LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1995, Page 147

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To Observe 150th Anniversary of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

RESOLUTION 7-01

Report R1-8-06 (CW, pp. 16-17); Overture L7-99 (TB,
p. 20)

WHEREAS, The congregations of the Synod will observe
in 1997, God willing, the 150th anniversary of the found-
ing of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, We are privileged to observe during this con-
vention the 100th anniversary of foreign mission work as
well as the centennial of outreach to the hearing impaired;
and

WHEREAS, Many of our congregations and other institu-
tions will observe significant anniversaries during the next
three years; and

WHEREAS, We, like those who have gone before us, are
“Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” to bring His message of sal-
vation by grace through faith in the merits of Jesus Christ
our Savior to all the world; and

WHEREAS, The doors of opportunity have been opened
wide by our gracious God for dynamic outreach as we ap-
proach the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, President A. L. Barry has proclaimed the com-
ing triennium, 1995-1998, to be Jubilee Years of Congre-
gational Celebration and has designated Sunday, May 19,
1996, as a day of repentance, prayer, and commitment in
our congregations; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention also commend
the observance of this anniversary to all our people, so that
under God’s continuing blessing we may grow in His Word,
in aggressive outreach, and in the stewardship of His boun-
tiful gifts—all to the glory of His name; and be it further
Resolved, That we, in convention assembled, adopt this
resolution by a standing vote and join in singing the Com-
mon Doxology.

Action: Adopted (6).

To Approve Bylaw Changes Involving
Dispute Resolution Process

RESOLUTION 7-02A
Overtures 7-44-56, 7-58-60 (CW, pp. 238-43)

‘Rationale:

As a result of action taken at the 1992 synodical con-
vention, the Synod initiated a new process for resolution of
disputes that arise from time to time. In implementing the
process during the past three years, it is apparent that
some fine-tuning is necessary in order to provide clarifica-
tion or to deal with factors that were not anticipated.
Resolved, That the following additions and changes be
made to Bylaws relating to the Dispute Resolution Process:
PRESENT /PROPOSED WORDING

a. Change 2.27 a 2 to read, é é :
_ follow guidelines of Matt. 18:15-16 and may appoint a
‘ small committee to assist in reconciliation efforts.”

147

7. Structure, Planning, and Administration

Committee 7 Chairman Robert T. Kuhn

b. Add to 2.27 f the words If the matter involves in-
dividual membership, the calling or contracting body is
encouraged to continue financial support, existing hous-
ing, and insurance of individual members until the final
decision is rendered.

c. Add to the glossary in Bylaw 8.03, Witness—a
person called to give testimony regarding facts to a dis-
pute before a Dispute Resolution Panel. A reconciler ap-
pointed to assist parties in dispute resolution shall not
testify as a witness before a Dispute Resolution Panel in
the same dispute.

d. Add Bylaw 8.13 e, If a reconciler moves from the
District where appointed, such reconciler shall remain
as a member of the synodical roster of reconcilers until
the term of service of the reconciler expires.

e. Add to Bylaw 8.17 c, An individual who has served
as a reconciler in a matter shall not be a member of the
Dispute Resolution Panel in the same matter.

8.09 cl

It shall be private, attended only by the parties and
one advisor of each party’s choice, should any party de-
sire one. This advisor shall not address the panel or par-
ticipate in the discussion at the hearing. end-the-wit-
nesses Witnesses who can substantiate the facts
relevant to the matter in dispute may be called before,
and address, the panel. The panel shall establish the
procedure to be followed in the hearing and the rele-
vancy of evidence so that each party shall be given an
opportunity fully to present its respective position. In
performing its duty, the panel shall continue efforts to
reconcile the parties on the basis of Christian love and
forgiveness.

8.09 ¢4

The final decision of a Dispute Resolution Panel
shall