LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1975, Page 470

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470

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

is in error ard the Synod acts on that account te modify the document
or to change its status

It must be recognized that the process of expressing and dealing with
dissent may reveal that the dissenter actually disagrees with the con-
fessional position of the Synod, and not merely with a formulation in
a synodical statement of beltef. It is imperative that all members of
the Synod waose draugreement is in fact with the confessional position
of the Synod be dealt with fraternally. evangelically. pastorally. and in
keeping with the provisions of the Consutution and Bylaws of the
Synod for the exercise of doctrinal discipline

While it must be recognized that 4 separation muy regretfully be called
for when neither the dissenter nor the Synod is persuaded to alter their
position, all members of the Synod should earnestly and frequently
invoke the blessing of the Holy Spirit “that as a result of joint study
of the Word of God. the Holy Spirit will lead the Synod into all truth”
and “that the Synod can speak with a voice that is Sertptural, Gospel
oriented. truly Lutheran, and that we wil] continue to ‘walk together’
as a true Synod” #14971 Resolution 8-24. Proceedingy, p. 1681

Summary

The action of the 1973 synodical convention in declaring 40 Srute-

ment of Scriptural and Contessional Principles to be a synodicul “’state-
ment of belief” means that this document is now an official statement of
the Synod’s doctrinal positon on those matters with which it deals As
such, the Synod expects all its members to “honor and uphold” it. that is.
to support, act. and teach in accordance with it

The Synod’s action in adopting A Statement is an application of the

Holy Seniptures and the Lutheran Confessions to current questions, rather
than a broadening of the Syned’s confessional basis as such. Accordingly.
the adoption of 4 Statement as a synodical statement of belief does not
mean that the members of the Synod have been asked to formally express
their assent to A Starement by subscribing to it. But the Synod. as a volun-

tary association of Christians who have ¢

greed to walk together, rightfully

expects any of its members who disagree with such formal statements of
belief to express their dissent or objections through synodically established

procedures. If s

ch dissent is for doctrinal reasons, the Synod further ex-

pects the dissenter to demonstrate on the basis of Holy Scripture and the
Lutheran Confessions the need for the revision or recision of any formula-
tion alleged to be doctrinally incorrect

The process of dealing with such dissent may well lead to a modifica-

von or clarification of the statement of belief. but it may also result in
the application of the evangelical and fraternal disciplinary procedures
specified in our synodical Consutution and Bylaws, 4 Statement is not to

be

used mechameaily or legalistically to discipline members of the Synod.

but it is to be honored. upheld. and used fraternally and evangelically
throughout the Synod in an effort to assist the Synod in remaining faithful
to its confessional position, Used in this way, 4 Srarement mas. with the

10

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rected, (hat instances of failure to submit to the clear teaching of the
Holy Scriptures will be evangelically dealt with on an individual
pastoral basis, and that the Synod cun speak with a voice that is
Scriptural, Gospel oriented. truly Lutheran. and that we will con-
tinue to “walk together” as a true Synod

Accordingly. the following resojution is herew:th submitted

WHEREAS. 4 Statement of Scriptural and Contessional Principles, issued by

the President of The Lutheran Church -- Missours Synod in consultation with the
vice-presidents of the Synod. 3 March 1972, addresses itself to the doctrinal issues,
troubling the church today; and

WHEREAS, 4 Stutemenr presents what the Synod throughout its history has

confessed and taught on these issues, as witnessed to by synodical statements.
catechetical expositions. and convention resolutions: and

WHEREAS, 4 Statement is, therefore, neither a new standard of orthodoxy nor

a document “based on private “ritings, but on such books as have been composed.
approved. and received in the name of the churches “hich pledge themselves to
one doctrine and religron” (FC, SD. Comp Summary. paragraph 2), and

