LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1998, Page 124

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124

RESOLUTIONS

WHEREAS, The frequent presentation of immoral
lifestyles and the suggestion that they are acceptable not
only violate the commandment of God, but also attack and
undermine (1) the institution of marriage as a reflection of
the relationship that exists between Christ and His church,
and (2) the family unit; and
WHEREAS, Gratuitous violence and the glorification of violence so prevalent in the entertainment and media industries violate the commandment of God; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod through its agencies and organizations express public concern regarding the harmful
impact of the continued promotion of immorality and violence in the entertainment media; and be it further
Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
in convention commend its members to exercise their duties as Christian citizens by making conscious and prayerful decisions about communicating their discontent in a
heartfelt and loving manner to the executives of business
and entertainment organizations that promote immoral
lifestyles; and be it further
Resolved, That the Commission on Theology and Church
Relations report “Human Sexuality: A Theological Perspective” be commended to LCMS members for study and guidance regarding a biblical perspective of human sexuality;
and be it finally
Resolved, That individuals caught up in all forms of sexual immorality, including homosexual behavior, adultery,
fornication, impurity, licentiousness, etc. (Rom. 1:26–32;
Gal. 5:16–21) be viewed lovingly as people for whose sins
Christ has atoned, and for whom the remedy to their condition lies in the Holy Spirit’s powerful work through the
church’s faithful application of God’s Word of Law and
Gospel to bring them to true repentance of sin and faith in
Christ and His forgiveness.
Action: Adopted (10)
(The word people was substituted for creatures in the final resolve by committee agreement.)

To Accept “Close” and “Closed”
Communion as Synonymous Terms
RESOLUTION 3-28
Overtures 3-06–07, 3-09, 3-17 (CW, pp. 155–56, 159)
WHEREAS, There are elements within our synodical fellowship who advocate defining “Close Communion” and
“Closed Communion” to make the terms mutually exclusive; and
WHEREAS, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations’ study entitled, Theology and Practice of the Lord’s
Supper (1983) explains:
While the term “Closed Communion” has a longer
history (cf. W. Elert, Ch. 7) and is regarded by some as

theologically more proper than “Close Communion,” the
latter term, which has been used in more recent history
by writers in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod,
may also properly be employed as a way of saying that
confessional agreement must precede the fellowship of
Christians at the Lord’s Table. Whatever term is used,
it is clear that the LCMS’ official practice is consistent
with the historic practice of the church, which has regarded unity of doctrine as a prerequisite for admission
to the sacrament (cf. 1967 Res. 2-19);

and
WHEREAS, Both “Close Communion” and “Closed Communion” refer to the same practice which seeks to prevent a
profession of confessional unity in faith where there is, in
fact, disunity and disagreement; therefore be it
Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
in convention clarify that the terms “Close Communion”
and “Closed Communion” are synonymous terms; and be it
further
Resolved, That this understanding be incorporated in future studies and dialog regarding the historic and faithful
practice of “Close(d) Communion” within the member
churches of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Action: Withdrawn (7)
(The resolution was withdrawn in view of the adoption of Res.
3-05.)

To Respectfully Decline Overtures
RESOLUTION 3-29
Overtures 3-49–50, 3-56, 3-69, 3-72, 3-115, 3-126, 3128–30, 3-135–36, 3-140, 3-144, 3-147 (CW, pp. 169–70,
172, 175, 186–87, 190–97)
WHEREAS, The floor committee has considered all overtures assigned to it and has concluded, for various reasons,
that certain overtures should be declined; therefore be it
Resolved, That the following overtures be respectfully
declined for the reasons given:
Number
Ov. 3-49–50
Ov. 3-56
Ov. 3-69
Ov. 3-72
Ov. 3-115
Ov. 3-126
Ov. 3-128
Ov. 3-129–130
Ov. 3-135
Ov. 3-136
Ov. 3-137
Ov. 3-140
Ov. 3-144
Ov. 3-147

Subject
Fellowship
Amend Constitution
Empower Women
Service of Women
Abortion Policy
21st Century Concord
Doctrine and Tradition
Doctrinal Resolutions
Faith and Practice
Send observer to WCC
LWF Membership
Remove certification
Messianic Prophecy
Delete Bylaw on Dissent

Reason
Changes nature of Synod
Changes nature of Synod
No action possible
Already shared with Synod
Inappropriate request
Not possible
Inappropriate request
Bylaw 1.09, 1973 Res. 2-12
Article III, VI, LCMS Constitution
Already done
Inadequate information to proceed
Already done
CTCR Study
Article III, LCMS Constitution

Action: Adopted (11)
(The committee, in presenting the resolution, added Ov. 3-137.
A motion to remove Ov. 3-69 for referral to the committee was defeated.)