This online version is meant to speed communication. Should there be differences between this document and the printed version, the printed version shall be considered definitive.

Overtures, sometimes called Memorials, are received from congregations, conferences and boards of the District. They are reviewed by the Floor Committee to which they have been assigned. The Floor Committee has the following options:

• To recommend acceptance of the Overture/Memorial to the Convention in the form of a Resolution
• To recommend declination of the Overture/Memorial
• To amend the Overture/Memorial and submit it to the Convention in the form of a Resolution
• To place the Overture/Memorial in Resolution A (referral to a board, commission or individual)
• To place the Overture/Memorial in Resolution B (there appears to be no valid reason to change or alter the existing position of the Synod)
• To place the Overture/Memorial in Resolution D (Overtures received as expressions of encouragement or gratitude)

Some of the Overtures/Memorials received prior to this 57th Convention of the Texas District contain inaccurate information and/or less than evangelical wording. Nevertheless, out of respect under our current Synodical polity for the right of a congregation to submit Overtures/Memorials, they are being printed as they were received in the Office of the District President.

OVERTURE 1-01-06

SUBJECT: A CALL TO RETURN MISSION WORK TO THE CHURCHES

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod adopted and affirmed Ablaze! at its July, 2004 convention, and

WHEREAS, this mission movement has actually hindered the work of the Holy Spirit by pre-determining the number of people it desires to reach, and

WHEREAS, the Synod in publications about District level campaigns (as specifically stated in publications of 'Fan into Flame,' the Texas District fund-raising initiative for Ablaze!) has said "15 percent of the funds raised in each participating district will be designated by the district to fund its own identified 'Fan into Flame' projects," and

WHEREAS, publicized examples of these projects are:
• birthing new "daughter" congregations;
• starting child care centers;
• funding social ministry agencies;
• establishing Christian schools; and
• initiating other outreach efforts.

and

WHEREAS, the above five examples do not address the way in which the churches have from apostolic times conducted mission work through faithful Word and Sacrament ministry, as exampled by the proper exposition of the Word of God and the right administration of the Sacraments, and

WHEREAS, the Word of God has commanded the work of Word and Sacrament ministry to the Church (Matthew 28:18-20), not the Synod, which acts as an "advisory body" amongst the churches; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the churches, rather than receiving a possible 15 percent of monies collected from the 100 percent of funds they entrust to the Synod for Ablaze!, should be encouraged to retain their funds and utilize them directly for mission work as the Lord of the harvest intended their use (Matthew 9:37; John 4:35; Galatians 6:9).

St. Paul Lutheran Church
Canyon, Texas
Rev. Terry Meyer, Pastor

Whereas, President Kieschnick and other Synodical leaders have used the theme "One Message, One Mission, One People" to encourage our entire Synod toward a stronger zeal for people, mission, outreach, evangelical confession, and efforts to achieve peace and concord in our church body; and

Whereas, this appeal expresses the heart of Christ's ministry in the Scriptures; therefore be it

Resolved, that Texas District express our thanks for this ministry and continue to support this ministry direction for our church body and encourage our brothers and sisters throughout the LCMS to do the same.

Redeemer Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas
President, Al Gunning

Rationale:

Because of the increasing complexity of oversight and governance of higher education programs and facilities, laypersons who serve as board members should be expected to possess special qualifications (in addition to Bylaw 1.5.1 requiring board members to be members of member congregations of the Synod). These qualifications grow out of a list of specific responsibilities a board member must understand and deal with as an oversight or governing board.

1. Colleges/universities of the LCMS are academic institutions. They are in the business of education at the professional level.
2. Colleges/universities on the average have over 1000 students and faculty/staff personnel in excess of 100. Personnel, legal and human resource management issues are inherent in a complex organization.
3. Colleges/universities manage operational budgets from $10 million to $30 million. Fiscal management requires strategic decision making to maintain fiscal viability.
4. Colleges/universities of the LCMS insure facilities in excess of $1 billion, some of which is financed through state and local bond issues. Management, maintenance, financing and scheduling of multiple facilities to minimize capital debt is essential.
5. Colleges/universities rely almost exclusively on tuition/fee charges and individual donor gifts for operating revenue sources. Recruitment of students and encouragement of donors for support is a daily requirement.

Therefore, be it

Resolved, that the following desired qualifications for persons to serve on the BUE/CUS Board or the Board of Regents of a college/university be adopted and stated as a bylaw in the Synodical Handbook:

1. Committed to the mission and purpose of the respective institution
2. Knowledgeable regarding the region in which the institution is located
3. Possessing an earned baccalaureate, advanced academic degree or advanced leadership experience
4. Having experience in at least one of the following:
   1. Governance of substantial institutions
   2. Strategic planning
   3. Performance accountability measurement and assessment
   4. Fiscal management and operations of complex organizations
   5. Higher education administration
   6. Executive administration of large organization
   7. Legal counsel
5. Committed to allocating time, talent, and treasure to the institution and to assisting with the identification and encouragement of donors.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we memorialize Synod to make these changes in Synodical Bylaws regarding these issues.

Concordia University Austin
Board of Regents

WHEREAS, throughout all of history, both in Old Testament and New Testament times, the Holy Spirit has caused to be recorded the magnificent deeds of God via Holy Scripture, the living record of God's salvation plan in the world; and

WHEREAS, those saving acts of God, centered in Christ Jesus, are historical events worthy of remembrance from generation to generation; and

WHEREAS, even into modern times the effects of the Gospel of Jesus upon individuals and groups are the acts of the Lord himself and thus worthy of recording and remembrance for as long as this world endures; and

WHEREAS, Lutherans in North America have abundant reason to remember and give earnest thanks for the saving work of God in Christ through them which confessed the evangelical Lutheran faith upon this continent even from its earliest settling and colonization; and

WHEREAS, the Missouri Synod Lutherans of Texas have great cause to be thankful to the Lord of Life for our his saving work through such people in this Centennial Year of the Texas District LC-MS; and

WHEREAS, many of the written, photographic, and memento records of the people of the Texas District have been inadequately stored in makeshift quarters for far too long a period; and

WHEREAS, many of these valuable Texas District archival items have been damaged and lost from a plumbing rupture while these were stored in a basement room of Studtmann Hall of Concordia University-Austin; and

WHEREAS, great need exists for a permanent and secure home for the Archives of the Texas District LC-MS in order that these records might be protected and preserved for those who follow us in generations to come; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that before the end of 2006, the Texas District President appoint a committee of qualified historians and other persons from various parts of the district and beyond who will determine the present and future needs of the Texas District archives; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this committee seek a permanent home for the Texas District archives either on the grounds or in the buildings of the Texas District office or on the newly relocated grounds of Concordia University-Austin, or at another place of their recommendation; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this committee seek funding for such an archival building (or addition to a current building) from outside the Texas District budget; and be it further resolved, that an endowment be established for the maintenance of such an archives building or addition as well as for the salaries of an archives curator/director and staff; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that this committee submit its written report to the Texas District President before the 2009 District Convention for submission to the approval of that convention.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Copperas Cove, Texas
Rev. Bernard J. Schey, Pastor

WHEREAS, there has been a number of discussions regarding the structure of the Synod and the relationship between Synod and the Districts of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod; and

WHEREAS, the 1998 Convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod called for the establishment of a task force to study the issue of National/District Relations (Res. 7-02A) and the prepare a report for the 2001 Convention; and

WHEREAS, the 2001 Convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod referred the report of the National/District Relations Task Force to the pro tem Commission on Structure (Res. 7-02); and,

WHEREAS, the 2004 Convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod failed to consider the report and recommendations of the Commission on Structure (Res. 7-05) in this and other matters; and

WHEREAS, the number of Districts within The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is 35 Districts with some areas having multiple districts (for instance, Illinois has 3 districts, California, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin each has 2 districts) and two districts are non-geographical (English and SELC) which find sister congregations serving the same area; and

WHEREAS, our Synod has been struggling with inadequate income; and

WHEREAS, significant portions of offerings from congregations are utilized for the expenses of our District; and

WHEREAS, reducing the number of Districts will make possible an increasing amount of congregational offerings to reach the Synodical treasury; and

WHEREAS, improved communication and transportation facilities make possible effective mission and ministry in larger geographical areas; and