WHEREAS, The Synod's Commission on Theology and Church Relations has

evaluated 4 Statement as follows

We find the doxtrinal content of 4 Statement to be in accord with the Serip-
tures and the Lutheran Confessions and to contain nothing contrary to them
We islso find the doctrinal content of 4 Statement of Scriptural and Can-
fesstonal Princicles to be in accord with the doctrinal position of The Lu-
theran Church — Missouri Synod as it hay been taught historically and
expressed in the offictal doctrinal statements of the Synod [Adopted 3? Novem-
ber 1972];

and

WHEREAS. 4 Statement. in its entirety. has heen presented to the congregations

and clergy of the Synod. and during the past 16 months has been studied and
discussed throughout the church. and has been approved by various synodical
boards (Board of Control, Springfield: Board for Higher Education) and con-
gregations, and

WHEREAS, The lutheran church in the past. when confronted with doctrinal

controversy and crisis. has accepted expressions of behef which are in agreement
with Seripture ard the Lutheran Confessions, e g. the Thirteen Theses of Doctor
Walther, 1881. therefore be it

Resolved, That The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod declare 4 Starement

of Scriptural an’ Contessional Principles. in all its parts. to be Scriptural and in
accard with the Lutheran Confessions, and therefore a formulation “hich derives
its authority from the Word of God and which expresses the Synod’s posiuon on
current doctrinal issues, and be it further

Resolved, Tat The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod declare 4 Statement

of Scriptural and Confessional Principles to be a “more formal and comprehensive
statement of belief” in the sense of Resolution S-24 of the 1971 Milwaukee con-
vention, and that the Synod furtber declare that .4 Statement shall hold the status
defined tn said resolution (Preamble, above)

The most important recent synodical statements are the following

a Bylaw 109¢ (adopted in 1973 Resolution 3-02, Prieeedings, p 128) which
States:

While retaining the right of brotherly dissent. members of the Synod are
expected as part of the hife together within the synodical fellowship to
honor ard to uphold the resolutions of the Synod If such resolutions are
of a dov:rinal nature. dissent is to be expressed first within the fellowship
of peers. then brought to the attention of the Commission on Theology
and Church Relations before finding expression as an overture to the

blessing of God's Holy Spirit. serve the “eonservation and promotion of
the unity of the true faith” ¢Constituuen. Article P+ and aid the Synod
in the faithful proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world

|

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FOOTNOTES

he full text of Resoluuon 31 sas follows Crom Pevcedamgs pp 127128

Pre

Lut
nor

with tt. but that eve:
of course. does net m

te

Controversy im America, surely fits into this cate

doctrine they are to be accepted ard used as hel
tons” (FC, SD. S:

amble

The Formula of Concord. in the Lutheran Confessions, mentions Doctor
her as asserting that “the Word of God i» and should remain the sole rule and
m of doctrine. and that no human being’s writings dare be placed on a par
sthing be sum The nevt paragraph tegirs “This
that other cood. useful, and pure books quch as interpre-
ns of the Haly Somptures. r: ations of errors, amd expoyitions of doctrinal
cles. should he rejected 1f thes are in accord with the aforementioned pattern
ul expositions and explana

nmMary. Paragraphs YT

Doctor Walther’s “Thirteen Theses.” “hich emerged during the Predestination
cs The first of these theses

appeared in Der Licheruner, 18 January Pexe. and the fast in the | May 1X80

issue) The entire J% were approved one year later bs a vast muaiority at the

syn
cee

ven

of doctrinal statements. the Synod app
Adopted Doctrinal Statements.” att

odical convention in Fort Wayne. Ti- 12 May Isat (Missourr Synod Pro-
dingy, [RSL pp 3836, 411

Our Synod has continued ta be greatly concerned with doctrine, ay past can
ton resolutions indicate Ci¥SU—1¥71) Also. in order to clarify the status
wed Resolution £24, "Status of Synodically
Melwuukee convention, July 197). which

reads

bh

The
fon

Rese ved, That the Synod reafirm the desirability of the formulation of
Yovtrinal statements which clearly set forth the teachings of the Holy Serp-
tures and apply them to issues of our day: and he it further

Revove’. That the Synod clearly state that such doctrinal formulations
are subord.nate to the Lutheran Confessions, and be it further

