LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2023, Page 33

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Evening Prayer
Chaplain Sean Daenzer led the convention in the Order
of Evening Prayer, with the text, Isaiah 53:4–12; the Rev. Dr.
Peter Anibati Abia, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in South Sudan/Sudan, served as lector. Kantor
Machemer and soloist/guitarist Andrew Schempf provided
accompaniment and special music; members of the Council
of Presidents also served as a choir.

Session 3
Monday a.m., July 31, 2023
Matins
The Rev. Dr. John C. Wohlrabe, Second Vice-President
(Great Lakes Region), preached on Romans 1:8–17 in the
Office of Matins, with Chaplain Sean Daenzer serving as
liturgist. Kantor Matthew Machemer provided
accompaniment; soloist Jonathan Busarow and guitarist
Andrew Schempf provided special music.
[The entire text of Vice-President Wohlrabe’s sermon is
printed in the 2023 Convention Proceedings.]
Committee 13: Registration, Credentials, and Elections
President Harrison opened the session, introducing a
series of 175th anniversary video greetings from leaders of
church partners. He called upon the Rev. Scott Sailer,
chairman of Committee 13 (Registration, Credentials, and
Elections), to update to the registration report, which read
as follows:
Voting delegates
Advisory delegates
Advisory representatives

1018
160
161

The report was moved and adopted without discussion,
by voice vote.
Greetings—Concordia Publishing House
The chair invited Jonathan Schultz, president of
Concordia Publishing House (CPH), to bring greetings to the
convention from the Synod’s publishing house. After a brief
video, Schultz explained that CPH knows that the “Word of
the Lord endures forever” and strives daily to supply
congregations, schools, and families with materials that
help them grow, stand firm in the faith, and share the faith
with others. He noted expanding collaboration across the
Synod and the recent addition of the Rev. Dr. Jacob Corzine
as vice-president of publishing. He noted four of CPH’s foci
for the coming triennium, in print and in the latest
technologies: foundational, trusted theological and
academic resources, including the Concordia Commentary
series, the completion of which is being accelerated;
translation and distribution of resources globally in 150
languages to advance the Lutheran confession; resources
necessary to restore biblical literacy and life-long faith
formation; and resources to counter increasingly antiChristian cultural forces. CPH’s mission remains the same as
when dedicated by C.F.W. Walther over 150 years ago: to
Minutes

serve God alone, Christ alone, the Word of God alone, the
Church of Christ alone, the Truth alone.
Committee 9: Structure and Administration
President Harrison reminded delegates of Standing Rule
30. A delegate proposed an amendment to the Special
Standing Rules, namely that “candidates will have the
opportunity to address the convention for up to three
minutes prior to balloting.” The motion, which would
require a two-thirds vote, failed on a voice and hand vote.
The chair recognized Committee 9 Chairman Timothy
Scharr, president of the Southern Illinois District, to begin
the report of his committee. He made introductory remarks.
Res. 9-01, “To Amend Bylaws to Provide Clarity for CrossCircuit and Cross-District Multi-Congregation Parishes”
(TB, 1:169–71), was read and introduced by the committee.
After discussion by the assembly, a delegate moved closure
of debate, which was carried. The resolution was adopted by
voice vote.
Res. 9-02, “To Amend Various Bylaws to Provide Clarity
or to Address Practical Considerations” (TB, 1:171–79), was
read and introduced by the committee. It was moved and
seconded to divide Section A from the main question for
separate handling; this motion failed by voice and hand
vote. It was moved and seconded to amend the resolution to
strike the bylaw addition on ll. 3–4 on page 179. Dr. George
Gude explained for the Commission on Constitutional
Matters that modifications to bylaw amendments need to be
approved by the commission before presentation to the
floor. After some clarification, this being the only change in
Section I, the chair ruled this, in effect, a motion to divide
Section I from the main question. The motion to divide the
question failed by voice vote. Without objection, the chair
put the main question to the body and Res. 9-02 was
adopted by voice vote.
Res. 9-03, “To Clarify Bylaws Regarding Appointment of
a Synodwide Corporate Entity Chief Executive” (TB, 1:179–
80), was read and introduced by the committee. After
discussion by the assembly, the resolution was adopted by
voice vote.
Res. 9-04, “To Establish Mission Board Responsibilities
Regarding Mission Office Strategic Plan and Annual Budget
Proposal” (TB, 1:180–81), was read and introduced by the
committee. Without discussion, the resolution was adopted
by voice vote.
Res. 9-05A, “To Simplify Circuit Elections” (TB, 3:374–
76), was read and introduced by the committee. After
discussion by the assembly, the chair asked and received
consent to proceed to a vote. The resolution was adopted by
voice vote.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2023 (68TH) LCMS CONVENTION | 33