LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2007, Page 123

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THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS
WHEREAS, The commission has developed a Web resource (see www.lcms.org) that provides evaluations, from
a Lutheran theological perspective, on a broad range of
both Christian and non-Christian religious organizations
and movements; and
WHEREAS, In the last triennium the commission has prepared 30 evaluations on organizations such as the Cursillo
Movement, the Jehovah Witnesses, Satanism, Vineyard
Ministries, Yoga, etc.; and
WHEREAS, The development of these evaluations has
been prepared under the leadership of Dr. Jerald Joersz
who will be retiring at the end of this year after 30 years
of serving on the staff of the CTCR; therefore be it
Resolved, That the commission be commended for its
leadership in providing guidance to the Synod in its preparation of these materials; and be it further
Resolved, That the CTCR be encouraged to prepare additional evaluations of religious organizations and movements in our society; and be it further
Resolved, That these evaluations be commended for use
to those who have questions regarding these issues; and be
it finally
Resolved, That the Synod thank Dr. Jerald Joersz for his
work in preparation of these materials and his 30 years of
service.
Action: Adopted (5)
(During discussion, a suggestion by a delegate to add “and to
Express Appreciation to Dr. Jerald Joersz for His 30 Years of Service” to the title of the resolution was agreed to by the chair and
committee. The resolution was adopted as changed [Yes: 1,001;
No: 17].)

To Address Administration
of the Lord’s Supper
RESOLUTION 3-09
Overtures 3-38–41, 3-44–45, 3-48 (CW, pp. 166–168,
170)
WHEREAS, The Synod has consistently encouraged its
pastors and congregations to continue to abide by the practice of close(d) Communion, which includes the necessity of
exercising responsible pastoral care in extraordinary situations and circumstances; and
WHEREAS, Social and cultural changes in recent decades
have presented new challenges for pastors and congregations as they seek to administer the Sacrament in faithfulness to biblical principles and norms and in a way that
communicates the loving and pastoral care that informs
this practice; and
WHEREAS, The 1995 Synod convention recommended for
guidance a “Communion Card Statement” prepared by the
Commission on Theology and Church Relations (1995 Res.
3-08), which was also included in the 1999 report, Admission to the Lord’s Supper (p. 48); and
WHEREAS, The contemporary application of our historic
position necessitates continued practical guidance for the
faithful administration of the Sacrament; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod commend the 1999 report
of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations on
Admission to the Lord’s Supper and the resolutions of the

123

Synod adopted on this topic to all congregations, pastors,
and circuit and district pastors’ conferences for study and
guidance; and be it further
Resolved, That all pastors and congregations who have
established and practice communion fellowship contrary to
the Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions be encouraged by the 2007 LCMS convention to immediately cease
such practice and return to a faithful practice and administration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion by practicing close(d) Communion; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Commission on Theology and Church
Relations, in consultation with the seminaries and Council
of Presidents, continue to provide practical guidance for responsible pastoral care in the administration of the Sacrament of the Altar, especially at the parish level, to the end
that we might remain faithful to the Scriptures and give
witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all its fullness.
Action: Adopted (8)
(During discussion, a motion to amend the resolution by
adding a new second resolve was agreed to by the committee: Resolved, That all pastors and congregations who have established
and practice communion fellowship contrary to the Word of God
and the Lutheran Confessions be encouraged by the 2007 LCMS
convention to immediately cease such practice and return to a
faithful practice and administration of the Sacrament of Holy
Communion; and be it further. An additional amendment adding
by practicing close(d) Communion to the end of the new resolve
was also agreed to by the committee. When an amendment was
introduced to insert into the first resolve the words and 1995 convention Res. 3-08 after the word Supper, the committee suggested
the wording and the resolutions of the Synod adopted on this
topic. With all parties agreeing to these changes, the resolution
was adopted as changed [Yes: 986; No: 177].)

To Encourage Publication
of Theological Literature
RESOLUTION 3-10
Report 3-01 I, C, 2 (CW, p. 66), Overtures 3-02,
3-04–05 (CW, pp. 147–149)
WHEREAS, There is a need for theological literature that
serves the whole church; and
WHEREAS, Concordia Publishing House is to be commended for its commitment “to serve the Synod and its
agencies by developing, providing, producing, marketing,
and distributing products for use by members of the Synod,
other Christians, and the public in general” (Bylaw 3.6.3,
2004 Handbook, p. 116); and
WHEREAS, The church was well served in the past by a
Commission on Church Literature and various committees
on church literature (cf. Convention Workbook, 1979–1989);
and
WHEREAS, The 1986 convention directed the appointment of an Advisory Committee on Church Literature that
assisted “in determining the theological resources and publications...needed by the church” (1986 Res. 5-10A); and
WHEREAS, There is still a need for a regular, formalized
vehicle for communication and cooperation between the
Synod, Synod’s institutions of theological education, and
Concordia Publishing House, as recommended by the Com2007 Convention Proceedings