Resolved. That the Synod distinguish between resolutions cone
trine formulated and adopted at a convention and more formal st
belief which are produced by officially authorized groups, and which are then
prevented to the congrecationy and clerey of the Synod for study and dis.
cussion, and which are subsequently adopted by a ssnodival convention: and
be it further

Resolved That the Synod reaffirm the resolutions of recent conventions
that the Synod “honor and uphold the synodically adopted statements as valid
interpretauions of Christian doctrine” (1969 Proweedings, p 9tt, and be it
finally

Resolved. That in the case of the aforementioned more formal and com.
Prehensive statements of belief that the Synod declare —

(1) its position that these statements, together with all other formula.
ttony of doctrine, derive their authority from the Word of God
which they set forth from the Holy Scriptures:

Ity insistenve that the ministry of the church regard these formula-

tons with spectal seriousness and that those who divagree with these

formulstions in part or in whole be held to present their objections

to them formally to those officials whom the Synod has even the

immediate supervision of their doctrine

(3) its conviction that as a result of jornt study of the Word of God
the Holy Spirit will jead the Synod into all truth, that possible
errors in the aforementioned statements will be discovered and cor-

ia

fo

conventon calling for revisioa or revision While the conwience of the
dissenter shall be respected, the consciences of others, as well as the
collective will of the Synod, shall also be respected
1V72 Rewhahon DID (Proceedings pp Tle 1181 To Understand Article UH
of the Synod’s Constitution as Regtoring the Formulation and Adopuon of
Synodical Doctrinal Statements ”
1971 Resolunon S24 (Proceedings, pp 163--168) “Ta Define Status of Syn-
Odically Adapted Dovtrinal Statements ”
I97T Resolanon 22 Proceeuings, pp 17
trinal Resolutions ~
1YAY Resoheom 227 (Proceecings p 91) °To Honer and Uphold Dogtrinal
Statements ~
1969 Resection 2-06 (Proceedings pp 8S—eA1 "To Preserve Doctrinal Unity
Through Proper Supervision”
1967 Resclition 2-04 (Proceedings pp KR—K91 “To Adopt A Declaration on
the Status and Use of Synodicalls Adopted Dogirinal Statements"
CTCR Statement “Status and Cse of Synodicatly Adopted Doctrinal State-
ments” (1967 Horkhook, pp S10 834
1965 Resolarion 2-08 (Prec
trinal Content of Synodicat

To Uphold Syneabeal Dow

oop Y61 o Te Uphod and Honor the Doo:
Adopied Statement:

P90 Reset Sf 7 Proce tines pp iS thm
odreally Adopted Doctuinal Statements

'Y62 Resolution tf (Proceeds pr Pts Constitutionahty ot Resor
lution ¥ of Committee 3 of the F¥SY¥ Synudical Corvention ”

IYSY Revalation Y Commcce Si Proweedines ppoly)  1¥D) Subscribing to
the “Brief Statement. the General Confessions, and Particular Symbols of the
Eutheran Church. et.”

1989 Resolation 11, Committee 3 (Proceedings. pp. 192—19%1 "Resolutions
on Doctrinal Maters ”

Resolupon ¥ and Syn

status Of such @ “statement of belet” is specified as follows im 147} Resolu-
S24 (Proceedings p 168)
That in the case of the aforementioned more formal and comprehensive
statements ut behef that the Synod declare —

(1) its posigon that these statements, together with all other formula-
tions of doctrine. Jertve their authority from the Word of God which they
set forth from the Holy Scriptures.

(2) ity insistence that the ministry of the church regard these formula
tlons “ith special seriousness and that (hose who disagree with these formula-
tions in part or in “hole be held to present their objections to them formally
to those officials whom the Synod has given the immediate supervision of
their doctrine.

(3) its conviction that ay a result of sommt study of the Word of God
the Holy Spirit will lead the Synod into all truth, that possible errors in the
aforementioned statements will be discovered and corrected. that instances
of failure to submit to the clear teaching of the Hoty Scriptures will he
evangelically dealt with on an individual pastoral basis, and that the Synod
can Speak with a voice that is Serptural. Gospel oriented, truly Lutheran
and that we will continue to “walk together” as a true Synod