REPORTS AND MEMORIALS
THE FORTY-FIFTH REGULAR CONVENTI0N
of
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH-MISSOURI SYNOD [Cleveland 1962]

C. CONSTITUTIONAL STATUS OF RESOLUTION 9 OF FLOOR COMMITTEE 3

To Declare Resolution 9 of Committee 3 Unconstitutional, etc.

WHEREAS, The English District has resolved (Proceedings, 32d convention, 1960, Milwaukee, p. 130) to reaffirm its adherence to the confessional standard set forth in Article II of Synod's Constitution; and

WHEREAS, The English District has resolved (Proceedings, 32d convention, 1960, p. 139) to memorialize the 1962 convention of Synod to declare Resolution 9 unconstitutional; and

WHEREAS, Membership in The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod is based on the confessional standard set forth in Article II of Synod's constitution, congregations and individuals having joined with the assurance that this alone is indeed our confessional standard (Article VI, 1); and

WHEREAS, Contemporary documents which are regarded as explanations of the confessions become additional confessions when such documents are given binding character; and

WHEREAS, Resolution 9 circumvents constitutional procedure as outlined in Article XIV and in effect amends Article II by requiring pastors, teachers, and professors to be held to teach and act according to majority-approved doctrinal statements which are not mentioned in Article II; and

WHEREAS, The Synod, being an advisory body, has no right to impose on member congregations through the clergy, confessional standards other than those specifically mentioned in Article II; and

WHEREAS, Sections B and C of Resolution 9 are contrary to the polity of the Synod, which gives responsibility for doctrinal matters to both congregations and clergy, because they require compliance on the part of pastors, teachers, and professors but omit reference to congregations; and

WHEREAS, There are a number of theological problems which are disturbing the Synod and are being discussed among us with great concern; and

WHEREAS, The present size and rapid growth of the Synod make difficult the discussion and resolution of many of these problems; and

WHEREAS, We are called in our day, as were our fathers in their, to "witness a good confession" (1 Tim. 6:13); therefore be it

Resolved,

A. That the 1962 convention of the Synod declare Resolution 9 unconstitutional;

B. That the Synod reaffirm its adherence to Article II of its Constitution;

C. That free and open doctrinal conferences involving both pastors and laity, such as made our church strong in the early years, be urged:

D. That the Synod, through its College of Presidents, elect a commission of eleven members of clergy and laity with broad representation to study the theological and practical problems which are disturbing the Synod, said commission to submit a preview report to each congregation in the Synod by June 1964 and to report to the 1965 convention of the Synod with recommendations deemed advisable, to the end that purity, peace, and unity of Synod be preserved and true confession of Biblical truths be assured.

THE ENGLISH DISTRICT

DAN. R. LUDVIG, Secretary