WHEREAS, both the Synod and the Districts have continued a trend toward larger and more diversified staffs to operate both separate and joint ventures; and

WHEREAS, this expansion and development has not been heretofore coordinated to any great degree, and a resultant duplication of effort, confusion over responsibility, unnecessary expenditure, and increased cost for maintenance, equipping, housing and staffing of these multiple operations has occurred; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Synod in convention instruct the President of the Synod to appoint a 20-member task force (6 parish pastors, 4 educators, 10 lay persons) which will study and make recommendation for a process of reducing the number of Districts (following Bylaw 4.1, Governing Principles); and be it further

RESOLVED, that the reduction of the number of Districts be compensated by the distribution of supporting staff in the manner of dispersed Mission and Ministry Facilitators throughout the number of Districts with fewer such staffs at the Synodical level; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this process have a target conclusion date of 2013; and be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Task Force present its report and recommendation to the 2010 Convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Family of Faith Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas
Trevor Coleman, Chairman
Marvin Miller, Secretary

WHEREAS, the convention polity and method of determining voting delegates to Synodical Conventions was established at a time when most congregations were of similar size, and were staffed by a pastor and perhaps a called teacher to assist the pastor in the one-room school; and

WHEREAS, Article V of the LCMS Constitution includes as members of Synod "congregations, ministers of religion-ordained, and ministers of religion-commissioned, such as teachers, directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach *[directors of parish music,] deaconesses, parish assistants, and certified lay ministers of the Evangelical Lutheran Church who confess and accept the confessional basis of Article II;" and

WHEREAS, presently only sole, senior or associate pastors and congregational lay representatives may vote in conventions of Synod held at the district or nation level; and

WHEREAS, groups of "members of Synod," namely called teachers, lay ministers and other categories of called church workers whose existence could not have even been imagined by our forefathers in the faith, have only token and advisory representation at best; and

WHEREAS, our Synod in convention, if it is to speak the heart and mind of the people of the LCMS, should include a fair representation of the members and congregations of the Synod; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the 2006 Convention of the Texas District petition the 2007 Convention of the LCMS to establish a committee elected by the Districts to study our District and Synodical polity and to make recommendations for a constitutional amendment to the Synod when it next gathers in convention to establish a process of election of delegates to the convention which will assure a fairer convention representation of all the members and congregations of Synod; and be it finally

RESOLVED, that this "fairer convention representation" will not preclude as voting representatives any "member of Synod" including all ordained pastors and ministers of religion-commissioned (such as teachers, directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, directors of parish music, deaconesses, parish assistants, and certified lay ministers of the Evangelical Lutheran Church who confess and accept the confessional basis of Article II).

Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Texas
Mark Knebel
Chairman of the Elders on behalf of the Elders
Wayne Graumann
Senior Pastor of the Congregation

WHEREAS, "membership in the Synod is held and may be acquired by congregations; ministers of religion-ordained, and ministers of religion-commissioned, such as teachers, directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, *[directors of parish music,] deaconesses, parish assistants, and certified lay ministers" (from the LCMS Constitution, ArticleV); and

WHEREAS, "ministers of religion-commissioned" are ineligible to vote at District meetings and would bring a wealth of leadership to the decisions of the District; and

WHEREAS, the Synod has always attempted to maintain a good representation of the church at large in its conventions by changing many years ago from a pastor and lay vote from every congregation to the current electoral Circuits which take into account the size of communicant membership in each Circuit ie.,["each pair of delegates shall represent from 7-20 member congregations, involving an aggregate communicant membership ranging from 1,500 to 10,000." (Bylaw 3.03)]

WHEREAS, this type of equal representation is absent at District Conventions between larger and smaller congregations (the average LCMS communicant membership in 2004 was 310);

WHEREAS, many Districts like Texas charge Convention expenses on a per communicant member basis while not granting the same in representation,

RESOLVED, that the District Memorialize Synod to amend Article V to allow a pair of delegates (one commissioned minister and one lay) from each congregation and that each congregation may send an additional pair of delegates for every 500 communicant members, and that Synodical Bylaw 3.05 Election of Delegates be changed to state "The privilege of voting by one pastor and one layperson from each member congregation of the Circuit, both whom shall have been selected in the manner prescribed by the congregation. A congregation may send an additional pair of delegates (one commissioned minister and one layperson) for every additional 500 communicant members. Multiple parishes shall be entitled to a lay vote from each member congregation".

Redeemer Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas
Mr. Al Gunning, President

WHEREAS, there has been controversy over exemptions for Electoral Circuits over the past few years, and

WHEREAS, there is a goal for good representation in Bylaw 3.03 but a wide range in the current Bylaw ["each pair of delegates shall represent from 7 - 20 member congregations, involving an aggregate communicant membership ranging from 1,500 to 10,000."] (Bylaw 3.03), be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District memorialize the Synod to change Synodical Bylaw 3.03 Voting Delegates to Synodical Convention to read "each pair of delegates shall represent from 4 -25 congregations, involving an aggregate communicant membership ranging from 1,500 to 7,500 with absolutely no electoral circuit having less than 4 congregations or less than 1,500 communicant members". The exception clause after this requirement should be eliminated.

Redeemer Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas
Mr. Al Gunning, President

WHEREAS, 1 Timothy 3:2 states that an overseer should be above reproach and;

WHEREAS, questions have been raised within the Synod with regard to circuit exceptions to the Synodical Convention and;

WHEREAS, 1 Corinthians 14:40 states that everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District calls for review of the Synodical Convention circuit exemption procedures and;

RESOLVED, that the Texas District ask the Synod in convention to provide oversight with regard to this important matter.

St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church U. A. C.
Edna,Texas

WHEREAS, the Synodical Convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is meant to be representative of the Synod as a whole as "the legislative assembly that ultimately legislates policy, program, and financial direction to carry on the Synod's work on behalf of and in support of the member congregations" (LCMS Bylaws 1.4.1); and,

WHEREAS, there exists a level of disagreement within the Synod regarding matters or both faith and practice that will potentially cause a division within the Synod's ranks if not effectively dealt with; and,

WHEREAS, there has been numerous attempts to provide representation among members of Synod in past conventions:

• 2004 Overture 7-39 - "To Provide Equitable Representation at National Conventions" submitted by the Commission on Structure proposing every congregation being represented.
• 2004 Overtures 7-40 - 7-46, 7-48 - 7-58 which call for reconsideration of representation at Synodical conventions.
• 2001 Overtures 7-121 - 7.122 which sought to extend voting privileges to Advisory Delegates and Commissioned Ministers.
• 1992 Overtures 5-51 - 5-53 which called for extension of voting privileges in various situations.

WHEREAS, in recent Synodical Conventions there have been requests for and exemptions made to the current rules regarding Electoral Circuit representation that have resulted, most recently, with an effort toward a formal lawsuit against the President of Synod by the Lutheran Concerns Association with regard to the exemptions granted for the 2004 Synodical Convention; and,

WHEREAS, the Constitution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (Article V) states: "Membership in the Synod is held and may be acquired by congregations, ministers of religion - ordained and ministers of the gospel - commission, such as teachers, directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, directors of family life ministry, directors of parish music, deaconesses, parish assistants, and certified lay ministers of the Evangelical Lutheran Church who confess and accept the confessional basis of Article II."; and,

WHEREAS, Article V of the Synod's Constitution also limits voting membership in terms of both District and Synod meetings (Article V, A); and,

WHEREAS, Article XI of the Synod's Constitution regarding "Representation" states:
"The synodical meetings are composed of regularly elected and delegated representatives and of certain individual persons, as specified in the Bylaws, to wit:

1. Representatives of congregations, entitled to vote;
2. Advisory representatives of the advisory members of the Synod;
3. Advisory representatives of board, commissions, and educational institutions and such as by virtue of their office are required to attend the Synod." and,

WHEREAS, the congregations of the Synod are referred to as the "basic units of the Synod" (LCMS Bylaws 1.3.1); and,

WHEREAS, the 1854 Constitution of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other States defined representation as "The constituents of the synodical personnel are: the ministers of the church and the delegates of the congregations, each of which has the right to elect on delegate" (Moving Frontiers, p. 150); therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District in Convention memorialize the Praesidium and Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to prepare and distribute a special ballot to the representatives of the 62nd Convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (who are elected for the triennium according to Bylaw 3.1.2.2), calling for amendment of Article V, A of Synod's Constitution to allow the representation of pastoral delegate and one lay delegate of the member congregations of the Synod for the 63rd Convention meeting in 2007; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that if the returned ballots favoring this amendment represent a two-thirds majority of all votes cast (i.e., ballots returned), the amendment be submitted to the congregations of the Synod for ratification (Article XIV, 2-3) and enacted if so ratified; and be it further,

