LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 70

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70 SYNODICAL REPORTS

tering an “Information desk” to continue to provide information
and guidance on societies, lodges, cults, and religious organiza-
tions, and that a three-member “advisory panel” be appointed to
provide resources in this area. Appointed to this advisory pane}
were: Rev. Larry Nichols, Dr. Victor Raj, and Rev. Eldon Winker.

I. Theology
A. Assignments Completed
1. Theology and Practice of “the Divine Call”

In 1992, the Synod requested that the CTCR, “in consultation with
the Council of Presidents and representatives of the Synod’s terminal
schools,” prepare a single document that answers questions and con-
cerns regarding “the theology and practice of ‘the divine call,’ utilizing
the writings of C. F.W. Walther (i.e., his book Church and Ministry
and essay ‘The Congregation’s Right to Choose Its Pastor’).” The
Synod specifically asked the Commission to address the practices—
together with their theological foundations—for the placing of indi-
viduals into, or removing them from, their office or location of ser-
vice. The Synod mentioned issues such as the “initial placement of
candidates, dismissal from office, retirement, the appropriateness of
the term divine cail for those serving in elected and appointed offices,
etc.” At its February 2003 meeting, the Commission, after it had shared
with the COP a draft of its report and had discussed it with the Coun-
cil in a joint meeting, adopted Theology and Practice of “the Divine
Call” for distribution to the members of the Synod—pending the pos-
sible reception and inclusion of minority opinions at the April 2003
meeting. At the April meeting a minority opinion signed by Dr. Kurt
Marquart and Pastor Walter Lehenbauer, and another by Mr. Paul Nus
were received. Theology and Practice of “the Divine Call” and the
minority opinions are included in Appendix II in the Convention Work-
book. They are also available online at www.Icms.org/ctcr/.

2. Guidelines for Participation in Civic Events

In its report to the 2001 convention the CTCR included “The
Lutheran Understanding of Church Fellowship [2000}: A Report
on Synodical Discussions” (see 2001 Workbook, 48-51) prepared
by the Commission and the President of the Synod. In this report on
Synodical discussions, the Commission and the President provided
guidance regarding ‘Cases of Discretion,” including participation
in “civic events.” Following the September 11, 2001, attack on the
World Trade Center towers in New York and the Pentagon, and
ensuing events, President Kieschnick reported to the Commission
that guidelines regarding participation in “civic events” were
needed. At the Commission’s November 2001 meeting, the Presi-
dent asked the Commission to take up the topic, answering three
questions: (1) What constitutes a “civic event”? (2) What are the
implications of the two kingdoms doctrine for participation in civic
events? (3) What guidelines can be given to those who determine
that it is possible to participate in such events? The Commission
completed a draft of this report at its December 2003 meeting and
forwarded it to the Council of Presidents for input. At its February
2004 meeting the Commission continued work on its draft, taking
into account input received from the COP, and asked that this re-
vised draft-in-process be shared with the members of the Council
for their further response as the Commission prepares for its April
19-21, 2004, meeting—at which time the Commission intends to
adopt its report in keeping with its assignment to present it to the
2004 convention.

3. Women in Combat

At its November 2001 meeting the Commission placed on its
agenda a request from President Kieschnick to study issues sur-
rounding the drafting of women to serve in the military, and specif-
ically in combat. Upon the recommendation of the standing com-
mittee working on this assignment, the Commission arranged for
the publication of two articles in The Lutheran Witness (May 2003,

2004 Convention Workbook

pp. 16-20) by Dr. Leroy Vogel and Rev. David Wollenburg pre-
senting contrasting perspectives on this issue.

4. Cloning

In 1998 Res. 3-15B “To Request Commission on Theology and
Church Relations Study Document on Issues Raised by Cloning,”
the Synod asked the Commission to prepare “‘a study document to
help the church, on the basis of the Word of God, make informed
judgments concerning cloning and attendant issues.” At its April
2002 meeting the Commission adopted for distribution to the con-
gregations, pastors, and other rostered workers of the Synod a re-
port titled What Child Is This? Marriage, Family and Human
Cloning. The report is included in Appendix II of the Workbook
and is available online at www.Icms.org/ctcr/. In response to a re-
quest from the Hispanic Institute of Theology, the Commission has
requested in turn that the Institute prepare a Spanish translation of
What Child Is This?

5. Review of “That They May Be One”

In June 2002, the Council of Presidents forwarded to the Com-
mission a request adopted at its April 23, 2002, meeting that the
CTCR study the document “That They May Be One,” and make
an evaluation as to whether or not the document “adequately and
correctly gives expression to the doctrinal position of the Synod.”
The Council informed the Commission that the authors and dis-
tributors of the document had requested from the Council an ex-
amination of it. The Council in turn informed them that such an ex-
amination more properly belonged to the CTCR. At its February
2004 meeting the Commission adopted its review of “That They
May Be One.” This review was forwarded to the Council of Presi-
dents. (Notice has been served that a proposed minority opinion
has been submitted to the Commission for review.) The Commis-
sion’s review is available online at www.lcms.org/ctcr/ and is in-
cluded in Appendix II of the Workbook.

6. Review of For the Sake of Christ’s Commission

In a memo dated June 19, 2002, the President of the Synod re-
quested the CTCR to “review the document titled For the Sake of
Christ’s Commission, a report of the Church Growth Study Com-
mittee, study the document thoroughly, and report its conclusions
to me and to the church no later than the 2004 Synodical Conven-
tion.” At its December 2003 meeting the Commission adopted its
review of this document for submission to the President. (Notice has
been served that a proposed minority opinion has been submitted to
the Commission for review.) The review is included in Appendix II
of the Workbook and is available online at www.Icms.org/ctcr/.

7. Question Regarding the Identity of Michael the Archangel of
Revelation 12

The President of the South Wisconsin District, in October 2002,
requested from the Commission “‘a reaction, as well as biblical and
confessional insight and response” to questions being raised by pas-
tors in his District regarding the identity of “Michael the Archangel
of Revelation 12.” Upon the recommendation of the CTCR stand-
ing committee given responsibility for this assignment, and with

. the approval of the SW District President, the Commission at its

September 2003 meeting removed this item from its agenda on the
grounds that pertinent resources already address this question.

8. Referral of 2001 Overture 3-136 on Privileged Communication

The 2001 convention referred Overture 3-136 “To Expand
Guidelines re Pastoral Care Privileged Communication” to the
CTCR. The overture requested that the CTCR “clarify the respon-
sibilities of District officials in handling the confidential/privileged
information of professional church workers.” At its September
2002 meeting the Commission adopted the following statement in