Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 1975 · 51st Convention › Page 73
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1975, Page 73

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

THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS 73

expressed in its officially adopted statements of doctrine, be
requested to resign their positions as campus pastors.

St. John’s Lutheran Church
Adair, Iowa
Marvin Fett, Chairman

3-34

To Require a Return to Evangelicalism

WHEREAS, We feel that the President of the Synod is engag-
ing in power politics and making appointments to boards and
committees of men with basically his point of view, thereby
providing no balance within the structure: and

WHEREAS, We feel the President of the Synod is on a collision
course which will precipitate a rupture within the Synod:
therefore be it

Resolved, That we return to the spirit of evangelicalism in
our Synod and practice unity in Christ.

Faith Lutheran Church
Kirksville, Mo.

Wade Coorts, President
Eileen Coleman, Secretary

3-35

To Control Excesses of Controversy

WHEREAS, There are many conflicting and troublesome
problems in the Synod; and

WHEREAS, A by-product of these problems is the continuing
attack upon personalities, as well as name-calling of elected
officials of the Synod and of appointed servants of the church,
a violation of ethical principles bordering on libel; and

WHEREAS, Publications have printed these names and
slanted their reports: therefore be it

Resolved. That all parties follow the established procedures,
rules, and courses set for us and agreed upon in convention,
through the proper use of the Handbook of the Synod (pp.
117-127); and be it further

Resolved. That the Commission on Adjudication, chairman
Rev. L. Bellamy, keep a dossier on these statements and duly
admonish the brethren who have violated the ethics of the Table
of Duties, drawn from Scripture by Dr. Martin Luther, and apply
the process of Matt. 18 to these violators; and be it finally

Resolved. That individuals, officials, and pastors use every
means to refute public violations of good Christian expression —
“revile not again when reviled,” as Christ did.

Trinity Lutheran Church
Culver, Ind.

Robert Cultice, President
Roger Sommer, Pastor

3-36

To Ask Elected Officers and
Board Members to Resign

WHEREAS, The schism being developed in the Synod is a
serious and scandalous impediment to the mission of our church;
and

WHEREAS, The situation is getting worse rather than better,
with Districts, circuits, congregations, and even families being
drawn into the battle: and

WHEREAS, The parties involved have reached seemingly
intractable positions, have “hardened their hearts,” and are
either unwilling to retreat or are trapped in their positions: and

WHEREAS, Strong measures are necessary to preserve the
unity of our beloved Synod; therefore be it

Resolved. That all corporate officers, the President, Vice-
Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer, of the Synod be asked
to resign; and be it further

Resolved. That the resignations of the chairmen and members

of the Board for Missions and the Board of Control of Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis, be sought; and be it further

Resolved. That both ELIM and Balance, Inc., be asked to
disband; and be it further

Resolved. That Seminex be asked to disband and the faculty
and students be asked to return to the campus at 801 DeMun
Ave.; and be it finally

Resolved. That the College of Presidents be authorized to
appoint persons to fill offices made vacant by this action and to
take any other actions necessary for the reunification of the
Synod.

Faith Lutheran Church
Pleasant Hill, Calif.
Richard Brewer, Pastor

3-37

To Commend Dr. Preus and
St. Louis Seminary Board of Control

WHEREAS. The New Orleans convention in July 1973 in-
structed the Board of Control of the St. Louis seminary to deal
with the doctrinal aberrations of the majority of the faculty
members, which they have been doing by their various actions
of the past years; and

WHEREAS, The President of our Synod, Dr. J. A. O. Preus,
has been working to bring about doctrinal harmony and certi-
tude in the Synod ever since his election at the Denver conven-
tion of the Synod 6 years ago, as it is one of his primary duties
to supervise doctrinal discipline according to the synodical
Handbook: and

WHEREAS. Many individuals and groups in the Synod have
practiced incessant harassment of both the Board of Control
of the St. Louis seminary and Dr. J. A. O. Preus, especially
through the media on many occasions, as well as personal and
other encounters at many times; therefore be it

Resolved. That the Synod in convention in Anaheim, Calif.,
in July 1975 give its support to both the Board of Control of the
St. Louis seminary and Dr. J. A. O. Preus, the synodical Presi-
dent, in their many past efforts to bring about doctrinal harmony
and certitude in their various areas of jurisdiction and assure
them of our continuing support; and be it further

Resolved. That the Secretary of the Synod be instructed to
write letters following this convention, including this resolution
of support, to both the President of the Synod, Dr. J. A. O.
Preus, and the Board of Control of the St. Louis seminary in
order to show them our loving encouragement in their past
actions as well as in any necessary future dealings in the area
of doctrinal supervision; and be it finally

Resolved. That every pastor and lay person of the Synod
get back to the church's chief mission of winning and keeping
souls for Christ.

St. Stephen Lutheran Church
Liberty, Mo.

James Gordon, President
Bud Halstead, Secretary
Quentin Almstedt, Pastor

3-38A

To Support the Synod and
Its Duly Elected Officers

WHEREAS, St.’ John’s Congregation, Red Bud, IIl., has been
and is fully aware of the problems confronting the Missouri
Synod for two or more decades; and

WHEREAS. St. John’s Congregation recognizes the problems
stemming from the New Orleans convention of 1973; and

WHEREAS, The President and other officers and directors of
the Synod have been criticized for their position relative to the
doctrinal and administrative issues that have become apparent:
be it therefore

Resolved. That St. John’s Congregation go on record as re-
questing all voting delegates at the 1975 convention of the
Missouri Synod to—