RESOLVED, that the regular costs for the Convention be borne equally among the member congregations of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Family of Faith Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas
Trevor Coleman, Chairman
Marvin Miller, Secretary
Dr. Lynne Inman, Secretary

WHEREAS, former Bylaw 2.27 and Chapter 8, in existence since 1992, have included requiring Matthew 18:15 as procedure when addressing exposition from membership in the Synod and dispute resolution (2004 Convention Minutes, page 48), and

WHEREAS, the specific expulsion provisions and dispute resolution provisions set in place by the 2004 Synodical Convention do not in any way prohibit dealing with public sin and admonition in other situations and according to the explanation of the 8th Commandment in the Large Catechism (2004 Convention Minutes, page 48), and

WHEREAS, the provisions passed by the 2004 Synodical Convention known as 8-01A allow for the first time a process for the removal from office of the Synodical President other than by the Synod meeting in Convention, and

WHEREAS, the inclusion of "face-to-face" meetings (Matthew 18:15-17) have been a blessing to the dispute process and expulsion from membership and simply reflect that the Synod desires that face-to-face, brotherly and evangelical procedures be used when expulsion from membership is the issue and when dispute resolution is involved (2004 Convention Minutes, page 48); and

WHEREAS, since the implementation of 8-01A, the number of charges brought against pastors and congregations in the LCMS has declined significantly, allowing the Church to focus time and resources on its mission, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the 2006 Convention of the Texas District affirm the dispute resolution and expulsion from membership process agreed to by the 2004 Convention, and be it further

RESOLVED, that we thank God for the institution of more biblical process for dispute resolution, and be it finally

RESOLVED, that the 2006 Texas District Convention petition the 2007 LCMS Convention in Houston to affirm our current process for dispute resolution and expulsion from membership.

Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Texas
Mark Knebel
Chairman of the Elders on behalf of the Elders
Wayne Graumann
Senior Pastor of the Congregation

WHEREAS, Synodical Resolution 8-01A, "Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution removes a congregation's and a pastor's right to initiate formal proceedings against a member of Synod based on the Word of God by placing that power solely in the discretion of the District Presidents and the President of Synod; and

WHEREAS, The Word of God holds each of us accountable to it first and foremost, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5: 29); and

WHEREAS, Lay people and parish pastors have a right to expect members of Synod to be held accountable to the Word of God, and to test their teaching, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God" (I John 4:1); therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Texas District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod request the Synod to reexamine the matter of ecclesiastical supervision and dispute resolution so that the Word of God may be appealed to rather than the discretion of District Presidents or the President of Synod.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Austin
Dr. Bart Goddard, Executive Director
Dr. Lynne Inman, Secretary

WHEREAS, Article II of the Constitution of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod says that "The Synod, and every member of the Synod, accepts without reservation:
1. The Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament as the written Word of God and the only rule and norm of faith and practice;
2. All the Symbolic Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God…;" and

WHEREAS, Article III of the Constitution says, "The Synod, under Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, shall
1. Conserve and promote the unity of the true faith (Eph 4:3-6; 1 Cor. 1:10), work through its official structure toward fellowship with other Christian church bodies, and provide a united defense against schism, sectarianism (Rom 16:17), and heresy;" and

WHEREAS, Article XIII of the Constitution says, "Members who act contrary to the confession laid down in Article II and to the conditions of membership laid down in Article VI or persist in an offensive conduct, shall, after previous futile admonition, be expelled from Synod;" and

The Stated Rationale for 2004 Res. 8-01A

WHEREAS, the 2004 LCMS Convention passed Resolution 8-01A, "To Amend Bylaws on Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution." The rationale(p.165 of Convention Proceedings) given for this lengthy 24-page resolution was to refine issues with "cases involving faculty members of the Concordia University System against whom charges were brought as well as those brought against District and Synod officials;" and

WHEREAS, it would appear that the concerned cases cited were:

1. When two pastors in 2001 filed separate charges against the Synodical President (a) for his participation in two joint services with pastors of the ELCA in an ELCA church and (b) for his approval of a District President's participation in a prayer service with non-Christians and Christians alike. The merit of these charges according to the Word of God were never considered, because an opinion of the Committee on Constitutional Matters(CCM) forced the charges to dropped. The CCM opinion (#01-2240, December 9, 2001) stated that the Synodical Convention alone had jurisdiction to hear these charges and the Synodical Convention alone can remove a Synodical President. When the Synodical Convention of 2004 arrived, it did not address these charges at all, although 6 District conventions requested the Synod to address this situation.
2. When in November 2001, charges were filed against a District President for participation in an unionistic and syncretistic prayer service (by what was, eventually, 18 pastors and congregations, throughout the Synod). When a LCMS Vice President decided the case against the District President in June of 2002, the Synodical President called up the decision for review by a Dispute Resolution Panel. Although the Dispute Resolution Panel acknowledged that this Vice President "went on to present a very thorough argument concerning the charges on the basis of the Holy Scriptures alone," the District President was exonerated by the Dispute Resolution Panel because of a CCM opinion that the District President followed the advice of his ecclesiastical supervisor and therefore could not be charged (CCM 02-2309, Feb 2003).
3. When a complaint was filed against a LCMS Professor for teaching that the first eleven chapters of the Book of Genesis are not literally true and the notion that man evolved from a pre-human ancestor. That college's Board of Regents determined that said professor was "neither guilty of advocacy of false doctrine nor of failure to honor and uphold the doctrinal position of the [Missouri] Synod;" and

WHEREAS, it must be asked what "issues," 2004 Res. 8-01A seeks to refine, before we can judge if it will or has succeeded in its purpose. If those accused were not guilty and the process worked, then nothing should be done. If those accused were guilty and the process either did not find them guilty or they were let off on technical points, will these changes assure adequate prosecution. It would seem unusual to have a complete reworking of the Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution Process on account of only a few cases. Moreover, it must be asked whether 26 pages of new bylaws will help to clarify the 8 pages already present; and

WHEREAS, during the 2004 convention debate at least one delegate thought that the purpose of this resolution was to make it more difficult for members to file charges and thus avoid at least one of the above situations. This delegate urged passage of 2004 8-01A saying, "Let's make sure this never happens again!" The "this" was the embarrassing attention given to #2 above(lines 34-42); and

District President Determines Whether to Initiate Formal Proceedings

WHEREAS, prior to the passage of 2004 Res. 8-01A, each and every member of the Synod was bound to the Holy Scriptures as the only rule and norm of faith and life. The district president was required to act upon the facts of a written complaint of any person which stated that a congregation or an individual had acted in a way which could lead to the expulsion of a member from the Synod under Article XIII of the Constitution; (2001 Handbook, 2.27a) and furthermore, if the District President declined to suspend the member or failed to act within 90 days, the complainant could appeal to the Presidium of Synod (2001 Handbook 2.27b); and

WHEREAS after the passage of 2004 Res. 8-01A, the District President alone determines whether to initiate formal proceedings. The District President alone determines whether to make use of a Referral Panel to help him in determining whether to initiate formal proceedings(2.26c, p. 167 of Convention Proceedings, or 2004 Handbook 2.14.5; Note: From this point on all references will be to the 2004 Handbook, rather than to Convention Proceedings p. 165-184). "The action to commence expulsion of a congregation or individual from membership in the Synod is the sole responsibility of the district president who has the responsibility for ecclesiastical supervision of such member" (2004 Handbook 2.14.1). The decision of the District President alone (or his Referral Panel) not to initiate formal proceedings "shall terminate the matter."(2004 Handbook 2.14.5.2); There is no recourse or appeal for the accuser if the District President refuses to initiate formal proceedings. If the District President concludes in his opinion that the facts do not form a basis for expulsion, then nothing will be done. 2004 Res. 8-01A has removed from congregations and pastors of the LCMS their right to initiate formal proceedings to investigate and discipline erring members of Synod;

WHEREAS, the effect of 2004 Res. 8-01A is that the Word of God is not the only rule and norm of faith and practice in the LCMS(Article II of LCMS Constitution), until a District President thinks that it is. Furthermore, if a District President do not consider a complaint to justify a formal proceedings, then the Word of God, as the only rule and norm, will not be applied, and the members of Synod have no recourse for appeal. The matter is terminated.

