LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 133

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Whereas, The custom of changing these words and using other
words in baptizing has been accepted in other church bodies; and

cited, the question involved only taking part in administering the
Sacrament; and

Whereas, Holy Baptism is necessary “for someone to be
accepted (as a member) into the congregation” (Walther, Pastoral
Theology, p. 261); and

Whereas, The CCM answer was also based upon a study of
the historical background and interpretation of Article VI 2 of
the LCMS Constitution, wherein the author stated at the beginning, “The study treats the question from before the founding of
the LCMS through the first forty years of the Synod’s history. Neither the research nor the findings for the study are complete”; and

Whereas, A change in the wording of the Trinitarian formula
introduces doubt in the hearts of both the one who has received
such a baptism and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
(LCMS) pastor as well as the congregation that the person wishes
to join; therefore be it
Resolved, That congregations of the LCMS faithfully confess and
retain the Trinitarian formula in baptizing with water and refrain
from changing these words and making use of other words in the
baptismal formula; and be it further
Resolved, That the Commission on Theology and Church Relations provide a study of the theology on Holy Baptism that sets
forth the scriptural and confessional teaching on this great sacrament of Christian rebirth and offer positive guidance to pastors
and congregations regarding proper baptismal practices; and be
it further
Resolved, That the LCMS Council of Presidents (COP) keep pastors and congregations informed as to the changing and evolving
baptismal practices of other denominations; and be it finally
Resolved, That this information from the COP be used to guide
pastors and congregations of the LCMS in the reception of new
members so that they are examined and cared for in a most loving
and pastoral manner.
Action: Adopted (3)

Whereas, The CCM opinion also states, “The commission recognizes that the examples given in subparagraphs a, b, and c of
Article VI 2 do not provide an exhaustive list of every example that
might violate the condition of membership that calls for the ‘renunciation of unionism and syncretism of every description’”; and
Whereas, Bylaw 3.9.2.2 of the Synod Handbook states, “An
opinion rendered by the commission [CCM] shall be binding on
the question decided unless and until it is overruled by a convention of the Synod. Overtures to a convention that seek to overrule
an opinion of the commission shall support the proposed action
with substantive rationale from the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod”; and
Whereas, To take part in the Sacrament of the Altar is to confess the teaching of that altar (1 Cor. 10:18); and
Whereas, The Synod in convention has repeatedly declared
that C.F.W. Walther’s Kirche und Amt is the official position of the
LCMS (1851, 1852, and most recently in 2001 Convention Proceedings Res. 7-17A, p.172); and
Whereas, In Thesis VIII of Kirche und Amt Walther quotes
with approval these words:

(During brief discussion, a motion to add “with water” to the
first resolve paragraph after the word “baptizing” was accepted by
the committee as a friendly amendment. Res. 4-08A was adopted
as amended [Yes: 956; No: 13].)

“Although they [the primitive church] agreed in many chief
parts of religion, every party practiced its religion in its own
communion in order that they might not seem to mingle religions [Religionsmengerei], which God had forbidden in the
Law: Deuteronomy 22:9; Leviticus 19:19”; and further,

To Overrule Commission on Constitutional
Matters Opinion “Interpretation
of Constitution Article VI 2 b”(11-2598)

“[W]e would make ourselves partakers of the many blasphemies and abominations of which the sect is guilty, and
this we must avoid with the greatest earnestness. For we are
commanded to come out from them in order that we may not
be partakers of their sins and may not receive their plagues
(Rev. 18:4). If this coming out cannot be done with the body, it
should be done in the heart by avoiding their worship [gottesdienstliche Handlungen]”; and finally,

RESOLUTION 4-09
Overtures L4-73, L4-77 (TB, pp. 34–35; 37–38)
Whereas, The Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM)
was asked, “Is reception of the Lord’s Supper in an unofficial and
private capacity considered ‘[t]aking part in the services and sacramental rites’ of a congregation, as that phrase is used in Article
VI, paragraph 2 b of the Constitution”; and
Whereas, The CCM answer, “No, reception of the Lord’s Supper, by itself, does not constitute ‘[t]aking part in the services and
sacramental rites’ of a congregation as that phrase is used in Article VI, paragraph 2b of the Constitution” was based partly upon
the fact that in every previous case where Article VI 2 b had been
R e s olu t i on s

“For why should we participate in the worship of those
whose religion we know to be false?”; and
Whereas, Walther’s Kirche und Amt therefore provides commentary on Article VI of the Constitution; therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention respectfully thank the
members of the CCM for their work; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention overrule the opinion
“Interpretation of Constitution Article VI 2 b” (11-2598); and be
it finally
Resolved, That the President of Synod in consultation with the
Commission on Theology and Church Relations, Council of Presi2 0 1 3 C o n v e n t io n P r o c e e d i n g s

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