LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1995, Page 126

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126 : RESOLUTIONS

established between the. Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America, the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., the Reformed
Church in America, and the United Church of Christ; and
WHEREAS, The ELCA is seriously considering “full com-
munion” with these Reformed denominations; and
. WHEREAS, The ACC itself testifies that it “has so far not
been possible to reconcile fully the confessional formulas in-
herited from the late 16th century and their underlying dif-
’ ferences in the mode of doing theology” (ACC, p. 39); and
WHEREAS, Both systematic faculties of our Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod seminaries have jointly noted this
lack of confessional unity and have raised serious concerns
about the ACC’s understanding of the church, the means of
grace, and the status of the Lutheran Confessions (CTQ 57
[1993], pp. 192-93, 193-213; CJ 20 [1994], pp. 292-314);
therefore be it
. Resolved, That the LCMS in convention express its se-
rious concern that Lutheran witness of the Gospel will be
significantly eroded should the ELCA enter full communion
with the Reformed; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention express its fra-
. ternal concern about the confessional integrity of a “full
communion” with the Reformed in view of the explicit ad-
mission that unity in fundamental doctrines has yet to be
achieved; and be it further
» Resolved, That the LCMS in convention indicate its deep
apprehension about the ramifications for ELCA/LCMS re-
lations in the event of a decision by the ELCA to enter into
“full communion” with the Reformed; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod urge the President of the
Synod, the District Presidents, and other leaders of the
LCMS to use.every appropriate opportunity to express the
concerns of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and its
hope and desire that the ELCA not proceed toward full
communion with the Reformed; and be it finally
Resolved, That clergy and laity of the LCMS be urged to
express similar concern and hope to their ELCA counter-
parts, friends, and acquaintances.

Action: No action.

To Reaffirm That Only Men May Hold
the Pastoral Office

RESOLUTION 3-17
Overtures 3-41, 3-79 (CW, pp. 164, 176)

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has
consistently stated and reaffirmed on the basis of Scripture
(1 Cor. 11:1-14; 1 Cor. 14:33-35; 1 Tim. 2:11-14) that the
pastoral office is to be entrusted only to men; (see 1969 Res.
2-17; 1971 Res. 2-04; 1977 Res. 3-15; 1986 Res. 3-10; 1989
Res. 3-14); and

WHEREAS, Several congregations within the Synod in re-
cent years have submitted overtures asking the Synod to
change its scriptural position and allow the ordination of
women to the holy ministry; therefore be it

Resolved, That the 1995 convention of the LCMS
strongly reaffirm its previous resolutions on this issue and
unequivocally declare once again that Scripture clearly

teaches that only men may hold the pastoral office and/or
carry out any of its distinctive functions; and be it further

Resolved, That the pastors, teachers, professional church
workers, and congregations of the Synod honor and uphold
this clear scriptural teaching.

Action: No action.

To Continue “Nomenclature Study
Committee”
RESOLUTION 3-18
Reports R1-8, R1-8-02 (CW, pp. 4, 8)

WHEREAS, “The Nomenclature Study Committee” ap- -
pointed by the President of the Synod, as directed by the ©

Synod in 1992 Res. 5-21, has asked that it be authorized

“to proceed with its plans to prepare materials for study |
and discussion ...”; therefore be it

Resolved, That “The Nomenclature Study Committee” be
authorized to continue its work and to report to the 1998
convention of the Synod.

Action: No action.

To Reaffirm the Synod’s Position
Concerning Homosexual Behavior

RESOLUTION 3-19

Appendix R3-01B (CW, pp. 64-67); Overture 3-09
(CW, p. 155)

Preamble:

We live in a society and culture where past moral val-
ues are rapidly changing and disregarded. Homosexual be-
havior is condoned by many in our society and even ap-
proved as an acceptable alternative lifestyle. Some
Christian denominations have by their actions and state-
ments condoned homosexual behavior as being morally per-
missible for Christians and permit practicing homosexuals .
to fill the pastoral office.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has condemned
“homophile behavior as intrinsically sinful” in New Orleans
(1973 Res. 2-04) and in the St. Louis convention of 1983
“commended to the Synod for study and guidance” (1983
Res. 3-15) the document prepared by the CTCR, Human
Sexuality: A Theological Perspective. In response to the
1992 Res. 3-12A, “To Develop Plan for Ministry To Homo-
sexuals and Their Families,” the President of the Synod has
appointed a Task Force for Ministry to Homosexuals.

WHEREAS, The Holy Scriptures clearly teach that homo-
sexual behavior is intrinsically sinful and contrary to the
will of God, Rom. 1:22—32; therefore be it ;

Resolved, That the Synod once more declare that homo-
sexual behavior is sinful and should be avoided and that
the CTCR document, Human Sexuality: A Theological Per-
spective, continue to be commended for reference and guid-
ance; and be it further

Resolved, That the CTCR continue to study the entire
subject of human sexuality and behavior as it gives, guid-
ance to the Synod based on Holy Scripture and not on
changing cultural values; and be it further