District President Required to Follow Human Opinions

WHEREAS after the passage of 2004 Res. 8-01A, the District President alone determines whether to ask an opinion of the Committee on Constitutional Matters(CCM) and/or the Commission on Theology and Church Relations(CTCR). Should the District President decide to ask a decision of the CCM and/or CTCR, the District President is required to follow human council, even if it should contradict the Word of God. It says, "The District President must follow any opinion received from either the CCM or the CTCR, which shall be rendered within 30 days or such additional time as the district president may allow" (2004 Handbook 2.14.3.a);

WHEREAS, the effect of 2004 Res. 8-01A is that the Word of God is not the only rule and norm of faith and practice in the LCMS(Article II of LCMS Constitution), but a District President is bound to follow the decisions of human councils, even if the Word of God says otherwise. The example cited in lines 34-42 of this overture is just such an example where human councils trumped the Word of God; and

District President Determines Which Bylaw to Follow

WHEREAS after the passage of 2004 Res. 8-01A, "The District President shall require the accuser to follow the correct bylaw provision under the circumstance, if any…." There are primarily two tracks for complaints. (Let it be noted that as a result of 8-01A, there are completely separate bylaws for complaints against a District President 2.15, Synodical President 2.16, etc. The merit of these special cases will not be considered in this resolution.) The District President alone will determine whether the facts are such that it could lead to the expulsion of a member from the Synod(Bylaw 2.14), or if the facts should be considered a matter for Dispute Resolution(Bylaw 1.10), in which disputes, disagreements, or offenses are to be settled by Synod's system of reconciliation and conflict resolution. If a District President doesn't view the complaint to be against the Word of God, he could force the complainant to follow the Dispute Resolution (Bylaw 1.10) track, in order to get the complainant to "reconcile."

WHEREAS, this decision of whether the dispute is a matter that could result in expulsion or a matter for Dispute Resolution is not of small importance.

A. If reconciliation and conflict resolution are applied to a doctrinal complaint that should result in expulsion, the point at issue will not be agreement or disagreement with the Word of God, but the complainant will be subjected to an examination of his supposed "vengeful" attitude or his personal animosity, or even his lack of forgiveness for his brother in Christ. Therefore the word of God will not be applied to the complaint and false teaching or practice(called "heresy" in Article III of LCMS Constitution) will be allowed to remain.

B. If procedures to determine "thus saith the Lord," are applied to a simple non-doctrinal disagreement among members, a possible decision to remove a member from Synod will result though the member has not violated Article XIII, which is based on the Word of God. This situation is called "schism" in Article III of LCMS Constitution. We do not want members of Synod to be removed simply because someone has a disagreement or a personal vendetta against them; and

District President Requires Matthew 18:15 face-to-face

WHEREAS after the passage of 2004 Res. 8-01A, "If bylaw 2.14 applies, the district president shall ensure that the accuser has carried out the guidelines of Matthew 18:15 face-to-face with the accused. Even if the alleged violation of Article XIII of the Constitution is considered to be 'public,' this provision of Matthew 18:15 shall be followed. The reputation of all parties is to be protected as commanded in the Eighth Commandment" (2004 Handbook 2.14.c); and

WHEREAS, this interpretation of Matthew 18, in which there is no distinction made between public and private sins, disregards what the Book of Concord says in the Large Catechism.

"All this{My note: concern for following Matthew 18} has been said regarding secret sins. But where the sin is quite public so that the judge and everybody know it, you can without any sin avoid him and let him go, because he has brought himself into disgrace, and you may also publicly testify concerning him. For when a matter is public in the light of day, there can be no slandering or false judging or testifying; as, when we now reprove the Pope with his doctrine, which is publicly set forth in books and proclaimed in all the world. For where the sin is public, the reproof also must be public, that every one may learn to guard against it" (284).

WHEREAS, this 'gag' order, which 2004 Res 8-01 has placed upon the discussion of public sins, cannot be allowed to stand. As it is, all of Jesus' public rebukes of the Pharisees and St. Paul's public rebuke of St. Peter(Galatians 2:14), would be reasons for a District President to dismiss a complaint under 2004 Res. 8-01A. And it could also be argued that a complainant who disobeyed Res. 8-01A might even be disciplined under Article XIII for not following "the conditions of membership laid down in Article VI." The delegates should also consider 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, 3rd John 9-10 and St. John 2:14-17. Our Synod should not be allowed to go against the Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions, by prohibiting a public response to public sins; and

The Hearing Panel is Private, Closed Door

WHEREAS, if the District President determines that the facts form a basis for your expulsion, the District President will provide you a written notification of your suspended status and his request to expel you from the Synod. You have 15 days to request a "Hearing Panel," whose purpose is "to hear the matter and render a final decision unless appealed." This hearing panel will be made up of three district presidents, one chosen by you, one by the District President and another by those two District Presidents already selected. Although this last point might not be against Scripture, there are two practical concerns of this hearing panel; and

WHEREAS, (1) prior to the passage of 2004 Res. 8-01A, District Presidents were excluded from serving on appeal panels, because they were the one who had made the decision concerning the complaint. After the passage of 1004 Res. 8-01A, the District Presidents themselves-who determine whether there will be a formal proceedings, and then rule on the merits of the complaints they decide to hear-are the only ones to serve on the hearing panels to decide an appeal of a District President's decision to expel; and

WHEREAS, (2) what is most distressing is that these hearing panels made up of District Presidents will be a private, closed door court. 2004, Res. 8-01a says, "The hearing panel shall be private, attended only by the persons involved and the witnesses who can substantiate the facts relevant to the matter" (2.14.7.7b). Although the Panel will issue a written decision(2.14.8.2), the deliberations which led to the decision shall be sealed(2.14.7.7j). The accused will be told the decision, but there is no obligation to list the reasons for the expulsion or reinstatement; and

WHEREAS, in the old system of adjudication set up in 1965 and before the changes to Dispute Resolution in 1992, private court trials included several checks to insure transparency, impartiality, and justice, while maintaining a concern for the reputation of the accused.

1. The jury had an equal number of clergy and laity (1983 Handbook bylaw 8.15a).
2. Synodical officials, including District Presidents, could not serve on these juries (1983 Handbook bylaw 8.15c).
3. The formal decision required not only a statement of the facts and conclusions, but also the reasons for the conclusions(1983 Handbook bylaw 8.65); therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District in Convention(2006) memorialize the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS) 2007 Synodical Convention to rescind the 2004 LCMS convention Res. 8-01A("To Amend Bylaws on Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution.

St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church U. A. C.
Edna, Texas

WHEREAS there are many problems associated with Resolution 8-O1A, as adopted by the Synodical convention, such as applying the Matthew 18 passages, which refer to private sins, to sins of a public matter, and

WHEREAS the rules for applying Resolution 8-O1A are so restrictive and complex as to preclude any attempt at dealing with sins of a public nature, and

WHEREAS the adopted rules of Resolution 8-O1A, in contrast to the historic practices of our Synod and our belief in the priesthood of all believers, exclude lay people from participating in the process of resolving sins of a public nature, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, meeting in convention in 2006, memorialize the Synod at its 2007 convention to rescind Resolution 8-O1A and return to its former practices.

Submitted by the Pastors of Circuit 13:

Rev. Dr. Wayne Renning- Counselor - Good Shepherd, Mt. Pleasant
Rev. Curt Schneider- Circuit Secretary- First, Texarkana
Rev. Bruce Miller- Grace, Paris
Rev. Toby Byrd- St. Luke's, Honey Grove
Rev. Mac Bearss- Our Savior, Sulphur Springs

In Christian love for our sister congregations of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and our own heartfelt confession, the Voters of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, an Evangelical Lutheran Church of Circuit 13 in the Texas District, hereby express our collective dissent from Resolution 8-01A which was adopted at the 62nd Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (July 2004).

