LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2023, Page 153

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5. THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS
WHEREAS, The Synod has historically recognized the need
for collegial debate, collaborative decision-making, and
consensus-building, enshrining “[t]he example of the
apostolic church (Acts 15:1–31)” in the Preamble of its
Constitution and by adopting a process whereby those
principles may be observed with respect to the adoption of
doctrinal statements in Bylaw 1.6.2 (b); and
WHEREAS, The practice of online Communion has created
confusion and concern whether such observance of Holy
Communion is pleasing to God and in accordance with His
Word; and

To Review Guidance on Admission
to the Lord’s Supper
RESOLUTION 5-09
Overtures 5-09–10 (CW, 291–93)
WHEREAS, 1967 Resolution 2-19, “To Take a Position with
Reference to Communing Lutherans of Other Synods,” was
adopted stating:
WHEREAS, Clarification regarding the
administration and reception of Holy
Communion has been requested, with
particular reference to Lutherans of other
synods not now in fellowship with us; and

WHEREAS, The uniformity in practice from the foundation
of the Synod has long been considered desirable (1847
Constitution Articles I 3, II 4, IV 5, V 14) and remains an
endeavor toward which congregations are encouraged to
strive (Const. Art. II 7); therefore be it

WHEREAS,
The
principle
of
“close
Communion” requires that only those who are
in altar fellowship celebrate and partake of the
Lord’s Supper with each other; and

Resolved, That we commend the desires of faithful pastors
to care for their flocks in a time of pandemic, granting charity
and latitude to our brothers in the office due to the emergency
nature of the situation confronting us all; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod’s district presidents and those
who assist them be counseled and urged to instruct our
pastors and congregations on the basis of Holy Scripture’s
exhortation to gather in person to celebrate the Lord’s Supper
and on the basis of the examples of the Augsburg Confession
Articles VII and XXIV, to refrain from the practice of online
Communion, ensuring that those pastors and congregations
who continue to practice online Communion after due
fraternal admonition be subject to appropriate ecclesiastical
supervision; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention clearly and
unequivocally reject and condemn the practice of virtual
(online) Communion; and be it finally

WHEREAS, The celebration and reception of
Holy Communion not only implies but is a
confession of the unity of faith; therefore be it
Resolved, That pastors and congregations of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, except
in situations of emergency and in special cases
of pastoral care, commune individuals of only
those Lutheran synods which are now in
fellowship with us (1967 Proceedings, 93);
and
WHEREAS, 1981 Res. 3-01, “To Declare LCMS Not in Altar
and Pulpit Fellowship with ALC,” was adopted stating:
WHEREAS, The LCMS has long encouraged its
congregations and pastors in extraordinary
circumstances to provide responsible pastoral
care, including the administration of Holy
Communion to Christians who are members of
denominations not in fellowship with the
LCMS; therefore be it (1981 Proceedings, 154–55);

Resolved, That those who are hindered for a time from
bodily participation in Holy Communion be encouraged to
content themselves with the power of the Word,
remembrance of their Baptism, and the exercise of faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ.
Action: Adopted (8)

It was moved but failed to strike the final resolve. Upon closure
of debate, as suggested by the chair, the resolution was adopted
[Yes: 842; No: 140]. Pacific Southwest District President
Michael Gibson addressed the convention, requesting patience
for district presidents as they continue to work with perhaps a
dozen churches remaining in the practice of online communion.

and
WHEREAS, 1986 Res. 3-08, “To Maintain Practice of Close
Communion,” was adopted stating:
Resolved, That the pastors and congregations
of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
continue to abide by the practice of close
communion, which includes the necessity of
exercising responsible pastoral care in
extraordinary situations and circumstances;
and be it further
Resolved, That the convention commend the
CTCR’s report Theology and Practice of the Lord’s
Supper to the pastors and congregations of the
Synod for continued reference and guidance
(1986 Proceedings, 143);
and

Resolutions

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2023 (68TH) LCMS CONVENTION | 153