LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1975, Page 115

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THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS 115

but, more importantly, against God’s holy, inspired, and iner-
rant Word” (Lutheran Witness. Sept. 16, 1973, p. 383); and

WHEREAS, ELIM publications and promotions have publicly
maligned officials of the Synod, who are attempting to carry
out their assigned duties in accordance with the Synod’s Hand-
book and in keeping with evangelical and Scriptural principles:
and

WHEREAS, ELIM members, by their activity against the
Synod, have been fostering discord and disunity, deepening
the polarization within the Synod at home and in the overseas
mission areas, which has affected our ‘‘walking together” in
the Synod; and

WHEREAS, Certain goals and objectives of ELIM are in
conflict with objects defined in the Synod’s Constitution and
Bylaws; and

WHEREAS, The Synod has provided for its members the right
of brotherly dissent under an orderly procedure (1 Cor. 14:40;
Bylaw 1.09e and Milwaukee convention Resolution 5-13); and

WHEREAS, The Handbook requires the following responsi-
bilities of its members:

1. Articles of Incorporation. Art. I], “Objects”: The Synod
exists to unite those who remain true to the Book of Concord,
to exercise supervision over pastors and teachers as to doctrine,
practice, and performance of their official duties.

2. Constitution. Art. I. “Confession”: Every pastor, teacher,
and member of the Synod is to accept without reservations the
Old and New Testaments and the Lutheran Confessions (cf.
New Orleans Resolution 3-09).

3. Constitution. Art. III. “Objects”: The objects of the Synod
are (1) conservation and promotion of unity of true faith and a
united defense against schism and sectarianism; (7) supervision
of the ministers and teachers of the Synod with regard to the
performances of their official duties; (8) protection of pastors,
teachers, and congregations in the performance of their duties
and the maintenance of their rights. (ELIM’s goals and objec-
tives are promoting disunity and are leading into schism.)

4. Constitution. Art. VI. “Condition of Membership”: All
members of the Synod are to renounce unionism and syncretism
of every description.

5. Constitution. Art. VII. “Synodical Meetings” C: All
matters of doctrine and conscience shall be decided only by
the Word of God, and all other matters shall be decided by
majority vote. (Milwaukee convention Res. 5-24, p. 163; New
Orleans convention Res. 2-12, pp. 111—115: Bylaw 1.09 b)

6. Constitution. Art. XI. “Rights and Duties of Officers”:
A. 2. The Synod can call its officers to account and if circum-
stances require remove them from office in accordance with
Christian procedure. B. 4. The President shall see to it that the
resolutions of the Synod are carried out.

7. Constitution. Art. XH, “Districts of the Synod and Their
Regulation”: 7. District Presidents shall exercise the super-
vision over the doctrine and administration of the pastors and
teachers of their District. 8. They are empowered to suspend
pastors, professors, and teachers who are persistently adhering
to false doctrine or are giving offense by an ungodly life.

8. Bylaw 1.05, “Duties of Members’; Every member of the
Synod shall diligently and earnestly promote the purpose of
the synodical organization by word, deed, and adequate finan-
cial support. (2.85c 2 deals with the authorization of soliciting
funds by any person or corporation throughout the Synod.)

9. Bylaw 1.09. “Relation of the Synod to Its Members”: The
Constitution, Bylaws, and all other rules and regulations of the
Synod apply to all members of the Synod, to all congregations,
pastors, professors, and teachers: therefore be it

Resolved. That we remind all members of the Synod to hold
faithfully to the written Word of God in all its truth and purity
and to avoid all diversity of doctrine; and be it further

Resolved. That the Synod direct the synodical President
with the assistance of the District Presidents to counsel with
those who are actively promoting the cause of ELIM where
it is in conflict with the activities and responsibilities delegated
to the Synod; and be it further

Resolved. That the Synod implore all members of ELIM
to disassociate themselves and cease supporting this organiza-

tion that is dividing our church body and to urge all members
of the Synod to joyfully join together with one united voice
(1 Cor. 1:10; Rom. 13:4-5) in the Synod’s confession of Biblical
doctrine and in the promotion of a consistent stance: and be
it finally

Resolved. That the Synod encourage all its members to unite
in a harmonious effort to faithfully support our God-given
mission responsibilities under the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Calvary Lutheran Church
Topeka, Kans.

Robert Dremann, President
Vincent DiPasquale, Secretary

Identical or similar:

3-183B

Emmanuel, Kingfisher, Okla. V. H. Mickow

3-184
To Expect ELIM to Disband

WHEREAS. The Lutheran Church-— Missouri Synod has his-
torically been a church of great solidarity, doctrinally and
physically; and

WHEREAS, Today the church is torn with schism, unrest,
and dissension by those who would damage our continued
“walking together” as a church body: and

WHEREAS, The organization known as Evangelical Lutherans
in Mission (ELIM) is evidence of those who would do damage
to our union, as is seen in their continuation of Seminex, Part-
ners in Mission, their solicitation of funds away from the Synod,
their endeavors to place unqualified candidates into the LCMS
ministry, and their improper voicing of dissent through other
than official channels; and

WHEREAS. The church cannot continue in this divided state;
therefore be it

Resolved. That all men earnestly repent of all the sins com-
mitted against their brothers in the church and earnestly seek
reconciliation; and be it further

Resolved. That as an act of love for God’s church those con-
nected with ELIM will disband the organization and all of its
auxiliary agencies, all of which are currently working against
the church's “walking together’’: and be it further

Resolved. That if the aforementioned actions are not forth-
coming, the LCMS should consider ELIM a church within a
church and that the organization be dealt with according to the
Synod’s prescribed disciplinary steps: and be it further

Resolved. That if the division within the church cannot be
solved by any other means, members of ELIM be encouraged
and requested to join a fellowship more in keeping with their
convictions; and be it finally

Resolved. That The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod in
convention reaffirm its position on the inerrant Word of God
and the Lutheran Confessions and also reaffirm the church’s
unity as an organization under the Constitution and statements
of the church body.

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church
Galesburg, III.

Martin Vatthauer, President
Perry Paddock, Secretary

3-185A

To Declare ELIM Divisive of
Fellowship and Call to Repent

WHEREAS, ELIM (Evangelical Lutherans in Mission) has all
the earmarks of a visible church here on earth, e. g., its own
officers and paid personnel, a Board of Directors, its own
seminary (legally incorporated), its own publication and in-
formation office, and its independent mission society; and