Resolution 8-01A, "To Amend Bylaws on Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution," was passed at the 2004 LCMS Convention by a vote of 683 to 528. This resolution, which covers more than nineteen and a half pages in the 2004 Convention proceedings, effectively strips from pastors and congregations the God given authority and responsibility of ecclesiastic supervision and dispute resolution pertaining to their own members. This action thus denies pastors, congregations and lay people the God commanded right to rebuke public sin (1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 1:9; Titus 1:13; Titus 2:15). Furthermore, Resolution 8-01A is in direct conflict with the ordination vows of all LCMS pastors who, at their ordination and subsequent installations, vow to uphold the Lutheran Confessions, which includes Article XXVIII of the Apology and Luther's Large Catechism. In consideration of the facts that:

• The 2004 LCMS Handbook Bylaws sections 2.13-2.17, amended by Resolution 8-01A submitted and approved at the last Convention of the LCMS, contradicts the Lutheran Confessions regarding procedures of ecclesiastical supervision and dispute resolution; Article XXVIII of the Apology, paragraph 13.
• Requiring a face-to-face meeting regarding incidents of "public offense" is contradictory to the plain words of the Large Catechism, paragraph 284.
• During a Dispute Resolution, a member's own ecclesiastical supervisor may be removed from the process, being replaced by an individual who is unfamiliar with the problem and who bears no responsibility for the member in question.
• Although possibly not intended, Resolution 8-01A has the affect of removing all pastoral supervision from the parish. This is contrary to the LCMS' long-standing congregational polity and, in effect, introduces an Episcopal, hierarchical polity into the LCMS. This unprecedented change, affecting the lives of all its members was accomplished in the absence of any synod-wide study, discussion, or debate by its pastors and laity. Through this change, the structure of the LCMS has been changed to a hierarchy consisting of District Presidents and the President of Synod, reminiscent of the ruling class of Roman Catholicism and is anathema to Confessional Lutherans. Through the passage of Resolution 8-01A, these individuals are given the sole responsibility of initiating the process of ecclesiastical supervision and dispute resolution, as well as the sole responsibility of administering the process, considering appeals and concluding the process.

Therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Voter's assembly of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, an Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Texas District, met in Honey Grove, Texas, (January 2006) and agreed to petition the Texas District of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to petition the Synod in Convention in 2007 to rescind Resolution 8-01A of the 2004 LCMS Convention, along with the consequent Handbook Revisions; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the entire question of ecclesiastical supervision and dispute resolution be resubmitted to the Synod's Commission on Structure for submission to the Synod as a whole; and be it further

RESOLVED, to have new legislation pertaining to these matters drafted in conformity with the Synod's Confessional Standard, the Lutheran Confessions, and presented for ratification at the 2007 Synodical Convention.

St. Luke Lutheran Church
Honey Grove, Texas
Rev. Toby Byrd, Pastor
Robert Herrmann, Congregation President

WHEREAS, questionable practices with regard to appointing members to the Commission on Constitutional Matters have arisen over the last several years; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District ask the Synod in convention to elect the CCM rather than having it appointed.

St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church U. A. C.
Edna, Texas

WHEREAS, St. Paul writes "How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?" 1 Thessolonians 3:9; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Jim Linderman with his loving wife, Jean Linderman has served the Texas District and our congregation with a servant heart and joyful spirit as Vice president of Area C and President of the Texas District; and

WHEREAS, We continue to look forward to sharing in ministry with them as they live in our community; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that Redeemer Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas thanks God for President Jim and Jean Linderman and let it be further

RESOLVED, the Texas District commend and thank them for leading our Texas District with a joyful spirit.

Redeemer Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas
Mr. Al Gunning, President

WHEREAS, A condition of membership in Synod is the "exclusive use of doctrinally pure agenda, hymnbooks, and catechisms in church and school"; and

WHEREAS, Our Synod publishes three doctrinally pure hymnbooks: The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship, and now The Lutheran Service Book; and

WHEREAS, There are congregations in the Texas District using materials in worship that are not doctrinally pure;

WHEREAS, The Texas District in the 2003 convention referred petitioners with similar concerns to Synodical resolution 2-10-98 which resolved in part "That the Commission on Worship enable a process by which songs and liturgical materials from other sources other than LCMS publications might be reviewed for acceptability so that congregations may be assisted in their goal of using doctrinally pure worship materials;"

WHEREAS, The Commission on Worship after eight years has enabled no such process; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the president of the Texas District establish a commission to assist Texas District congregations in reviewing for acceptability songs and liturgical materials from other sources other than LCMS publications.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Austin
Dr. Bart Goddard, Executive Director

WHEREAS, God has clearly stated in I Corinthians 6 His intent that brothers in the faith not enter into lawsuits against one another:

"if any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother goes to law against another and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers. (I Corinthians 6:1 8); and;

WHEREAS, some members of our Synod have initiated a lawsuit against our Church and our elected leaders, suggesting that not only our President and First Vice President but also many members of the Council of Presidents and District Boards of Directors have conspired together to defraud the election and voting process of our Synod; and

WHEREAS, this lawsuit is groundless and seeks to overturn elections and resolutions voted in the 2004 Convention because the plaintiffs did not agree with the majority vote of our Church; and

WHEREAS, this is not only an unscriptural action for Christians but also a waste of our Synod's mission money and personnel; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the 2006 Convention of the Texas District condemn the lawsuit against our Church and those who have joined in it; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we encourage these pastors and congregations to repent of their error, remove themselves from the lawsuit and truly "build the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:12) by acting as Christians, and be it further

RESOLVED, that these fellow Christians be encouraged to work within our dispute resolution process to resolve any disagreements they have with the decisions the majority of our delegates made in the 2004 convention,; and be it finally

RESOLVED, that the 2006 Convention of the Texas District petition the 2007 LCMS Convention meeting in Houston to do the same.

Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Texas
Mark Knebel
Chairman of the Elders on behalf of the Elders
Wayne Graumann
Senior Pastor of the Congregation

WHEREAS, the Divine Call to the pastoral office in the church is from God through the Church; and

WHEREAS, the Lutheran Confessions' only direct citation of I Peter 2:9 on the royal priesthood of believers is in the Church's responsibility to see that the office of the holy ministry is filled in its midst; and

WHEREAS, C.F.W. Walther forthrightly defended the rights of the Christian congregation to choose her own pastor in consultation with other pastors and the district president; and

WHEREAS, under the fourth and eighth commandments and the dispute resolution process of Synod rostered pastors and congregations of Synod deserve fair due process and equal treatment in the call process without the temptation of personal bias of district presidents; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod memorialize the Synod in its 2007 convention to require all district presidents and their subordinates to provide appropriate information (PIF and SET forms) and evaluation for all names of rostered pastors of Synod who are not suspended when such names are requested by calling congregations, and that when a district president has reservations about a rostered pastor that they simply note such with the proper information rather than striking names or withholding information; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the presidents of our Texas District and their subordinates be required provide appropriate information (PIF and SET forms) and evaluation for all names of rostered pastors of Synod who are not suspended when such names are requested by calling congregations, and that when a district president has reservations about a rostered pastor that they simply note such verbally or in writing with the proper information rather than striking names or withholding information so that God and His Church retain the Call in its fullness.

St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church U. A. C.
Edna, Texas

WHEREAS, The Risen Christ, the day He ascended to heaven, directed His people to evangelize all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all things He had commanded (Matt. 28:18-20); and

WHEREAS, Our Lutheran forefathers founded the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to help its members carry out Christ's Great commission, bringing to people everywhere the glorious message of forgiveness and salvation through the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ; and

Whereas, A secondary function of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod is to help Lutheran Christians to grow to spiritual maturity, and to become prudent and generous stewards of God's gifts; and

WHEREAS, Another function of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod is to keep its members appraised of developments in theology and practice among other Christian denominations, and of world events that bear on their lives as members of the body of Christ; and

WHEREAS, Publication of book reviews, essays by theologians, educators, and spiritual leaders, reprints of articles from other publications, and similar materials would greatly expand opportunities for spiritual growth and Christian maturity among Synod members; and

WHEREAS, Successful pursuit of the above functions requires the LCMS to maintain constant and close communication between the members, their chosen leaders, the Synod's educational institutions, its mission activities, and its financial affairs; and

WHEREAS, The Synod, pursuant to the above functions, publishes two monthly periodicals, The Lutheran Witness and the Reporter, resulting in duplication of effort and needless expense, and leaving gaps in coverage, thereby failing to transmit relevant information to the Synod membership; be it therefore

RESOLVED, That the Texas District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, in convention assembled, urge the Synod to combine The Lutheran Witness and the Reporter into one monthly periodical; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the LCMS Council of Presidents shall be solely responsible for defining the scope and coverage of the combined publication; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That Office of the Synod President shall execute the decisions of the Council of Presidents regarding the publication, providing the necessary facilities and personnel, monitoring its effectiveness, and administering its finances.

