LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 128

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128

RESOLUTIONS

sional Lutherans representing Scandinavian mission societies in the mid-twentieth century; and
WHEREAS, The ELCK, in the midst of hardship and deprivation, has remained faithful to the Scriptures and to
Lutheran confessional doctrine during the 50 years of its
existence, taking bold and courageous stands on issues that
have been divisive in world Lutheranism; and
WHEREAS, The ELCK has expressed a desire to join together with strongly committed confessional Lutherans
throughout the world in bearing witness to the truth of the
Gospel, and in particular approached The Lutheran Church
—Missouri Synod for the purpose of conducting formal doctrinal discussions aimed at the establishment of altar and
pulpit fellowship between the churches; and
WHEREAS, Formal theological discussions between representatives of the ELCK and the LCMS have revealed that
agreement in doctrine and practice exists between our
churches; and
WHEREAS, The President of the Synod has expressed
support for this resolution and has asked the CTCR to address the declaration of altar and pulpit fellowship in keeping with Bylaw 12.03; and
WHEREAS, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations has received comprehensive reports on these discussions and, in accordance with its bylaw responsibilities,
has recommended the establishment of altar and pulpit fellowship between the LCMS and ELCK; therefore be it
Resolved, That we give thanks and praise to God for the
faithfulness of our brothers and sisters in Christ in the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya to the Scriptures
and to Lutheran confessional theology over the years, and
for their consistent and bold witness to the Gospel of Jesus
Christ in the midst of many burdens; and be it further
Resolved, That we acknowledge with gratitude to God
the unity of confession that He has given to our churches
under the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions;
and be it further
Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
formally declare altar and pulpit fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS recognize the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Kenya as a partner church and that
the President of the Synod be responsible for implementing
this relationship; and be it finally
Resolved, That we implore the Lord of the Church to
continue to strengthen the bond of fellowship between our
churches and that, ablaze with His Spirit, we may together
be renewed in our commitment to the proclamation of the
Gospel of peace to people everywhere in our nations and
abroad.
Action: Adopted (3)
(After an introduction and brief history of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church of Kenya (ELCK) and its past relationship with
the LCMS, the resolution was briefly discussed before it was
adopted as presented [Yes: 1,074; No: 107]. The Common Doxology was sung, official documents were signed, and the Presiding
Bishop of the ELCK addressed the assembly.)

2004 Convention Proceedings

To Encourage the International
Lutheran Council
RESOLUTION 3-02
Overture 3-54 (CW, p. 180); Reports 1-01, 3-01
(CW, pp. 44, 47, 77–78)
WHEREAS, “The International Lutheran Council (ILC) is
a worldwide association of 29 established confessional
Lutheran church bodies that proclaim the Gospel of Jesus
Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to the
Holy Scriptures as the inspired and infallible Word of God
and to the Lutheran Confessions contained in the Book of
Concord as the true and faithful exposition of the Word of
God” (Report, “International Lutheran Council,” CW, p. 77);
and
WHEREAS, “The ILC exists for the purpose of encouraging, strengthening, and promoting confessional Lutheran
theology and practice centering in Jesus Christ. To this
end, the ILC: provides opportunities for the study of contemporary theological issues; gives mutual support and encouragement to the heads of member church bodies; encourages and assists member churches in planning for
mission outreach; strengthens theological education
through conferences of theologians and seminary teachers;
facilitates communication between confessional Lutheran
churches of the world through the publication of ILC
NEWS; and, facilitates the preparation and publication of
confessional Lutheran literature” (Report, CW, p. 77); and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
(LCMS) continues to be an integral part of the ILC, and
representatives of the ILC are with us at this convention;
and
WHEREAS, The ILC works together toward the purpose:
“to conserve and promote the unity of the true faith (Eph.
4:3–6; 1 Cor. 1:10)…” (Constitution Art. III 1, Handbook, p.
6); and
WHEREAS, The ILC is committed to the mission of the
Body of Christ to seek and save the lost; and
WHEREAS, The ILC supports proclamation of the pure
Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments according to Christ’s institution; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod, in convention, express its appreciation and support for the International Lutheran
Council as it boldly and faithfully confesses our Lord Jesus
Christ; and be it further
Resolved, That we pledge our ongoing prayerful commitment to partnership with the ILC as we work together to
proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations; and be it
finally
Resolved, That upon passing this resolution we rise to
sing the Common Doxology to the glory of God.
Action: Adopted (5)
(The resolution was adopted as presented, without discussion
[Yes: 1,131; No: 35]. As resolved, the convention joined in singing
the Common Doxology.)