[m-m-online] Convention Report

[Minister to Minister online]

Convention Report
July 17, 2007

+ Theology and Church Relations #3
3-02 To Encourage Confessional Study in Preparation for 2017
In anticipation of a world-wide celebration of the 500th Anniversary of 
the Reformation in 2017, this resolution among other things encourages 
congregations and workers to study the ecumenical creeds and Lutheran 
Confessions.

3-03 To Request the CTCR to Develop a Plan for Confessional Leadership
The original resolution was amended to encourage the translation of the 
Lutheran Confessions into the language of the worlds.

3-04A To Call for a Study of the Natural Knowledge of God and its 
Implications for Public Witness
Since natural knowledge of God isn't a saving knowledge of God, this 
resolution asks the CTCR to prepare a study of the natural knowledge of 
God especially as it pertains to implications for public witness.

3-05 To Provide Further Discussion and Guidance on the Matter of Serial 
Prayer
This resolution asks the CTCR to give further guidelines on praying at 
civic events.

3-06 To Assign CTCR to Address Environmental Issues

3-08 To Encourage Use of CTCR's Web Resource on "Religious Organizations 
and Movement" and to Thank Dr. Jerald Joersz for His Years of Service.
Dr. Joersz was the primary writer of documents on such topics and has 
announced his resignation from the CTCR. He was recognized by the 
delegates with a standing ovation for his excellent work.

+ Planning and Administration #7
7-04A To Amend Bylaw 2.11.2.1 re Emeritus Members
This resolution requests emeritus members to contact their District 
President annually in order to maintain current information on that person.

7-05B To Promote Transparency in Governance of Synod and Its Institutions
This resolution asks that: 1) program boards and commissions announce 
their meeting times and, 2) that they make their minutes available to 
the Secretary of Synod as well as make them available to members of 
Synod who make a written or email request for such minutes.

7-06A To Amend Bylaws 3.9.3.3.4 and 3.3.5.3
In this resolution the CCM (Commission on Constitutional Matters) is 
asked to evaluate the article of incorporation, bylaws or governing 
instruments of every agency of Synod to verify that they are in harmony 
with the Constitution and Bylaws of Synod.

The Board of Directors is asked to provide review and coordination of 
the policies and directives of Synod authorized by the Constitution and 
Bylaws, evaluating plans and policies and communicating to the boards 
and commissions and changes to come into compliance with the 
Constitution and Bylaws.

+ Program and Finance #4
4-12A To Encourage Participation in Concordia Plan Services, LCEF, and 
LCMS Foundation
This resolution was defeated

+ Missions
1-05 To Make Outreach a Top Priority in Worker Training
This resolution is self explanatory

1-09 To Report Detailed Accounting of Fan into Flame Funds  
Synod's Board for Mission Services is being asked to provide and publish 
an annual account of Fan into Flame results.

A special report was given to the convention showing that as of today 
over $23,000,000 has been pledged or given in support of Fan into Flame.

+ Structure and Governance #8
8-02A To Affirm Christian Resolution of Disputes
Members of Synod are encouraged to utilize the dispute resolution 
process of Synod in resolving all disputes. Members were encouraged to 
review and study the April, 1991 CTCR document, "1Corinthians 6:1-11, An 
Exegetical Study".

+ District and Congregational Services #2
2-01 To Foster Greater Understanding of Worship through Theological 
Conferences
The Commission on Worship and CTCR are encouraged to organize a model 
theological conference with and in consultation with the Council of 
Presidents and the faculties of our seminaries and universities prepare 
studies on this topic.

2-02A To Provide Guidance and Direction for Use of Diverse/Contemporary 
Worship Resources

2-03A To Commend Commission on Worship for Lutheran Service Book
Special thanks was given to Dr. Paul Grimm for his outstanding work in 
guiding the process of developing this resource.

2-04A To Create Position of Director for Strategic Development of 
Hispanic Ministries (DSDHM)

2-05 To Support National Youth Gathering

2-08 To Celebrate Significant Synod Anniversaries
The birthday anniversaries of three early leaders of our church 
including Wilhelm Loehe (200) in 2008; Friedrich Wyneken (200) in 2010; 
and C. F. Walther (200) in 2011 will occur before the next Convention of 
Synod. This resolution encourages the Concordia Historical Institute to 
provide a number of resources for special study and celebration by 
congregations.

+ Registration, Credentials and Elections #9
All elections not yet conducted were compiled on what was called the 
"Big Ballot".  Because of the numbers of votes this election was done in 
writing. The results will not be known until Wednesday.

=====================================

Again a reminder that for the first time, gavel-to-gavel coverage of the 
proceedings will be available via Internet streaming on the Synod's Web 
site,
http://www.lcms.org/convention/.

For the most timely and complete convention news as the convention is
in progress, go to Reporter Online at http://reporter.lcms.org.

And, for the status of elections and resolutions, as well as for a daily 
photo gallery, go to the convention Web site at www.lcms.org/convention.

John Goeke