Faith Lutheran Church
Lampasas, Texas

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has endured many years of turmoil over differences in doctrine and practice,; and

WHEREAS, the divisions among us can no longer be regarded as superficial personality differences, but are genuine and deep-seated disagreements about doctrine and practice, especially in the areas of church fellowship, the role of women in the church, use of contemporary styles of worship, church government and discipline, and the doctrine of the ministry; and

WHEREAS, the persistence and intensity of the conflict have brought forth devilish fruits on all sides, including anger, bitterness, malice, greed, slander, stubbornness, and pride; and

WHEREAS, such fruits have caused grief and offense to many in the congregations of our synod, have damaged our witness to the world, and have drained spiritual and material resources from our primary mission to preach the Gospel to the nations; and

Whereas the possibility of achieving mutual agreement in doctrine and practice between the present factions is remote, and

WHEREAS, continued conflict will do great harm to the church and to our mission endeavors; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District in Convention express sincere regret that our sins of commission and omission have resulted in this present division, that we exhort one another to reflect upon and repent of sins against the body which have contributed to discord, and that we encourage one another to seek forgiveness and reconciliation for those sins in word and deed that "we know and feel in our hearts," and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Texas District in Convention 2006, affirm the desire to seek and promote a respectful and fair separation of the factions so that they may be able to focus their energy into proclaiming the Gospel rather than engaging in internal strife, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Texas District President, in consultation with respected and trusted leaders of each faction among us, appoint a "bipartisan" committee to investigate the possibility of effecting a respectful separation, and to make recommendations to the District President, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Texas District memorialize the 2007 Synodical Convention to initiate the study of a plan for respectful separation and apportionment of Synod's resources in a respectful, friendly, fair way to resolve present irreconcilable differences in doctrine and practice.

Glenn Huebel, Pastor
Messiah Lutheran Church
Keller, Texas

Ralph Tate, Vice President
Messiah Lutheran Church
Keller, Texas

David Jung, Pastor
Crown of Life Lutheran Church
Colleyville, Texas

Terry Boepple, Executive Director
Crown of Life Lutheran Church
Colleyville, Texas

Walter Waiser, Pastor
Peace Lutheran Church
Hurst, Texas

Clark Norman, Dir.of Board of Elders
Peace Lutheran Church
Hurst, Texas

WHEREAS, Lutherans in the 21st Century are often finding themselves in disagreement over many teachings and aspects of what it means to be "Lutheran" (such as authority of the Scriptures, office of public ministry, fellowship, etc.), resulting in a variety of doctrines and practices; and,

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is finding disagreements among its members becoming increasingly divisive and counter-productive to effective Gospel ministry; and,

WHEREAS, the Formula of Concord was the result of dialog and debate among the various Lutheran factions to declare a common position on the issues that divided them (see the Editor's Introduction to the Formula of Concord, The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, edited by Robert Kolb and Timothy J. Wengert, c. 2000 by Augsburg Fortress, pp. 481ff); and,

WHEREAS, the Formula of Concord of 1580 addressed only those issues that divided the Lutheran Church of that time; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, gathered in convention, memorialize the 63rd Convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to call for the preparation of an "Addendum" to the Formula of Concord of 1580; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that this "Addendum" to the Formula of Concord of 1580 seek to address the additional questions of doctrine and practice that currently divide the Evangelical Lutheran Church such as (but not limited to):

• To what extent are the Scriptures authoritative and efficacious regarding the faith and life of God's people?
• What is meant by "pure teaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments in harmony with the gospel of Christ" (Apology, VI & VII, 5)?
• What is the role of God's people in terms of the ministry of the gospel as preachers, teachers, and the priesthood of all believers (and subsequent questions such as the ordination of women, auxiliary offices, etc.)?
• What are the biblical definitions of marriage and family, and what do those definitions teach regarding such things as divorce, homosexuality, abortion, etc.?
• What is meant by the church universal, the mutual consolation of the saints, and fellowship among Lutherans, fellowship among Christians, and relationships of people of other religions?

RESOLVED, that the Synodical Convention call upon the Presidium of Synod, in consultation with the faculties of the Seminaries of Synod, to appoint a select group of theologians to begin the initial development of a draft formula addendum; and be it further

RESOLVED, that each District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod appoint two pastors, two commissioned ministers of the gospel, four lay members, and (where applicable) two members of the faculty of any higher educational institution located within the district, to be a part of a Synod-wide convocation to be convened prior to the 65th Convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (2011) to adapt and recommend this addendum to the Formula of Concord for adoption by the Synod; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod present this Addendum to the various Lutheran church bodies in America and throughout the world for discussion, debate, and dissemination among their various congregations and institutions.

Family of Faith Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas.
Trevor Coleman, Chairman
Marvin Miller, Secretary

WHEREAS, the Holy Scriptures teach the order of creation in I Timothy 2:11-14, "A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner" and I Cor 14:34-35, "…women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church;" and

WHEREAS, up until 1969, the Missouri Synod, along with other members of the Synodical Conference, taught and practiced on the basis of I Corinthians 14:34-35 and I Timothy 2:11-12, that a woman was not to have authority over a man by either participation in congregational meetings, nor by holding a congregational office; and

WHEREAS, the 1969 LCMS Convention Res. 2-17 in granting women the right to vote in congregational meetings and to hold some congregational offices of service, specifically made provision that women could serve only in those instances that do not involve "a violation of the order of creation." This 1969 document still maintained the order of creation applied to both the pastoral office(Point 1, not listed here) and other humanly established offices. It stated in point 2, "The principles set forth in such [biblical] passages, we believe, prohibit holding any other kind of office or membership on boards or committees in the institutional structures of a congregation, only if this involves women in a violation of the order of creation…." And in point 4, "…provided the polity developed conforms to the general Scriptural principles that women neither hold the pastoral office NOR 'exercise authority over men'; (emphasis mine)" and

WHEREAS, the 1970 CCM opinion based on 1969 Res. 2-17, supplied this model paragraph for congregations to adopt: Women of appropriate age "may hold voting membership in the congregation and serve as officers and as members of boards and committees as long as these positions are not directly involved in the specific functions of the pastoral office (preaching, the public administration of the sacraments, church discipline) and as long as this service does not violate the order of creation(usurping authority over men). Accordingly, they shall not serve as pastor, as a member of ________ [the board of elders or "corresponding board directly involved in the functions of the pastoral office"], as chairman or vice-chairman of the congregation, or as chairman of ______________;" and

WHEREAS, the 1985 CTCR report "Women in the Church" restricted the Scriptural prohibition(that "a women is not to have authority over a man" as it had been applied to both the pastoral office and other humanly established offices) saying that it only applied to the exercise of the Pastoral Office; and

WHEREAS, a CTCR 1985 minority report of five LCMS professors disagreed with the 1985 CTCR Report, "Women in the Church." They wrote about its shortcomings: "first, the treatment of terms such as 'teaching,' 'exercising authority,' etc., and second the understanding of the doctrine of the order of creation…. Simple equation of teaching with the pastoral office seems too facile for this text…. The issues surrounding the verb authenteoo("to exercise/usurp authority") are very difficult and simply must be handled, as the Report does not…. This is especially true in the case at hand, when the current Report puts forth positions which are at odds with the official position adopted by the Synod. Our fundamental concern, however, is that in an important matter such as this we study seriously and reverently the Word of God as his faithful people" (CTCR Minority Report, 1985); and

WHEREAS, the 1994 CTCR Report, "The Service of Women in Congregational and Synodical Offices," authorized by 1989 Convention resolution 3-13A, no longer considered the teaching of order of creation applicable outside the pastoral office and concluded that women may serve "in all offices of the congregation, including that of chairman, vice-chairman and elder, and district and Synodical boards and commissions" provided that they don't involve the public accountability for the function[ing] of the pastoral office;" and

