LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2016, Page 249

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RESOLUTIONS
15

Reformation
To Give Thanks for Gospel Focus
of The Wittenberg Project

Whereas, Wittenberg is attracting a growing number of visitors as we approach the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in
2017; and

RESOLUTION 15-01

Whereas, The LCMS is celebrating this milestone Reformation anniversary under the theme “It’s Still All about Jesus”; and

Report R1 (CW, p. 4); President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, pp. 21–31)
Introduction
In 1564, construction of the Old Latin School (Alte Lateinschule)
began under the authority of Prince Elector August I (1526–1586),
who was a staunch defender of Lutheran theology. The Old Latin
School was built across from St. Mary’s Church, where Dr. Martin
Luther preached more than 2,000 sermons. It was created to prepare young men to be of service to society and to the Church. In
2006, the Synod’s Central Illinois District Church Extension Fund
helped to purchase the Old Latin School. So after the purchase
of the school, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS),
Concordia Publishing House (CPH), and the Independent Evangelical-Lutheran Church (SELK) in Germany established the
International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg (ILSW) for the sake
of renovating the building and to do ministry together in Wittenberg, Germany. On Sunday, May 3, 2015, the renovated Old Latin
School was dedicated to the glory of God and for service to the
Lord’s Church. Beginning on May 4, the first event of the newly
dedicated Old Latin School was held. Confessional church leaders
from around the world gathered in Wittenberg to discuss global
challenges and opportunities under the theme “Celebrating the
Reformation Rightly: Remembrance, Repentance, Rejoicing.” Since
then, other events have been held, and many groups have made use
of the Old Latin School.

Whereas, The ILSW has established a Christian education and
Gospel outreach center in The Wittenberg Project; and
Whereas, The ILSW was enabled to renovate the Old Latin
School through the generous donations and prayers of faithful
Lutheran people, congregations, schools, and other entities; and
Whereas, The International Lutheran Center in the Old Latin
School is being used to proclaim the life-giving Gospel of Jesus
Christ with Wittenberg-area residents, only about 15 percent of
whom even profess to be Christian, and with as many as possible
of the tens of thousands of visitors to this town so important for
the proclamation of that Gospel; therefore be it
Resolved, That the 2016 convention of the LCMS thank God for
blessing The Wittenberg Project and pray that He would use it to
reach many more people with the Gospel; and be it further
Resolved, That the convention encourage congregations, districts, universities, seminaries, RSOs, and auxiliaries of the Synod
to make use of the Old Latin School in celebration of the 500th
anniversary of the Reformation and beyond; and be it finally

Whereas, Dr. Martin Luther on Oct. 31, 1517, posted 95 theses against the abuse of indulgences on the door of Castle Church
in Wittenberg, Germany, thereby igniting the Reformation; and
Whereas, Dr. Martin Luther wrote, “The true treasure of the
Church is the most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God”
(Thesis 62); and
Whereas, The pure, sweet Gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ
is the only source of true comfort for sinful people in the presence
of their holy Creator; and
Whereas, God used Dr. Martin Luther and other reformers to
proclaim the Good News about Jesus Christ with renewed clarity
and zeal, beginning in Wittenberg; and
Committee 15 Chairman Peter Lange
“15. Reformation”

U P O N T H I S R O C K • Resolutions

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