LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1975, Page 108

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RESOLUTIONS 101

ment entitled “A Comparative Study of Varying Contem-
porary Approaches to Biblical Interpretation” to its
members for reference and guidance.

Action: This resolution died since it failed to receive
action before adjournment.
(New final wording “reference and guidance” instead of

“information and study” was filed with the Secretary by the
Committee.)

To Continue Evaluation of the
Synod’s Membership and
Participation in LCUSA

RESOLUTION 3-12

Reports 3-01, H, I; 3-04; Overtures 3-201A—3-209
(CW, pp. 45, 65, 122—124); N.O. Res. 2-39 (CW, p.
436)

Wuereas, The Synod’s Board of Directors is of the
opinion that at the present moment in history the Synod
may well regard its participation in the Lutheran Coun-
cil in the U.S.A. as an investment in inter-Lutheran
relationships; and

WHEREAS, There is evidence of advantages accruing
to the Synod through this membership; and

WuHereas, Through careful selection of programs and
services the Board of Directors has effected substantial
reductions in the Synod’s financial commitment; and

Whereas, The services and programs presently pro-
vided and proposed are under continuing scrutiny and
review to determine what is in the best interest of the
Synod; and

WHEREAS, The Division of Theological Studies contin-
ues to be a forum for ongoing theological discussions;
therefore be it

Resolved, That the LCMS continue membership in the
Lutheran Council in the U.S.A. on a selected program
basis in an effort to achieve its original objectives of
membership; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod’s Board of Directors and
through them all boards and commissions be directed to
keep the programs and activities in the Council under
continuing scrutiny in order to determine those programs
in which the Synod should participate, basing their judg-
ment on such criteria as the effect on the Synod’s doc-
trinal position, compatibility with the Synod’s fellowship
principles, economic feasibility, and contribution to the
achievement of the objectives of the Council; and be it
further

Resolved, That the Synod request the Council to in-
tensify efforts to “seek to achieve theological consensus
in a systematic and continuing way on the basis of
Scripture and the witness of the Lutheran Confessions”
(LCUSA Constitution, Art. IV); and be it finally

Resolved, That the study of the Lutheran Council
requested in 1971 Resolution 3-18 be completed at a very
early date, and that findings be reported to the Synod
prior to the 1977 convention.

Action: Adopted (13).

(The convention declined to change “selected” to “full” in the
first resolved.)

To Intensify Doctrinal Discussions
with the ALC

RESOLUTION 3-13A
(Replacing Resolution 3-13)

Reports 3-01, II, B; 3-05; Overtures 3-131A—3-131B,
3-211A—3-222, 3-231A—3-231B, 3-240 (CW, pp. 42—
43, 66, 102, 124—129, 131)

Wuereas, Fellowship with The American Lutheran
Church continues to be a source of joy to some, anguish
to others, and concern for all; and

Wuereas, Doctrinal differences continue to agitate
and are the continuing concern of the ALC and The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Commission on Fel-
lowship; and

Wuereas, Currently the Synod is giving primary
attention to problems within the Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod’s representatives on the
ALC-LCMS Commission on Fellowship intensify their
efforts to resolve the doctrinal differences with the ALC;
and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod’s representatives on the
Commission on Fellowship prepare a detailed report for
the 1977 convention as to what progress has or has not
been made in resolving the differences in doctrine and
practice that do exist between The American Lutheran
Church and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and
recommend to that convention possible further action;
and be it finally

Resolved, That no other action be taken at this time.

Action: This resolution died since it failed to receive
action before adjournment.

To Declare Altar and Pulpit
Fellowship with the Independent
Evangelical Lutheran Church
of Germany

RESOLUTION 3-14

Report 3-01, II, C (CW, p. 43); N.O. Res. 2-31 (CW, p.
435)

Wuereas, Three Lutheran Free churches in Germany
formed the new Selbstaendige Evangelisch-Lutherische
Kirche (Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church) in
1972; and

Wuereas, The Synod has for many years enjoyed
altar and pulpit fellowship with these three Lutheran
Free churches; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in gratitude to God officially
declare itself to be in altar and pulpit fellowship with the
Selbstaendige Evangelisch-Lutherisch Kirche, thereby
continuing the fellowship it has enjoyed for many years
with the member bodies of the new church.