LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 174

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174 THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS

we thank God for their zeal to do so. We thank our Lord that such
mission opportunities arise even in the face of unspeakable horrors.

We condemn the practice of participating in interfaith prayer
services. Although an attempt may be made to speak the Gospel,
the situation gives the impression that Christianity is only one op-
tion among many. We condemn statements that give the impres-
sion that such services are God-pleasing, that we are spiritual broth-
ers and sisters with those who are outside of the faith, and that
those who are outside of the faith have access to our triune God
apart from the merits of Christ.

We condemn the idolatrous practices that occur at such ser-
vices. We condemn the teaching that participation in such services
is an adiaphoran, an indifferent thing.

13. We believe, teach, and confess as Christians that we must let
Christian charity prevail in all things. True Christian charity—that
is Christian love—requires that we at all times hold fast to the
Word of God, in all its articles—both Law and Gospel—as it has
been given to us in Holy Scripture and set forth in the Lutheran
Confessions.

We believe, teach, and confess that it is unloving and unchari-
table to hide or obscure differences in doctrine for the sake of out-
ward unity. Such actions are unloving toward God, who gave us
His Word and has commanded that we proclaim it. Such actions
are unloving toward our neighbor, as they present to him a false
view of God’s Word and will and work against his salvation.

We believe, teach, and confess that it is the highest expression
of Christian charity and love when a Christian confronts an erring
brother so that he might turn from his error and be saved. We be-
lieve, teach, and confess that to speak the Law where unrepentant
sin exists is the only truly charitable and loving action, as St. Paul
admonishes us, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass,
you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness,
considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1).

We reject the teaching, explicitly or implicitly, that charity and
license are the same thing. We reject the teaching that in Christian
charity, teachings that contradict the Word of God can be viewed as
acceptable, valid options for true belief in God.

14, We believe that there are matters of adiaphora for which
there can be honest differences of opinion. Church fellowship as
described in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions is not one of
them. .

We reject the teaching that any of the statements made above
are adiaphora. We also reject the teaching that any statements pre-
viously produced and accepted by the LCMS in convention have
given approval to any of the practices and teachings condemned
above. We reject the claim that the LCMS has ever taught that such
practices and teachings are in conformity with Holy Scripture and
the Lutheran Confessions. We also reject any statements that would
give license to such practices and teachings.

Resolution to Adopt “That They May Be One”

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has re-
sponded to error throughout her history through clear, pure doctri-
nal statements (Church and Ministry, 1851; Thirteen Theses on
Election and Conversion, 1881; A Brief Statement of the Doctrinal
Position of the Missouri Synod, 1932; Common Confession, Parts I
& IT, 1950 and 1956; Statement on the Scriptures, 1959; Theology
of Fellowship, 1967; A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional
Principles, 1973), neither adding to nor detracting from the Scrip-
tures and the Lutheran Confessions, but rather clarifying issues that
had arisen; and

WHEREAS, Such a response, as demonstrated by Res. 2-12, 1973
Synodical Convention (Proceedings, pp. 111-15) is in accord with
the Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions, and the Constitution of
the LCMS; and

WHEREAS, The Synod in convention alone has the authority to
adopt such statements as are in agreement with the Scriptures and
the Confessions; and

Whereas, An issue has arisen that divides our Synod and seeks
to pervert her doctrine away from its sure foundation in Scriptures
and the Confessions; and

WHEREAS, The document “That They May Be One” is neither a
new standard of orthodoxy nor a document “based on private writ-
ings, but on such books as have been composed, approved, and re-
ceived in the name of the churches which pledge themselves to one
doctrine and religion” (FC SD Summary, 2); and

WHEREAS, This document, “That They May Be One,” clearly
responds to the issues of syncretism and unionism as they have
arisen in our day; therefore be it

- Resolved, That the LCMS declare “That They May Be One,” in
all its parts, to be scriptural and in accord with the Lutheran Con-
fessions and therefore a formulation that derives its authority from
the Word of God and that expresses the Synod’s position on current
doctrinal issues; and be it further

Resolved, That the document “That They May Be One” be pub-
lished and distributed to all congregations and pastors of the Synod
as a Clear statement of her doctrine.

Grace
Lamar, MO

3-41

To Consider Proposed Minority Opinion in Response
to CTCR Review of That They May Be One

WHEREAS, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations
(CTCR) recently produced a review of That They May Be One. A
Scriptural and Confessional Statement Concerning Church Fel-
lowship and Public Prayer” (TTMBO); and

WHEREAS, The Synod in 2001 elected Mr. Paul Nus to serve as
a laymember of the CTCR; and

WHEREAS, Finding himself unable in good conscience to agree
with the CTCR’s review of TTMBO, Mr. Nus produced a Minority
Opinion and submitted that document to the CTCR; and

WHEREAS, That Opinion reads as follows:

A Minority Opinion on the CTCR’s Response to
That They May Be One

Summary

¢ All can support TTMBO’s purpose: “Clarity and concord are es-
sential to our unity. ... Our desire is to remove the division that
presently separates us by making a sound confession on the basis
of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. Uniting under Christ,
we will remain steadfast in the truth and purity of the Gospel, pro-
claiming Jesus’ love and forgiveness to the world.”

* Concord requires agreement on a preliminary question: Where do
we disagree? In bringing clarity to recent confusions regarding
fellowship, unionism, and syncretism in our Synod, TTMBO
seems to have demonstrated more support than the CTCR itself.

¢ The Commission lacks. convincing evidence for its assertion that
TTMBO does not ‘adequately and correctly give expression to the
doctrinal position of the Synod.” No statement in TTMBO has
been demonstrated to be contrary to the Scriptures or the Lutheran
Confessions.

* Critics can always say “more could have been said.” The CTCR’s
response presents an invitation to the authors and signers of
TTMBO. Let them now say more.

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning,
your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to
Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one
we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you re-
ceived, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted,
you put up with it readily enough. (2 Cor. 11:4 ESV)

For the salvation of souls, the people and pastors of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod must continue to proclaim the
same Jesus proclaimed by the apostles, remain in the Spirit we have
received from Christ, and continue in the same Gospel accepted
since the Synod’s formation for that is what keeps our devotion to