WHEREAS, the 1995 LCMS Convention did not accept the 1994 report, but told the CTCR to continue to study the issues in consultation with the faculties of the seminaries and to "address concerns regarding the priesthood of all believers, the order of creation, and the Greek word authentei;" and

WHEREAS, without another study being produced, the 2004 Synodical Convention approved Resolution 3-08A, "To Affirm the Conclusions of the 1994 CTCR Report: The Service of Women in Congregational and Synodical Offices." Applying the conclusions of an unapproved report, which restricted the order of creation to the pastoral office, 2004 Convention Resolution Res. 3-08A, approved women to serve in every humanly established office; and

WHEREAS, soon after the 2004 Synodical Convention, the Synodical President appointed a task force in order to provide congregational guidelines for implementing Res. 3-08A. Although the recommendations did include the encouragement that women not hold the office of elder or assist in the distribution of Holy Communion, nevertheless this encouragement was not because of concerns with violations of the order of creation, but only because these offices assist with the public exercise of the pastoral office. Furthermore, this task force has no official authority to interpret convention action, and thus 2004 Res. 3-08A stands which "approved women to serve in every humanly established office; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District in Convention(2006) memorialize the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS) 2007 Synodical Convention to rescind the 2004 LCMS convention Res. 3-08A(To affirm the Conclusions of the unapproved 1994 CTCR report, "The Service of Women in Congregational Offices"); and be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District in Convention(2006) memorialize The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS) 2007 Synodical Convention to reject the 1994 CTCR Report, "The Service of Women in Congregational and Synodical Offices;" and be it

RESOLVED that the Texas District in Convention(2006) memorialize The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS) 2007 Synodical Convention to continue to apply the Scriptural teaching on the Order of Creation(I Timothy 2:11-12, I Corinthians 14:34-35) to both the pastoral office and all humanly established offices.

RESOLVED, that a joint task force consisting of the departments of systematic theology of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, author a new document to replace the 1994 CTCR report to be presented to Synod for approval by Synod at its next convention.

St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church U. A. C.
Edna, Texas

WHEREAS, Resolution 3-08A adopted at the 2004 Synodical convention resolved "that women may serve in humanly established offices in the church as long as the functions of these offices do not make them eligible to carry out 'official functions [that] would involve public accountability for the function of the pastoral office'; and

WHEREAS, Holy Scripture plainly states in I Timothy 2:12 that women are not permitted to exercise authority over a man, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man"; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Texas District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod request the Synod in convention to state in accordance with Scripture that women may serve only in humanly established offices in the church that do not exercise authority over men.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Austin
Dr. Bart Goddard, Executive Director
Dr. Lynne Inman, Secretary

WHEREAS, the 2004 Synodical Convention passed Resolution 3-08A, "To Affirm the Conclusions of the 1994 CTCR Report: 'The Service of Women in Congregational and Synodical Offices,'"; and

WHEREAS, there was a violation of the 1998 Synodical Resolution 3-22, "To Encourage the Continuation of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations Comprehensive Study of the Scriptural Relationship of Man and Woman," which has as its final resolve, "That as they await the completion of this study, congregations of the Synod abide by its position as stated in the 1970 opinion of the Commission on Constitutional Matters that congregations may allow women to hold congregational offices except those of chairman, vice-chairman, elder, and any other board or policy-making committee 'whose chairmanship the congregation might wish to restrict to men,'"; and

WHEREAS, Holy Scripture does provide an example of offices outside the pastoral office restricted to men (i.e., Acts 6:1-7, where the apostles instruct the congregation to choose seven men (verse 3) where the word is the gender exclusive word "andras" rather than the more general word for mankind such as "anthropos." Clearly, the congregation was not allowed to choose women to fill this office, which is separate from the office of the pastoral ministry and its distinctive functions; and

WHEREAS, with the passage of the 2004 Convention Resolution 3-08A, the Synod has changed its official teaching on the "order of creation," that woman is not "to have authority over a man," [I Corinthians 11:3; I Timothy 2:11-15; Titus 2:3-5; Ephesians 5:22-24], and thereby approved women in every humanly established office in the congregation; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that we affirm our Synod's historic teaching that men and women are not the same, but are placed in a God-given order and that this order of creation applies to more than just the pastoral office (as was stated in reference to Acts 6:1-7). Such order also includes the so-called "humanly established" offices in the church, including elder and congregational chairman and vice-chairman; and be it finally

RESOLVED, that we memorialize the synodical convention in 2007 to reverse its decision concerning Resolution 3-08A of the 2004 synodical convention and abide by resolution 3-22 of the 1998 synodical convention encouraging the CTCR to complete its work on the Comprehensive Study of the Scriptural Relationship of Man and Woman.

President Richard Haseloff
Head Elder Joe Haseloff
St. John Lutheran Church
Lariat (Farwell), Texas

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod states in Article VII of its Constitution: "In its relation to its members the Synod is not an ecclesiastical government exercising legislative or coercive powers, and with respect to the individual congregation's right of self-government it is but an advisory body," and

WHEREAS, the Synod contradicts this statement in its Bylaws, Article II Membership, F.2.39 when it states: "The Synod expects every member congregation to respect its resolutions and to consider them of binding force if they are in accordance with the Word of God," and

WHEREAS, Articles VII and VIII of the Apology of the Augsburg Confession state that the Church is, "a fellowship of faith and of the Holy Spirit in hearts. Yet this fellowship has outward marks...These marks are the pure doctrine of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments in accordance with the Gospel of Christ.," (Concordia, The Lutheran Confessions, p. 170, para.5, CPH, 2005), and

WHEREAS, the "advisory body" known by name as The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod according to its own definition is not the Church, and

WHEREAS, the same "advisory body" at its July, 2004 convention adopted resolution 3-08A, concerning the service of women in congregational offices, and

WHEREAS, this adopted resolution stands in specific opposition to the Word of God and the teaching Seminaries of the Church as represented in the Concordia Commentary Series, I Corinthians (with specific reference to chapter 14), authored by Gregory Lockwood, and published by Concordia Publishing House; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that each member of the Church and each congregation remain faithful and obedient to the proper exposition of God's Word and the right administration of the Sacraments, especially when confusion arises in the testimony of the Church (Acts 5:29); and be it further

RESOLVED, that each member of the Church and each congregation uphold and support the Church and its duties when performed faithfully according to the Word of God by the incumbants of the Office of the Holy Ministry (2 Timothy 2:15); and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Church, in faithfulness to the Word of God and in agreement on the Lutheran Confessions, continue to "set forth the truth plainly [so that in Christian freedom] we [might] commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4:2), and be it finally

RESOLVED, that the member churches that constitute Synod rescind the prior decision to adopt resolution 3-08A at the July, 2004 convention.

St. Paul Lutheran Church
Canyon, Texas
Rev. Terry Meyer, Pastor

WHEREAS, the apostle Paul states in I Corinthians 14:34, "As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but they must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own men at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church." and

WHEREAS, the apostle Paul further states in I Corinthians 14:37 that what he writes to us, "is the Lord's command." and

WHEREAS, the apostle Paul further encourages us in verse 38 that those who ignore this command will themselves, "be ignored." and

WHEREAS, I Corinthians, chapter 14, is emphasizing the orderly expression of a spiritual gift within the context of worship, and

WHEREAS, the apostle Paul in I Corinthians 11:5 previously taught that women were to express themselves in public worship in an orderly manner through prayer and prophesy, and

WHEREAS, women should be encouraged to continue in these practices as they edify the churches through them, and

WHEREAS, the Word of God does not teach of a congregational office being occupied by a female incumbant, and

WHEREAS, the Word of God does not speak to the relationship between congregational offices, the role of women, the rights, responsibilities, privileges of believers, and that of Holy Baptism, and

WHEREAS, the "advisory body" known as The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod adopted the position of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations which bases its decision on the premise that, "Through Baptism God has made [both men and women] equally and without distinctions of importance or value..." (The Service of Women in Congregational and Synodical Offices, 1. A.) and

WHEREAS, Holy Baptism is a promise of God towards the salvation of body and soul alone (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21), and does not remove the distinctions of male and female, and does not address equality, importance, or value; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the member churches that constitute Synod rescind the prior decision to adopt resolution 3-08A at the July, 2004 convention.

