LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 40

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40

MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

Res. 7-11, “To Make Interim Appointments Temporary”
(TB, p. 125), was introduced with changes by the committee, changing references to “interim executive” in the first
and fourth resolves (lines 25 and 33) to “interim chief executive officer.” The attention of the assembly was called to
the minutes of session 4 (TB, p. 294, lines 41−44) regarding proposed actions that have the effect of changing bylaws. The chair nonetheless asked that the committee give
additional attention to the resolution and to incorporate appropriate bylaw language before bringing it back for further convention consideration.
The question was raised whether the practice of calling
on “pro” speakers first should continue, since a motion to
cease debate could be considered a “pro” vote that, if successful, disallows any “con” input into the discussion. The
chair asked the convention to decide the question by vote, a
“yes” vote indicating support for the current practice of the
chair, a “no” vote indicating that a “con” speaker should be
called on initially when discussion begins. The assembly’s
vote indicated that a “con” speaker should be asked to
speak first [Y: 416; N: 704].
Committee 4: Program and Finance
Res. 4-06, “To Establish Houston as Site of 2007 Convention” (TB, p. 72), was introduced by President James
Linderman of the Texas District, a member of the committee. Additional financial information was requested and
provided by the Vice-President−Finance—Treasurer of the
Synod. Debate was ended [Y: 969; N: 159] and the resolution was adopted to hold the 63rd Regular Convention of
the Synod in Houston, Texas [Y: 996; N: 137].
Res. 4-07, “To Establish Blue Ribbon Task Force for
Funding the Mission” (TB, pp. 72−73), was introduced by
the committee with the following change: insert in the final
resolve (p. 73, line 21) in place of the words “between District” the words “among congregations, Districts, and the
national Synod.” An amendment to insert the words “one
year prior to the convention” at the end of the first resolve
(p. 73, line 19) was accepted without objection from the
committee or the assembly. A second amendment was introduced to add a new second resolve prior to the final resolve: “Resolved, That the task force be instructed to
demonstrate that the funding system it proposes is supported by Scripture.” Debate was ended on the proposed
amendment [Y: 921; N: 165] and the amendment was
adopted [Y: 549; N: 541]. After further discussion of the
amended resolution, a motion to cease debate carried [Y:
848; N: 281] and the resolution as amended was adopted
[Y: 623; N: 514].
Res. 4-09, “To Amend Bylaws re Chief Administrative
Officer Duties” (TB, p. 74), was presented by the committee for adoption. After information was requested from and
provided by the chairman of the Board of Directors and the
President of the Synod, debate was ended [Y: 898; N: 119]
and the resolution was adopted [Y: 898; N: 225].
Res. 4-04, “To Direct Establishment of Reversionary Interests on College, University, and Seminary Properties”
(TB, p. 71), was introduced by the committee with the following change: add the words “where permitted by law” at
the end of the final resolve (line 29). After discussion, the
2004 Convention Proceedings

question was called [Y: 722; N: 343] and the resolution was
adopted [Y: 748; N: 352].
Res. 4-11, “To Assure Uniformity in Articles of Incorporation of All Incorporated Entities of the Synod” (TB, pp.
75−76), was presented by the committee for adoption with
several changes: clarifying punctuation concerns in provision 3 (p. 76, lines 15−17); adding the words “or be transferred to” after the words “vest in” in provision 5 (line 25);
replacing the words “written consent” with the word “approval” and adding at the end of provision 6 the words “in
convention or the Board of Directors of the Synod” (line 30).
The Synod’s legal counsel was asked to provide background
information. An amendment was introduced to strike the
words “and the Board of Directors of the Synod” that had
been added by the committee to provision 6 on line 30.
After debate was ended [Y: 898; N: 180] the amendment
failed [Y: 468; N: 626]. During discussion, a request was
made that the detailed conversation of the debate be
recorded in the minutes. The chair ruled that only official
actions of the assembly are recorded in the minutes and
was sustained in his ruling [Y: 768; N: 240]. An amendment
was introduced to insert after the words “entity of the
Synod” (p. 76, line 7) the words “while recognizing and respecting the individual autonomous and indigenous articles
of incorporation of each and every local congregation.” After
discussion, debate was ended on the motion to amend [Y:
964; N: 97] and the amendment failed [Y: 201; N: 865]. As
discussion on the main motion continued, an amendment
was offered to strike the words added by the committee at
the end of provision 6, “or the Board of Directors of the
Synod,” and to replace them with the words, “which alteration or deletion shall only be done to comply with applicable state law and shall not be done in violation of the spirit
of this resolution.” After debate on the proposed amendment was ended [Y: 893; N: 104], the motion to amend failed
[Y: 255; N: 753]. As discussion was about to continue on the
main motion, a motion to end debate carried [Y: 985; N: 89]
and the resolution as presented by the committee was
adopted [Y: 873; N: 210].
Remembering Those Who Entered into Rest
The convention chaplain led the assembly in a memorial
service (TB, pp. 405–406) for those who entered into rest
during the past triennium, also adding Richard W. McCain
to the list of ordained pastors. After the assembly joined in
a responsive reading of the Introit for the “Commemoration
of the Faithful Departed,” the chaplain recalled the great
variety of ministries included among those departed and
gave thanks to the Lord of the Church. The service was concluded with the tolling of the bell, a minute of silence, and
the singing of portions of the hymn “For All the Saints.”
Following the memorial service, the chair expressed
thanks to Convention Chaplain Loren Kramer for his service to the convention. The assembly expressed its appreciation with a standing ovation.
Minutes
The minutes of sessions 6 through 9 (TB, pp. 412−423)
were presented by the Secretary for approval. A number of