LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1998, Page 123

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1. MISSIONS

1-01

To Vision Synod for Year 2000

WHEREAS, In our 1994 CID convention we adopted the fivefold
vision of our synodical President, which is (1) Strong in the Word,
(2) Christ Centered and People Sensitive, (3) Reaching Out Boldly
with the Gospel, (4) Faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran
Confessions, (5) Marked by Peace and Unity in the Lord; and

WHEREAS, This fivefold vision is centered in God’s Word and in
our Lutheran Confessions; and

WHEREAS, This fivefold vision continues to give our Distriet
and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod a vision to reach into
the year 2000 and beyond; and

WHEREAS, We have been seeking to implement this vision in
our congregations and our various District programs; therefore be it

Resolved, That we reaffirm our commitment to the fivefold vi-
sion of the Synod for the next triennium; and be it further

Resolved, That the Central Illinois District of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod in its 1997 convention memorialize The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in its 1998 convention to reaf-
firm and continue to further implement this fivefold vision; and be
it finally

Resolved, That the synodical boards and commissions of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod develop goals and strategies
that are in harmony with this fivefold vision.

Central Illinois District

1-02

To Recognize in New Name the Growth
and Maturation of Our Church Body

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod celebrated
its 150th anniversary as a church body in 1997; and

WHEREAS, Throughout these past 150 years the Lord has
blessed the efforts of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in
many ways which extend beyond the borders of the United States;
and

Wuereas, Our church body has grown and matured in many
ways throughout its history; and

Wuereas, A significant part of that history includes three dif-
ferent names of our church body since its inception in the year of
our Lord 1847; and

WuerEAS, Auxiliary entities of The Lutheran Church—Mis-
souri Synod have identified the international scope of their min-
istries by the addition of the word International to their names, e.g.,
the International Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and the
International Lutheran Laymen’s League; and

WHEREAS, The beginning of the 21st century and the new mil- °

lennium present even greater opportunities for Gospel outreach in
this multicultural and post-Christian society in which we live; and

WHEREAS, Many people in this society do not understand the
international scope of a church body named “Missouri” and have
little, if any, understanding of the concept of a “Synod” or the
meaning thereof; and

WHEREAS, Many church bodies from throughout the world are
inquiring about and establishing fraternal relationships with The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, expanding the international na-
ture and influence of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod;
therefore be it

Resolved, That in celebration of its 150th anniversary and in an-
ticipation of a new century of God’s grace in international mission
and ministry, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod become
known as Lutheran Church International (LCI), effective immedi-
ately; and be it further

Resolved, That all Handbook references and all other official

123

designations and documents be amended as soon as possible to re-
flect this new nomenclature.

Board of Directors

Texas District

1-03

To Change Name of Missouri Synod

Wuereas, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod remains a
theologically confessional church, faithful to the Scriptures and the
Lutheran Confessions, it nevertheless is socially, culturally, and
ethnically experiencing significant changes; and

WHEREAS, It is time and it is appropriate that our church’s name
be changed to accurately reflect who we are; therefore be it

Resolved, That the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod be changed to THE LUTHERAN CHURCH — INTERNA-
TIONAL.

Immanuel
Michigan City, IN

1-04

To Change Name of Our Church Body

WHEREAS, Concern has existed for years about the provincial
nature and obscure sound of the name “Lutheran Church—Mis-
souri Synod,” especially with the word Missouri; and

WHEREAS, Names can be most helpful in communicating pur-
pose and identity; and

WuerEAS, Our church body has resolved previously not to
change our name because of the familiarity of our name in Chris-
tian circles; therefore be it

Resolved, That the name of our church body be changed to The
Lutheran Church—Missionary Synod so that we may
* maintain our identity as a distinctively Lutheran entity (Lutheran

church);
* maintain our commitment to walk together (synod);
* maintain familiar and consistent “initials” for historical continuity
(LCMS);
* publicly declare our purpose in Gospel proclamation (missionary);
and be it further

Resolved, That all of our official documents, including the Con-
stitution and Bylaws be changed in accordance with this name
change.

St. Paul
Trenton, MI

1-05

To Change Name of Synod

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is an abbre-
viation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Wis-
consin, and Other States; and

WHEREAS, Many people think of The Lutheran Church—Mis-
souri Synod as a church mainly in Missouri; and

WHEREAS, We are a worldwide church, not limited to Missouri
and some other states; and

WHEREAS, We as a worldwide church should see ourselves as
such, a church that is not limited to the United States, or its territo-
ries, but a church that is truly international in its scope of work;
therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod change
its name to The International Lutheran Church, effective Jan. 1,
2000.

King of Kings
San Antonio, TX