LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2001, Page 158

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

158 THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS

dated Synodwide study of our fellowship principles and practices,
that:

1. The CTCR study materials on “The Lutheran Understanding
of Church Fellowship” be regarded as providing valuable starting
points for study and discussion, along with prayer and reflection
on current fellowship practices throughout the Synod;

2. During the next triennium. pastors and congregations
throughout the Synod be invited and encouraged to participate in
local, regional, and national gatherings for study and discussion in
which all participants talk with and patiently hear one another con-
cerning current practices throughout the Synod;

3. At gatherings for study and discussion of fellowship princi-
ples and practices, participants regularly encourage one another to
“put the best construction on everything,” observing and practic-
ing the Eighth Commandment,

4. Specific decisions by specific pastors whom God has called
to local oversight in specific congregations, made in light of ongo-
ing study and discussion and in consultation with ordained pastors
whom God has placed in oversight roles for the sake of the church
as Circuit Counselors and District and synodical Presidents, be ac-
corded the respect due to decisions made by persons prayerfully,
diligently, and responsibly pursuing their called tasks; and

5. In the light of the respect due to such decisions, the Synod in
convention refrain from using majority vote to overrule the theo-
logical and pastoral judgment of our congregations, lest distant po-
litical process come to replace prayerful, diligent, and responsible
pastoral practice in matters of fellowship with other baptized Chris-
tlans.

Pacific Southwest District; Texas District

3-08

To Continue Study and Discussion
of Church Fellowship

WHEREAS, Many of the scriptural references cited in discussions
of church fellowship do not seem to apply to relationships between
Christians but rather to separation between Christians and non-
Christians, e.g., Rev. 2:6, t5; | John 2:18-19; Matt. 24:24-25; Gal.
5:2-11; Rom. 16:17-18; and

WHEREAS, Even in apostolic times there were disagreements in
individual teachings and practices among the apostles (Gal. 2:11);
and

WHEREAS, On a practical level. individual affiliation with a par-
ticular congregation or denomination, either because of conscious
decision or ignorance, does not mean complete agreement with that
congregation or denomination in teachings or practices; therefore
be it

Resolved, That the CTCR continue to study the Scriptures in
order to articulate a vision of fellowship among Christian denomi-
nations, congregations, and individuals; and be it further

Resolved, That the LCMS continue its fraternal discussions with
other Christian denominations in order to achieve the unity which
would permit altar and pulpit fellowship among denominations;
and be it finally

Resolved, That congregations and pastors of the LCMS con-
tinue to make responsible and loving decisions, recognizing both
the relationship of all believers in Jesus in the one Christian church
and the shared relationship we have as members of the LCMS,
when dealing with individuals and neighboring congregations ona
local level.

Messiah
Cincinnati, OH

2001 Convention Workbook

3-09

To Restudy “The Lutheran Understanding
of Church Fellowship”

WuerEAS, Our synodical President, Dr. Alvin Barry, and the
Commission on Theology and Church Relations issued a document
in February 2000 entitled “The Lutheran Understanding of Church
Fellowship” that purports “to explain the Synod’s position” on fel-
lowship; and

WuerEAS, In our careful and prayerful study we are not per-
suaded that the conclusions reached are appropriate for a Christian
church body. For example, on the one hand the document declares:
“Christian fellowship originates when Christ through his Word
unites us to himself (John 17, 20). He is the Vine and we are the
branches (John 15). When Christians are united to Christ and his
Father, they also are one with each other.” But on the other hand,
the document also supports the contradictory statement: “The Ev.
Lutheran Church rejects all fraternal and churchly fellowship with
those who reject its Confessions in whole or in part’; and

WHEREAS, There will be times when members of our Synod will
not in good conscience be able to share in all expressions of church
fellowship because of major differences in beliefs such as the real
presence in the Lord’s Supper; nevertheless, it would violate God’s
Word to reject all fraternal and churchly fellowship on that ac-
count; and

WHEREAS, God's Word exhorts all believers to “grow in the
grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet.
3:18) and “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the
weak and not please ourselves” (Rom. {5:1); therefore be it

Resolved, That we thank our God for the clear revelation of His
truth that we have in the Lutheran Confessions, and that we will
never compromise our confession of faith for the sake of church
harmony; nevertheless, we affirm God’s gift of fellowship He has
given to all believers in Christ, even as we seek to correct all false
beliefs and teachings that may exist; and be it further

Resolved, That instead of always emphasizing the defects in the
understandings and faith of those who are not in fellowship with
our Synod, we emphasize instead the power of the Holy Spirit who
will lead us all into all truth as we “teach and admonish one an-
other” (Col. 3:16ff); and be it further

Resolved, That our Synod affirm, in accordance with God’s
Word, that God has only one church on earth, one family, one Sav-
ior for all of us, one holy people who are to “declare the wonderful
deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous
light” (1 Pet. 2:9); and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention assembled respectfully
request the Commission on Theology and Church Relations to
again review this document. continue to search the Scriptures for
fuller understanding, be assured of our prayerful encouragement,
and share their findings with the whole Synod.

Trinity
Portland, OR

3-10

To Return Study to CTCR for Further Study

WHEREAS, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations
presented its findings on “The Lutheran Understanding of Church
Fellowship”; and

WHEREAS, It is questionable whether we can speak for all
Lutherans in Christendom; and

WHEREAS, Scripture does not specifically address national
church fellowship relationships or even fellowship relationships be-
tween Christian congregations; and

Wt™rEAS, Passages of Scripture quoted do address internal fel-
lowship and unity by faith in Christ, but say little about external
unity; and