LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2007, Page 170

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170 THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS

rather recently it has been common to include both possible words
by showing this in print with the letter d in parentheses, so that it
looks like this: “close(d) Communion.” In keeping with St. Paul’s
command not to “strive about words to no profit” (2 Tim 2:14), this
resolution will not concern itself with these differences in words,
provided that the doctrine taught is the same. However, if the word
close is used to teach that we only need to be close to each other in
teaching and practice, only somewhat united, then it is a different
teaching; therefore be it

Resolved, That the 2006 Southern Illinois District (SID) con-
vention direct her district president to undertake a visitation of every
SID congregation and pastor, in order to determine whether those
SID congregations and pastors are administering the Sacrament of
Communion according to the approved teaching of our Synod on
closed Communion, which is founded on the Scriptures and the
Lutheran Confessions; including instruction in interpreting the term
close in a way that is in agreement with our historic doctrine and
teaching; and further to begin a study and discussion among us of
what we mean by “extraordinary situations and circumstances” so
that we may be strengthened in our unity (note: the district presi-
dent always has the right to direct his vice-presidents and circuit
counselors to assist him in the endeavor); and be it further

Resolved, That the 2006 Southern Illinois District convention
direct the district president to present a report to the 2009 SID con-
vention concerning his findings and the actions he has taken in
order to restore our unity in doctrine and practice; and be it finally

Resolved, That the 2006 Southern Illinois District convention
memorialize The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to direct her
district presidents to initiate a visitation of every congregation and
pastor in their respective districts: (1) to determine whether those
congregations and pastors are administering the Sacrament of Com-
munion according to our synodically approved teaching on closed
Communion, which is founded on the Scriptures and the Lutheran
Confessions; (2) to guide, exhort and teach so that the practice and
administration of the Sacrament of the Altar in our congregations
be brought into harmony with our historic teachings and Confes-
sions; and (3) where there is persistent disagreement and unwill-
ingness to teach and practice in harmony with our synodical teach-
ings and confession, to correct, exhort and rebuke so that souls may
be strengthened, sins forgiven, and faith abound (note: the district
president always has the right to direct his vice-presidents and cir-
cuit counselors to assist him in the endeavor).

Southern Illinois District; St. Paul, Edna, TX;Trinity,

Herrin, IL; Greater Egypt Circuit Forum 11, Southern
Illinois District

3-47

To Identify Congregations
Practicing Open Communion
WHEREAS, To the Montana District convention in 2006 the Rev.
Dr. Gerald Kieschnick indicated that he was unaware of any con-
gregations in the Missouri Synod practicing open communion;
therefore be it

Resolved, That all the delegates from congregations that prac-

tice open communion raise their hands.
St. John
Laurel, MT

3-48
To Express Welcome at Lord’s Table

Rationale

For Lutheran Christians, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ
(technically called “The Verba”) are the primary focus for any
teaching and discussion about the Lord’s Supper. We celebrate the
Lord’s Supper because of the Word of Christ, “Do this for the re-
membrance of Me.” “Is” means and effects what it says; the Word
makes the Sacrament (cf. Luther, Large Catechism [Tappert], p.
448, #10-11). “Take ...eat... take ... drink... all of you” are di-
rect commands, and we come to the Lord’s Table to commune in
obedience to His command (Large Catechism, #45-45). As Franz
Pieper reminds us, we “must guard against denying the Sacrament
to those Christians for whom Christ has appointed it” (Christian
Dogmatics, vol. III, p. 381).

Those who read communion card and/or bulletin statements
which in some manner state that only those in fellowship with the
LCMS are permitted to attend the Eucharist hear a counter-com-
mand: do not do this; do not take... eat .. . drink. Sadly, many
people heed the counter-command of human beings rather than the
direct command at the celebration of Holy Communion issued by
the divine Lord. A human requirement and interpretation gets into
the way of the clear and direct word and command of the Lord
Jesus. That should not happen in the first place, and, when it has, it~
must be reformed.

Martin Luther is not complicated nor does he add requirements:
“He is truly worthy and well-prepared who has faith in these words,
‘given and shed for you for the remission of sins’” (Small Cate-
chism).

Lutheran Christians rightly teach that the Lord’s Supper is a
means of grace, and we need to help one another keep the emphasis
and focus on grace and gift and welcome rather than on restrictions
and requirements and complicating barriers.

Resolved, That the LCMS gathered in convention encourage all
who preside at and gather for worship to extend words of welcome
and hospitality to each and every Christian “who has faith in these
words, ‘given and shed for you for the remission of sins’” at the
celebration of the Holy Eucharist; and be it further

Resolved, That we thank God for guiding us by His Holy Spirit,
so that we attend to the clear Word of our Lord Jesus and help all
who gather where He is present to respond in faith and obedience
to His gracious command.

Resurrection
Coronado, CA

3-49

To Encourage Proper Care
of Consecrated Eucharistic Remains

WHEREAS, All teaching on the Holy Sacrament of the Lord’s
Supper must be in agreement with Scripture and especially the
Lord’s Words of Institution; and

WHEREAS, We need to clearly confess the real presence and
proper use of the Sacrament amid non-Lutheran contexts in our cul-
ture (FC SD X); and

Wuereas, The Lutheran Church in this country has been sub-
jected to many influences from non-Lutheran protestant sources
and this has impacted Eucharistic practices; and

WHEREAS, It is not our personal faith that causes the real pres-
ence of Christ’s body and blood in the Holy Supper; and

WHEREAS, Martin Luther wrote in his second letter to Pastor
Simon Wolferinus, which is referred to in FC SD VII 87, “There-
fore we shall define the time or the sacramental action in this way:
that it starts with the beginning of the Our Father and lasts until all
have communicated, have emptied the chalice, have consumed the
Hosts, until the people have been dismissed and [the pastor] has
left the altar. In this way we shall be safe and free from the scruples
and scandals of such endless questions. Dr. Philip defines the sacra-