LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 35

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convention on behalf of Lutheran World Relief, expressing great
gratitude for the great and untiring support of the LCMS for LWR,
offering four examples of God’s great grace and mercy in action.
He introduced Jeff Whisenant, who will provide interim leadership
to LWR. Mr. Whisenant spoke of his journey of faith by association with the organization since 1987 and thanked the assembly
for being “the hands and feet of Christ.”
Res. 2-06 “To Encourage a Strong Finish of the Lutheran Malaria
Initiative (LMI) and Give Thanks for the Effect LMI Has Made in
the Global Fight to End Malaria-Related Deaths in Africa” (TB, p.
64) was introduced by the committee. The chair hearing no objection to voting without discussion, the resolution was adopted by
voice vote after prayer by Committee 2 Chairman David Benke.
Martha Mitkos, who heads the LCMS Lutheran Malaria Initiative, addressed the convention on its behalf, asking for two things:
prayer for all who suffer and prayer for the initiative that we may
finish it strong. The chair called the Orders of the Day.

Committee 7: Structure and Ecclesiastical Matters
Res. 7-05 “To Allow E-Meetings for Voting by Circuits, Districts, and Synod Agencies” (TB, pp. 149f.) was introduced by the
committee after striking the words “in those manners” from the
second resolve paragraph. During discussion, a motion to amend
was offered, changing the first resolve paragraph to read: “Resolved,
That circuits, districts, the Synod, and Synod agencies be allowed
only on a very limited basis and with the approval of the district
president to use e-meeting technologies.” Upon request of the chair,
the convention agreed to vote on the amendment without discussion and it failed [Yes: 154; No: 766]. Discussion continued on Res.
7-05 as changed by the committee until a substitute resolution “To
Allow E-Meetings and E-Voting” was proposed (TB, p.329) and the
Behnken Rule was invoked. The substitute motion failed by voice
vote, following which debate on the original resolution was ended
[Yes: 953; No: 59] and Res. 7-05 was adopted with only the change
made by the committee [Yes: 874; No: 96].
Res. 7-13 “To Address Handbook Issues re Bylaws Pertaining to
District” (TB, pp. 171ff.) was introduced by the committee with the
following change: Paragraph (f) of Bylaw 2.4.1 was changed by the
committee to read “Until a congregation formally adopts a revised
constitution and/or bylaws using this process, the Synod shall consider the existing constitution and bylaws to be in effect for all
purposes.” After brief discussion, debate was ended [Yes: 817; No:
106] and the resolution was adopted as changed [Yes: 887; No: 79].
Res. 7-15 “To Address District Membership/Ecclesiastical
Supervision Issues” (TB, p. 178) was introduced with explanation
by the committee. After brief discussion and after the assembly
determined by voice vote to vote on the resolution, Res. 7-15 was
adopted, also by voice vote.

Convention Essay—Baptized for Mercy
Rev. Ted Krey, Latin America Regional Director, using Jesus’
story of the Good Samaritan, made clear in his essay that “you are
the neighbor—if you show mercy.” The priest passing by on the
other side can speak to us pastors, who have opportunity both to
preach and heal—what do we teach our congregations, also by our
example? The Levite, a committed faithful servant of the church
who hurried on by on the other side of the road, can speak to us
minutes

laymen—what is the nature of our congregations and do we take
the time to be who we are, baptized for mercy? The Good Samaritan was not a popular person, but he had compassion and desired
to show mercy and dirty his hands—he is the neighbor, also today,
who shows mercy, as did our Lord Jesus Christ, as do we when our
Lord Jesus has His way with us. [The complete text of Rev. Krey’s
essay has been printed elsewhere in these 2013 Convention Proceedings.]

Committee 7: Structure and Ecclesiastical Matters
Res. 7-18 “To Study Doctrinal Training for Reconcilers” (TB, p.
180) was introduced by the committee and adopted [Yes: 668; No:
10] without discussion.
Res. 7-16 “To Strengthen District Boards of Directors” (TB,
pp.178f.) was introduced by the committee and adopted [Yes: 684;
No: 53] without discussion.
Res. 7-14 “To Address Handbook Issues re Synod Conventions”
(TB, p. 175) was introduced by the committee with the addition
in Bylaw 3.12.3.6 (a) of the words “at least” before the words “one
alternate.” A friendly amendment to add the words “along with lay
persons of the congregations of the Synod” at the end of the new
wording for paragraph (c) of Bylaw 3.12.3.4 was agreed to by the
commission before the amendment was adopted [Yes: 731; No: 24]
without further discussion.
Res. 7-11 “To Address Handbook Issues re Expulsion Process”
(TB, pp. 158ff.) was introduced by the committee and adopted [Yes:
770; No: 38] without discussion.
Res. 7-09A “To Resolve Bylaw Issues Remaining from 2010 Convention Restructuring Decisions” (TB, pp. 288ff.) was introduced by
the committee after changing proposed Bylaw 7.1.1 (d) to include
the words “presentation to” following the words “prior to.” The
resolution was adopted as changed [Yes: 826; No: 23] and without discussion.
Res. 7-10 “To Adopt Four-Year Convention Cycle” (TB, pp. 157f.)
was introduced by the committee. The chair reminded the assembly that this resolution would require a two-thirds vote for adoption
since it involved an amendment to the Constitution. After discussion, the resolution was referred to committee without objection
from the assembly.

Committee 2: Mercy
Res. 2-04 “To Commend the LCMS National Housing Support Corporation” (TB, pp. 61f.) was introduced by the committee
and adopted without debate [Yes: 867; No: 15]. National Housing
Corporation Chief Executive Officer Nicole Ridley addressed the
assembly, explaining the work of her corporation, which begins
with recognizing neighborhoods in need—not as obstacles, but as
opportunities for those communities and LCMS churches in those
neighborhoods.
Res. 2-05B “To Allow Extension of Calls to Specialized Pastoral
Ministers” (TB, pp. 360f.) was introduced by the committee. After
brief discussion, debate was ended [Yes: 792; No: 70] and the resolution was adopted [Yes: 875; No: 61].
Res. 2-07A “To Emphasize Biblical Teaching of Sexuality, Marriage, and Family” (TB, p. 235) was introduced by the committee.
After some discussion, the chair asked whether there was objection
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