LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1998, Page 225

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HIGHER EDUCATION 225

WHEREAS, The evident turnaround in the seminary augurs well
not only for the institution but especially for the supply of pastors
for our congregations and mission fields; therefore be it

Resolved, That the editors of the Synod’s official publications
be requested to highlight these marvelous blessings of God in forth-
coming issues; and be it further

Resolved, That our congregations be requested to include
prayers of thanksgiving for God’s rich blessings on both of our
seminaries in their Sunday services several times each year; and be
it finally

Resolved, That the delegates now, by a rising vote, express their
heartfelt gratitude to the Lord of the church for His grace and bless-
ings on both of our seminaries, and especially for the recent recov-
ery, growth, and new vigor displayed at Concordia Theological
Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Shepherd by the Lakes
North Webster, IN

5-58

To Request Faculty and Board of Directors
of Valparaiso to Join in Confessing Doctrinal
Positions of Lutheran Confessions

WHEREAS, Valparaiso University was established as a Lutheran
university with ties to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; and

WHEREAS, Valparaiso University recruits students and funds
from LCMS congregations; and

WHEREAS, Valparaiso University understands itself as a
Lutheran university; and

WHEREAS, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has en-
tered into agreement with the Reformed churches, which do not be-
lieve that the earthly elements of the Sacrament are Christ’s body
and blood, and the United Church of Christ, which has no confes-
sion at all; and

WHEREAS, By this action the ELCA has forfeited its right to be
a Lutheran church in the historic and confessional sense; and

WHEREAS, All these churches, including the ELCA, ordain
women pastors; therefore be it

Resolved, That Valparaiso University be asked to not allow
non-LCMS persons of either gender to lead the worship services
in its chapel; and be it further

Resolved, That Valparaiso University terminate any arrange-
ment for the ELCA or other church body to conduct any regular,
daily or Sunday, services for the students and the faculty; and be it
further

Resolved, That the LCMS ask the Board of Directors and the
theological faculty of Valparaiso University to join it in confess-
ing the doctrinal positions of the Lutheran Confessions, especially
in regard to the Lord’s Supper; and be it finally

Resolved, That the LCMS ask the Board of Directors and the
theological faculty of Valparaiso University to join it in address-
ing a word of admonition to the ELCA and all Lutheran churches
who align themselves in sharing communion with Reformed and
Anglican churches.

St. Matthew
Lake Zurich, IL

5-59

To Revoke Valparaiso’s Recognized Service
Organization Status
Wuereas, Valparaiso University, a Recognized Service Orga-
nization of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, has invited the
ELCA to hold its own worship services with its own religious per-
sonnel; and

WHEREAS, The ELCA has joined in common confession with
Reformed churches (Presbyterian Church U.S.A., Reformed
Church in America, United Church of Christ) which deny plain
scriptural truths; and

WHEREAS, Valparaiso University now regularly obtains the ser-
vices of an ELCA “‘clergywoman” to preside over the Eucharist in
the chapel of the university; and

WHEREAS, Brotherly admonition has failed to convince Val-
paraiso University to desist from this ungodly practice; and

Wuereas, Valparaiso University by allowing and urging such
practice, condones and actively spreads false doctrine; and

Wuereas, A Recognized Service Organization is required by
Bylaw 14.03 to respect and “not act contrary to the doctrine and
practice of Synod”; and

WHEREAS, Our Constitution and Bylaws forbid the spread of
false doctrine and practice; and

WHEREAS, The ELCA publicly teaches false doctrine and puts it
into their practice; therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod imme-
diately rescind the Recognized Service Organization status of Val-
paraiso University until they prove again that all their teaching and
actions are in accord with the clear teachings of the holy Scriptures
and the Lutheran Confessions, and our synodical Constitution; and
be it further

Resolved, That Valparaiso University not be sold any advertis-
ing space in any synodical publication nor shall this space be given
to them, that the links to their web site be removed from the LCMS
web site, and that Valparaiso University have no access to the
Synod’s mailing lists.

Our Saviour
Evansville, IN

To Withdraw from Association
with Valparaiso University

WHEREAS, Valparaiso University accommodates the ELCA by
offering worship services led by their religious personnel; and

WHEREAS, The ELCA has joined in common confession with
churches of heterodox creed and practice and in doing so denies
the plain truths of Holy Scripture; and

WHEREAS, Our Constitution and Bylaws forbid the spread of
false teaching (which includes so-called women clergy) and union-
ism of every sort; therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod com-
pletely withdraw both support for and recognition of Valparaiso
University until they clearly demonstrate their loyalty to the clear
teachings of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions by dis-
allowing members of the ELCA to lead or participate in the leading
of university worship services of any kind.

Bethany
Fort Wayne, IN

5-61

To Withdraw Support for Valparaiso University

WHEREAS, Valparaiso University accommodates the ELCA by
offering worship services led by their religious personnel; and

WHEREAS, The ELCA has joined in common confession with
churches of heterodox creed and practice and in doing so denies
the plain truths of Holy Scripture; and

WHEREAS, Our Constitution and Bylaws forbid the spread of
false teaching (which includes so-called women clergy) and union-
ism of every sort; therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod with-
draw support of Valparaiso University until they prove that all their