Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 1973 · 50th Convention › Page 121
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1973, Page 121

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

SEMINARY ISSUES 121

3-22

To Introduce Special Rules for Action
on “A Statement” or Any Other Doctrinal
Matter

Wuereas, A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional
Principles was prepared by the synodical President in an
effort to give aid to the Board of Control of Concordia Sem-
inary, St.Louis, in carrying out its duties under Res. 2-28
of the 1971 Milwaukee convention, and was also sent to the
entire Synod for information as part of his report on the
progress made by the Board of Control (ef. letter of March
3, 1972); and

Wuereas, The President suggested that the Statement be
studied in conferences and congregations, and this suggestion
has been carried out and continues to be carried out by
many, with the result that suggestions have been made
for clarification or change in some portions of the State-
ment; and

Wuereas. The President has indicated to the Synod that
he has not offered the Statement as a document to be
adopted as “a new standard of orthodoxy,” but some mem-
bers of the Synod have indicated that they desire to see the
Statement acted on in some way; and

Wuereas, Resolutions relating to statements of doctrine
are of such importance that they require prayerful, thorough,
and unhurried deliberation, and should be acted on only
after all those voting understand the matter, since such
votes are to determine whether the voters understand the
matter under question to be in accord with Scripture: there-
fore be it

Resolved, That the procedure followed at the convention
in acting on the content of A Statement of Scriptural and
Confessional Principles. or on any other doctrinal matter, be
such that it does not curtail discussion on the part of dele-
gates; and be it further

Resolved, That in order to permit this free and full dis-
cussion within reasonable bounds no motion be entertained
which closes debate until each delegate who wishes to speak
has been given the opportunity at least once; and be it

further '

Resolved. That the practice of alternating speakers pro
and con a given resolution be followed; and be it finally

Resolved, That any motion dealing with the doctrinal
content of A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Prin-
ciples be viewed as a “resolution concerning doctrine formu-
lated and adopted at a convention” as described in Res. 5-24
of the Milwaukee convention.

Zion LUTHERAN CHURCH
Ferguson, Mo.

Clemens C. Runge. President
Paul O. Herrmann III, Secretary

3-23
Not to Bring “A Statement” to a Vote

Wuereas, Matters pertaining to Scriptural doctrine and
practice are best resolved through the study of God's Word
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. rather than through
convention resolutions: therefore be it

Resolved, That Peace Lutheran Church of New Berlin
respectfully request the honorable Missouri Synod in con-
vention at New Orleans not to permit A Statement to be
brought to a vote, thus respecting the request of our Presi-
dent, “the purpose of these guidelines is not to serve as a
new standard of orthodoxy”: and be it further

Resolved, That should a new confession be desired, that
such a confession be developed by the Commission of Theol-
ogy and Church Relations in conjunction with the faculties
of our two seminaries in Saint Louis and Springfield: and
that such a confession be submitted to all congregations,

pastors, and teachers within our Synod at least a full year
prior to its anticipated adoption by a future convention.

Peace LUTHERAN CHURCH

New Berlin, Wis.

Arthur Gulrud, President
Christine Schwerin, Secretary
Martin W. Bangert, Pastor

3-244
To Reaffirm Confessional Basis

Resolved, That since the confessional basis which all
members of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod are
bound to accept without reservation is set forth in Article II
of the Constitution of the Synod (namely, the Holy Scrip-
tures and the Symbolical Books of the Lutheran church),
we therefore encourage a careful and thorough study of the
Scriptures and the Confessions themselves.

We further encourage that all other statements and guide-
lines of Scriptural and confessional principles be studied and
used among us to help reassess our Lutheran confessional
commitment, but that in no wise ought such statements and
guidelines become a criterion of doctrine soundness, or hin-
der the free and full study of the Holy Scriptures; and be
it further

Resolved, That the Southeastern District petition The Lu-
theran Church — Missouri Synod in convention in New Or-
leans, La., to reaffirm that the Scriptures and the Lutheran
Confessions are adequate as the confessional basis of Synod
as stated in Article II of Synod’s Constitution.

SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT
Frederick A. Stiemke, Secretary

Similar:

3-24B
Lutheran Church of Saint Andrew, Silver Spring, Md.,
Walter Petzold, President: George Lobien, Pastor.

3-24C
New York State Pastoral Conference, Atlantic District,
Daniel Aho, Secretary.

3-25
To Accept Articles II and VI as Sole Basis
for Faith and Practice

Wuereas, Article IJ of the Constitution of The Lutheran
Church — Missouri Synod calls upon Synod and every mem-
ber of Synod to accept without reservation Holy Scripture
as the only rule and norm of faith and practice and the
Book of Concord (1580) as a true and unadulterated state-
ment and exposition of Holy Scripture; and

Wuereas, Article VI of the same Constitution lays down
adequate conditions for acquiring and holding membership
in the Synod; and

Wuereas. Article XIV of the same Constitution stipulates
that no changes or amendments shall be made that conflict
with Articles II and VI: and

Wuereas. The proper use of the Scripture and the Lu-
theran Confessions is and has been confessed to lie in the
proper distinction between Law and Gospel (Formula of
Concord, SD, V); and

Wuereas, There have been and continue to be attempts
by individuals and groups within Synod subsequent to Res.
9.21 of the 1971 Milwaukee convention to substitute or ap-
pend additional statements or procedures beyond the con-
stitutional basis for faith and practice; therefore be it

Resolved, That we accept Articles II and VI of the Con-
stitution of Synod as the sole basis for faith and practice
in the Synod: and be it further

Resolved, That we continue to hold the distinctive mark
of Lutheranism and the basis of its fellowship to lie in its
confession of God’s Word as Law and Gospel.

FACULTY
ConcorDIA TEACHERS COLLEGE
River Forest, Ill.