LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 137

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Resolutions
5. Seminary & University Education
To Encourage Continued Faithful Witness
by Concordia University System
RESOLUTION 5-01A
President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, p. 23–34); Overtures 5-01–02,
5-14–15 (CW, pp. 207, 222–223)
Whereas, One of the objectives of the Synod is to “[a]id congregations to develop processes of thorough Christian education
and nurture and to establish agencies of Christian education… and
to support synodical colleges, universities, and seminaries” (Constitution, Art. III 5), and part of the purpose of these colleges and
universities is to “[r]ecruit and train pastors, teachers, and other
professional church workers” (Art. III 3); and
Whereas, The colleges and universities of the Concordia University System (CUS) are to be distinctly Lutheran institutions of
higher education; and
Whereas, Many Christian scholars have become concerned
about the loss of denominational and even Christian identity by
colleges and universities that were founded and funded by Christian churches in America; and
Whereas, It is proper that the matter of Lutheran identity be
taken up by the LCMS President in his official role as doctrinal
supervisor of the Synod’s agencies and institutions (Bylaw 3.3.1.1.1
[c]): “He shall at regular intervals officially visit or cause to be visited
all the educational institutions of the Synod to exercise supervision
over the doctrine taught and practiced in those institutions”; and
Whereas, The institutions in the Concordia University System were established to impact their students with the Gospel of
Jesus Christ as it is taught and witnessed to by the instructors and
administrators in the teaching and practice of the institutions; and
Whereas, The institutions in the Concordia University System
were created in order to prepare students to be witnesses of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the world; and
Whereas, The Board of Directors of the Concordia University System has authority with respect to the Synod’s colleges and
universities to provide for the education of pre-seminary students
and ministers of religion—commissioned and others desiring a
Lutheran higher education; and
Whereas, The apostle Paul admonishes us: “See to it that no
one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,
which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this
world rather than on Christ” (Col. 2:8); and

R e s olu t i on s

Committee 5 Chairman Dale Sattgast

Whereas, The biblical position as expressed and affirmed by
the Synod on key issues such as creation and evolution, sanctity
of life, and human sexuality and marriage is under assault by the
world, and there is particular pressure for students and institutions
to conform to a sinful world-view; therefore be it
Resolved, That the 2013 LCMS convention commend the CUS
institutions for their faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and adherence to the teachings of Holy Scripture, especially with
regard to cultural challenges faced by their students; and be it further
Resolved, That each CUS institution develop an intentional strategy for aiding their students in dealing with the unbiblical cultural
challenges facing them in the world today, with such strategy,
implementation, and progress to be reported to the CUS Board of
Directors and the President of the Synod in his role as ecclesiastical supervisor; and be it further
Resolved, That this be a key part of the regular visitations by the
CUS President and the President of the Synod; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS President is hereby directed to convene a task force for the purpose of;
• Studying and reporting on the issues of confessional Lutheran
identity in all CUS institutions
• Strengthening all CUS institutions’ connection to the Synod
• Reviewing the composition, size, and selection of boards of
regents
• Review of Bylaw 3.6.6.5 (k) regarding the consolidation, relocation, separation or divesting of CUS institutions
• Review of governance structures
And be it further
Resolved, That the President appoint members of the LCMS to
this task force, which may include one or more CUS faculty members, administrators, regents, or presidents, as well as other LCMS
persons not working for or with any of the CUS institutions, and
2 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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