Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 1975 · 51st Convention › Page 69
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1975, Page 69

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

THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS 69

Resolred. That the members of our congregations and the
pastors who lead them or are connected with them in any way be
encouraged to pray for a greater manifestation of the unity of
the Spirit; and be it finally

Resolved. That the District President be asked to submit this
resolution as an overture to the 1975 convention of the Synod in
Anaheim to encourage all congregations and pastors of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod actively to work toward
unity in the confession of faith. through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Minnesota North District
August Mennicke, President
Edmund Bentrup, Secretary

Identical or similar:
3-19B and 3-19C

SELC District
Immanuel, Oceanside, Calif.

Albert Marcis
R. B. Faerber

3-20A

To Foster Reconciliation

WHEREAS. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has
adopted several doctrinal resolutions in the attempt to resolve
several issues of controversy in our church: and

WHEREAS. Many other reconciling and healing efforts have
been attempted and promoted: and

WHEREAS, Synodical and District officials have earnestly
striven for such dialog and genuine face-to-face reconciliation
under the Holy Spirit and in God’s Word in the past: and

WHEREAS. Some who are in opposition to certain synodical
decisions yet have earnestly desired, urged, and promoted
face-to-face dialog without malice: and

WHEREAS. Some members of the Synod have refused face-
to-face conversations and discussions for reconciliation and have
even ridiculed and maligned those who attempted to work out
a God-pleasing healing; therefore be it

Resolved. That the members of the Michigan District as-
sembled in convention deplore all unchristian attitudes which
reject the invitations and efforts for reconciliation offered by
members of the Synod: and be it further

Resolved. That members of the Michigan District and the
Synod be urged to engage in constructive person-to-person
discussion and communication on the basis of Scripture and the
Confessions to clarify the issues of controversy, that reconcilia-
tion and healing may be achieved: and be it finally

Resolved. That members of the District and the Synod
implore the Holy Spirit’s guidance and beg Christ’s mercy for
pardon and peace so unity may be restored and our individual
and congregational energies may be expended in proclaiming
the Gospel of Christ.

Michigan District
Norbert H. Mueller. Secretary

Identical or similar:

3-20B and 3-20C

Peace, New Berlin, Wis. Martin Bangert

Grace, Jacksonville, Fla. Paul Brenner

3-21A
To Strive for Unity

WHEREAS, All members of the Synod sin daily and have
oftentimes sinned against each other in word and deed, causing
much dissension, grief, and turmoil within the Synod: and

WHEREAS. The Synod, Districts, colleges. local congregations,
and all other facets of our church have suffered greatly as a
result of this disunity and dissension; and

WHEREAS, Such dissension and disunity greatly detract
from the ability of the Synod to fulfill its obligation of extending
the Lord’s kingdom: therefore be it

Resolved. That all members of the Synod, individually and
collectively, seek forgiveness of all their sins: and be it further

Resolved. That all members of the Synod, and especially
those members in positions of leadership. fervently seek recon-
ciliation of all factions and dissenting groups of the Synod: and
be it finally

Resolved. That, in order to preserve the doctrine of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. those members of the
Synod whose stated doctrinal position is in conflict with the
Holy Bible and the Lutheran Confessions be dealt with accord-
ing to Matt. 18 and in a manner pleasing to God. that His name
may be glorified and His kingdom extended.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
North Platte, Nebr.

L. V. Schneider, President

Craig Wolske. Secretary

Identical or similar:

3-21B

Messiah, Plainfield, N. J. Wm. Hughes

3-22

To Put an End to Doctrinal Confusion

WHEREAS. The Synod has been engaged in doctrinal conflict
over many years: and

WHEREAS. Doctrinal conflict under God where proper Chris-
tian discipline is exerted can serve the wholesome purpose of
separating false teachers from the orthodox, making manifest
those who are of one spirit. and establishing those who see the
truth in their Christian faith (cf. 1 Cor. 11:19; 1 John 2:19); and

WHEREAS. Continued doctrinal conflict can be a very destruc-
tive. demoralizing, and frustrating experience which keeps a
church body from being an effective witness to Christ in the
world if and when such conflict becomes a reason for com-
promise, retreat from former confessional principles, and
a prolonged policy for coexistence with error; and

WHEREAS. The many conferences. convocations, special
committees. etc.. which have been called officially and un-
officially to deal with the present conflict seem to indicate a fear
of applying decisive Christian discipline and tend to promote
and prolong confusion because of an unwillingness to heed
Scriptures admonition, Rom. 16:17: therefore be it

Resolved. That this convention of the LCMS exhort those
who find themselves in disagreement with the public doctrine
and practice of the LCMS to cease from any effort to broaden
the Synod's doctrinal boundaries so as to make room for diverse
and opposing teachings: and be it further

Resolved. That those who find themselves in opposition to
the teachings of the Synod either make an honest effort to see.
accept, and follow the position of the Synod to which they by
membership declare themselves to be in harmony, or if they
find it impossible to do so. to stop causing doctrinal conflict and
confusion by their insistence on membership within the Synod:
and be it further

Resolved. That those who cannot in good conscience and will
not abide by the practice and teaching of the Synod's public
confession sever their relationship with the Synod and join
a church body with which they are in agreement: and be it
finally

Resolved. That they do this within 3 months after the close
of this convention, so as not to cause prolonged confusion and
disturbance to the Synod and its congregations.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Fairmont, Minn.

Willis Hinz, Chairman
Charles Backstrom. Secretary

3-23A

To Recognize Cause of Synodical Crisis
and Take Steps to Remedy It

WHEREAS. The former president of the Synod, Dr. John W.
Behnken, pointed to the influence of new theology on views