LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 166

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166

Theology and Church Relations

the discontinuance of such affiliation or association of the Synod with
other church bodies, synods, or federations”; and
Whereas, Said resolution’s sixth Whereas clause, “Current
procedures require a time-consuming, costly, and often unwieldy process before altar and pulpit fellowship with such small, formative, or
emerging confessional Lutheran church bodies could be considered
by the Synod in convention,” does need to be examined; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Nebraska District memorialize the 2013 LCMS
convention to request that the CTCR evaluate the current process for
declaring altar and pulpit fellowship and to present to the 2016 LCMS
convention a revised and streamlined (through efficient use of technology and other resources) process, which may reduce the costs and
time required to work toward altar and pulpit fellowship through an
action of the Synod in convention; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Nebraska District memorialize the 2013 LCMS
convention to remove bylaw paragraph 3.9.5.2.2 (c).
Nebraska District
4-07

To Enter into Dialogue with Church
of the Lutheran Brethren
Whereas, Scripture makes the appeal that “there be no divisions
among you, that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought”
(1 Cor. 1:10); and
Whereas, The Church of the Lutheran Brethren is of sound doctrine; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod enter into
dialogue with the Church of the Lutheran Brethren.
First Evangelical
Fontana, CA
4-08

To Assist Emerging Lutheran Churches
Whereas, God’s Word encourages us to help others in the faith:
“Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these
brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the
church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner
worthy of God” (3 John 5–6 ESV); and
Whereas, God would have Christians serve as models for one
another in their lives of discipleship: “Brothers, join in imitating me,
and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you
have in us” (Phil. 3:17 ESV); and
Whereas, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has been
blessed abundantly by our Lord in resources and in its rich theological heritage; therefore be it
Resolved, That our Synod reach out to emerging Lutheran church
bodies throughout the world, who can be blessed by our assistance in
theological guidance and practical experience.
Immanuel
Orange, CA
4-09

To Study and Increase Emphasis on Priesthood
of All Believers
Whereas, 2004 Res. 1-02 stated, “Whereas, Our Lord has given
to all who are baptized the opportunity and responsibility to spread
2013 Convention Workbook

the Gospel (2 Cor. 3:2–3) as part of the priesthood of all believers,
declaring the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into
His wonderful light (1 Pet. 2:9)”; and
Whereas, 2004 Res. 1-01A “Resolved, That the Synod, acting
in convention, affirms the historical Lutheran understanding of the
priesthood of all believers that God, through the work of His Son by
the power of the Holy Spirit, has made all believers “a royal priesthood” to ‘declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness
into His wonderful light’ (1 Pet. 2:9)”; and
Whereas, Res. 1-03 “To Prepare New Study and Increase
Emphasis on Priesthood of All Believers,” which was overwhelmingly adopted by the 2007 Synod convention, stated:
Whereas, All Christians are called by God as priests for the nations
by virtue of their Baptism (Exod. 19:5, 6; 1 Peter 2:9); and
Whereas, Martin Luther declared that all believers are priests
called by God to declare the works of God (Luther’s Works, American
Edition, vol. 30, pp. 62–65); and
Whereas, The historic doctrine of the LCMS has clearly affirmed
the priesthood of all believers as stated in the Brief Statement of the
Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod (adopted 1932): “Since the
Christians are the Church, it is self-evident that they alone originally
possess the spiritual gifts and rights which Christ has gained for, and
given to, His Church. Thus St. Paul reminds all believers: ‘All things are
yours,’ 1 Cor. 3:21, 22, and Christ Himself commits to all believers the
keys of the kingdom of heaven, Matt. 16:13–19; 18:17–20; John 20:22,
23, and commissions all believers to preach the Gospel and to administer the Sacraments, Matt. 28:19, 20; 1 Cor. 11:23–25. Accordingly, we
reject all doctrines by which this spiritual power or any part thereof is
adjudged as originally vested in certain individuals or bodies, such as
the Pope, or the bishops, or the order of the ministry, or the secular lords,
or councils, or synods, etc.” (p. 14); and
Whereas, This doctrine must be clearly reaffirmed and articulated
in all parts of our Synod and faithfully applied and elaborated in reference to missionary work entrusted to God’s people; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in its 2007 convention direct the Commission on Theology and Church Relations in consultation with the
Board for Mission Services to prepare a comprehensive study document
which clearly presents the biblical teaching of the royal priesthood and
Luther’s teaching on vocation in the light of the mission challenges of
today; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution be given high priority by the CTCR;
and be it finally
Resolved, That after approval by the Synod in convention, this document be used by the whole church, its congregations and church workers, and by the LCMS seminaries and universities in instructing students
about the royal priesthood especially in its relationship to the unreached.

and
Whereas, The CTCR expects to conclude the 2007 convention
assignment in the very near future; therefore be it
Resolved, That the CTCR be encouraged to complete this study
document as soon as possible; and be it finally
Resolved, That the document be studied and discussed Synodwide, including (but not limited to) by the congregations of the Synod
and circuit and district theological convocations and conferences prior
to the next convention of the Synod, for the sake of presenting to the
CTCR suggestions and reactions to the study document, which is to be
reported by the CTCR at the next convention of the Synod, at which
time the document will also be presented by the CTCR for approval
by the Synod in convention (cf. last resolve of 2004 Res.1-03) for use
by the whole church.
Texas District Board of Directors