LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2023, Page 139

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4. LIFE TOGETHER
Testament, and in the Lutheran Confessions, especially in
Luther’s catechisms, as well as its application to Christian
worship today, and includes a Bible study for congregational
use.
Action: Adopted (9)

The resolution was read and introduced by the committee, it
being noted that the contemplated study would be distributed
electronically. It was moved but declined to amend to strike the
first resolve. It was also moved and declined to add a resolve,
“That the LCMS in convention repent for having forsaken
gathering together in corporate worship during 2020 and not
taking a strong stand of encouraging congregations to
physically gather.” Upon closure of debate, as suggested by the
chair, the resolution was adopted [Yes: 790; No: 72].

To Give Thanks
for Preservation of the Gospel in
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
RESOLUTION 4-07
Overture 4-18 (CW, 280–81)
Preamble
On Feb. 19, 1974, a schism in the life of the Synod culminated
in what some refer to as the “Walkout” or “Exile” from
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. At the heart of the controversy
was the authority and interpretation of Holy Scripture and the
truthfulness and objectivity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The
controversy divided families, congregations, and every
institution of Synod. It impacted brotherly love and fraternal
discourse. It resulted in the formation of Christ SeminarySeminex (“Sem-in-Exile”) and the formation of the
Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (AELC), which
eventually helped form the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA).
WHEREAS, The 50th anniversary of these events will be
observed in the next triennium of the Synod, on Feb. 19, 2024;
and
WHEREAS, At its 1973 convention, the Synod adopted A
Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Principles (1972) as an
official doctrinal statement to address the theological errors
present at the time; and
WHEREAS, Concordia Historical Institute (CHI) and
Concordia Publishing House (CPH) have initiated projects to
advance the study and understanding of the historical and
theological factors that culminated in the events of February

Resolutions

1974, including Seminex in Print and Rediscovering the Issues,
along with two forthcoming books: Walkout or Exile? and The
Bad Boll Conferences; and
WHEREAS, The seminaries of Synod continue to produce
resources and hold conferences to educate members of Synod
about this controversy and its implications for our life
together; and
WHEREAS, God, by His divine providence, has worked all
things for good, richly blessing the Synod with light from
above; and
WHEREAS, The controversy has continued to have effects
upon relationships and our life together in Synod as brothers
and sisters in Christ; and
WHEREAS, The call to repentance, doctrinal fidelity, and
fraternal love remains necessary even today and will remain
so until our Lord’s return; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks for the
preservation of the Gospel in our midst, “the faith that was
once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3); and be it further
Resolved, That we give thanks for the faithful teaching and
theological leadership of our seminaries; and be it further
Resolved, That we remain faithful to God’s Word, rejoicing
with confidence that Christ is the Lord of the Church and the
Lord of the world, and that He will accomplish His purposes;
and be it further
Resolved, That members of Synod would study this period
in our history and avail themselves of the resources made
available for us by CHI, CPH, and the seminaries, as well as A
Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Principles; and be it
further
Resolved, That we “endure everything for the sake of the
elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ
Jesus with eternal glory” (2 Tim. 2:10); and be it further
Resolved, That we commit ourselves to a life of repentance
“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with
one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in
the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:2–3); and be it finally
Resolved, That the assembly sing, upon adoption, the first
stanza of “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” (LSB 655).
Action: Adopted as amended (9)

An amendment to add the final resolve was adopted by consent.
Upon closure of debate, as suggested by the chair, the resolution
was adopted as amended by a voice and hand vote.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2023 (68TH) LCMS CONVENTION | 139