The reason for
the request was possible conflict with laws in foreign countries.)

To Encourage Faithfulness
to Our Synod’s Doctrine
and Practice on Unionism

RESOLUTION 3-14A
Overture 3-32 (CW, p. 162)

WueEREAS, All congregations and pastors of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod have agreed to follow
the Constitution of the LCMS; and

WHEREAS, The Constitution of the LCMS states in

Article VI Conditions of Membership

Conditions for acquiring and holding membership in
the Synod are [the following]: ... ~

2. Renunciation of unionism and syncretism of every
description such as: ...

b. Taking part in the services and sacramental rites
of heterodox congregations or of congregations of mixed
confession;
and

WHEREAS, the “Brief Statement of the Doctrinal Position
of the Missouri Synod,” adopted in 1931 by the Synod as its
official position, states (p.13, #28): ;

THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS 125

“We repudiate unionism, that is, church-fellowship
with the adherents of false doctrine, as disobedience to
God’s command, as causing divisions in the Church,
Rom. 16:17; 2 John 9, 10, and as involving the constant
danger of losing the Word of God entirely; 2 Tim.
2:17-21.

therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention beseech its con-
gregations and pastors to be faithful to the promises and
pledges we have made to one another (Eph. 4:1—2) and up-
hold the practice of the LCMS regarding unionism and syn-
cretism.

Action: Adopted (11).

To Encourage Support of OGI
RESOLUTION 3-15
Report R1-8-01 (CW, p. 7); Overture 3-05 (CW, p. 154)

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (1992
Res. 7-07A) encouraged congregations of the Synod to es-
tablish public affairs committees; and

WHEREAS, The LCMS has a Washington, D.C., presence
in the Office of Government Information, which provides
timely information on legislative issues affecting religious
freedom, family life, and education, establishes contacts
with government officials, and promotes effective commu-
nications between government and church; and

WueEreas, Our LCMS President, Dr. A. L. Barry, has
stated clearly that the task of the church is to inform, to ed-
ucate, to encourage, and to hold before her individual mem-
bers the challenges of speaking out on many issues in con-
formity with our confession of faith; therefore be it

Resolved, That the LCMS continue to encourage its Dis-
tricts and congregations to establish public affairs commit-
tees and to promote awareness of the issues and'a response
to legislative issues in conformity with our confessions of
faith; and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage the expansion of the Office
of Government Information so that information can be dis-
tributed quickly to-the congregations; and be it further

Resolved, That we continue to support organizations ad-
dressing legislative issues in conformity with our confes-
sions of faith; and be it finally

Resolved, That we encourage the Office of Government
Information and the Board for Human Care Ministries to
work closely together to address legislative issues in the
new “Speak Up” newsletter, as published by the Board for
Human Care Ministries.

Action: Adopted (11).

To Continue Fraternal Pleas to ELCA
against Proposed “Full Communion”
with the Reformed
RESOLUTION 3-16
Overture 3-13 (CW, pp. 156-57)

WHEREAS, The writers of “A Common Calling” (ACC), as
official representatives of their respective churches, offer’
the “unanimous recommendation” that “full communion” be