St. Paul Lutheran Church
Canyon, Texas
Rev. Terry Meyer, Pastor

WHEREAS, Synodical Resolution 5-09, adopted in the 2004 convention, directed that "the Synod in convention recognize, affirm, and encourage the work of the Districts in developing ministry-equipping programs for laity."; and

WHEREAS, Article XIV of our Augsburg Confession states, "Our churches teach that no one should publicly teach in the Church, or administer the Sacraments, without a rightly ordered call."; and

WHEREAS, The resolution appears to be in conflict with our confession of faith; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Texas District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod request that the Synod make it clear that by directing Districts to develop "ministry-equipping programs for laity" it does not mean the laity are to be trained to preach publicly in the Church or administer the Sacraments.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Austin
Dr. Bart Goddard, Executive Director
Dr. Lynne Inman, Secretary

WHEREAS, the 1989 Synodical Convention assembled in Wichita passed Resolution 3-05B, which approved the establishment of licensed lay deacons (commonly called "lay ministers") to provide pastoral services; and

WHEREAS according to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions the preaching of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments require a pastor with a regular call (Jeremiah 23:21, Romans 10:15, Hebrews 5:4, and Article XIV of the Augsburg Confession, "It is taught among us that nobody should publicly teach or preach or administer the sacraments in the church without a regular call);" and

WHEREAS, a regular call includes full and appropriate training and examination(1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9) so that the hearers are confident that the gifts of God are being rightly administered; and

WHEREAS, the 1995 Synodical Convention(3-07A) attempted to curb our unfaithful practice in this area by directing that any layman who was licensed to perform pastoral functions under the previous guidelines be required to apply for admission into the pastoral ministry of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, in 2001, Synodical President, Dr. A.L. Barry made plans to completely reverse the 1989 convention decision by passing Resolution 3-08, which had been endorsed by both Seminaries. This resolution 3-08, which was not considered by the 2001 Convention due to a substitute resolution, in part read, "Resolved that this convention rescinds the 1989 convention Res. 3-05B(establishment of licensed lay deacons to provide pastoral services) and the 1995 St. Louis convention Res. 3-07A (requiring such licensed laymen to complete a seminary program for ordination)." As well as, "…no new or renewal licenses to serve as a lay deacon shall be offered;" and

WHEREAS, substitute 2001 Resolution 3-08B was introduced by the floor committee and passed to continue the practice of lay ministers. 2001 Resolution 3-08B, stated, "That the Synod authorize its districts to continue training lay deacons as directed by the spirit of the 1989 Wichita Res. 3-05B in which trained lay ministers serve under the supervision of an ordained pastor." And later it also said, "That this convention rescind 1995 St. Louis convention Res. 3-07A(requiring such licensed laymen to complete a seminary program for ordination);" and

WHEREAS, the latest Synodical Convention(2004), passed Resolution 5-09, entitled, "To Affirm District Programs that Equip Laity for Ministry." This resolution directed "the Synod in convention recognize, affirm, and encourage the work of the Districts in developing ministry-equipping programs for laity such as the Lay Leader Institute, Missionary Training Center, Training Leaders for Ministry, and The Alaska Project." Earlier it noted that "Nineteen Districts of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod have developed ministry education and training programs;" therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District in Convention(2006) memorialize the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS) 2007 Synodical Convention to rescind the 1989 convention Res. 3-05B(establishment of licensed lay deacons to provide pastoral services), and the 2004 convention Res. 5-09(to affirm district programs that equip laity for ministry;" and be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Texas District in Convention(2006) memorialize the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS) 2007 Synodical Convention to direct Synod's congregations to a number of programs for training men for the office of Pastor, including not only the M.Div seminary program, but also alternate routes and especially DELTO(Distance Education Leading to Ordination), which was designed to provide "ordained pastoral service to congregations that cannot support a full-time pastor, ordained pastoral service to contexts where English is not spoken, ordained missionary personnel where finances and/or conditions do not permit calling full-time missionary, and enhanced congregational life as the congregation participates in the growth of its DELTO student" (BHE "What is DELTO?," Sept. 2000).

St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church U. A. C.
Edna, Texas

WHEREAS, The Synod in the 2004 convention did resolve "to commend the CTCR document Guidelines for Participation in Civic Events for study to help pastors, teachers, and church workers make decisions about participation in civic events" (Resolution 3-06A);

WHEREAS, For the sake of our own consciences and for a testimony to future generations, we want to give clear testimony to our faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to the True God; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, No resolution, guideline, or program whether it be resolved, accepted, or promoted by our Synod or District is understood by the 2006 Texas District convention to command, allow, or encourage a Christian to join in prayer with those who deny Jesus Christ is the only way to the true God.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Austin
Dr. Bart Goddard, Executive Director
Dr. Lynne Inman, Secretary

WHEREAS, in the First Commandment the Triune God out of love for us strictly forbids us from joining in worship with non-Christians; and

WHEREAS, participating with others while they are praying to false gods and reading their sacred writings gives a false testimony to the truth that only one God exists, is a violation of the First Commandment, and fails to lead sinners to the Savior Jesus; and

WHEREAS, Article IV of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod lists as a condition for membership, "Renunciation of unionism and syncretism of every description;" and

WHEREAS, God through his holy apostle said, "Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry…. the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons;" (1 Corinthians 10:14, 20) and

WHEREAS, pastors of our synod willingly and without coercion pledged themselves to abide by our Synod's Constitution, including Article VI, 2:b c, which states that pastors are to avoid "taking part in the services of heterodox congregations . . . and [heterodox] mission activities;" and

WHEREAS, Resolution 3-07A of the 2001 LCMS Convention was used-contrary to its original intent-to give approval to LCMS pastors participating in syncretistic and unionistic service because they were, "offering prayers, speaking and reading Scripture at events sponsored by governments," and this new interpretation has been referred to as "the official position of the Synod" in official 2004 Synodical reports of the President; and

WHEREAS, the 2004 Synodical Convention passed Resolution 3-06A, which commended the CTCR document entitled, "Guidelines for Participation in Civic Events(GPCE)." This document does not unambiguously forbid the participation of LCMS pastors in syncretistic and unionistic services in the future. Instead, the majority opinion allows for participation in joint prayer services by claiming that Christian and non-Christian clergy could "take turns" offering prayers("serial" prayers) without it being joint worship; and

WHEREAS, the notion of "civic events" sponsored by governments has been used to justify participation of LCMS pastors in syncretistic and unionistic services; and

WHEREAS, 2004 Res. 3-06A was commended "for study to help pastors, teachers, and church workers make decisions about participation in civic events;" therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District in Convention(2006) memorialize the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS) 2007 Synodical Convention to rescind the 2004 LCMS convention Res. 3-06A(commending the CTCR document, "Guidelines for Participation in Civic Events") and the 2001 LCMS convention Res. 3-07A(commending the CTCR document, "The Lutheran Understanding of Church Fellowship"); and be it finally

RESOLVED, that the Texas District in Convention(2006) memorialize the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS) 2007 Synodical Convention to have guidelines produced that would be so clear and unambiguous as to rule out any repetition of LCMS participation in syncretism or unionism in the future and would be in keeping with the LCMS Constitution, Article IV, condition for membership, "Renunciation of unionism and syncretism of every description."

St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church U. A. C.
Edna, Texas

WHEREAS, Acts chapter 15 shows the church deciding a controversy on doctrine and practice by meeting together to decide the issue and;

WHEREAS, there is a current controversy on doctrines and practices within our Synod and;

WHEREAS, these issues have not been solved by Synod in convention for more than 30 years and;

WHEREAS, general church councils in the history of the church have met for extended periods of time to come to agreement on issues then; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Texas District calls for a general church council to decide these issues once and for all;

1. Fellowship/Unionism/Synchretism
2. Women roles in the church
3. Lay Ministry
4. Ecclesiastical Oversight and Church Discipline
5. Communion practices
6. Liturgical practices, and;

RESOLVED, that the Texas District specify that the general church council will consist of all pastors; all theological professors in the Concordia University system; all Seminary professors; all District and Synodical Presidents; and one layperson per circuit, well educated in regards to the Scriptures and the Confessions and;

RESOLVED that the Texas District be unified that we meet until consensus is reached.

St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church U. A. C.
Edna, Texas

WHEREAS, The Texas District in its 2000 convention reaffirmed the Synod's historic position on close Communion in Resolution 3-03-00A Amended by a 74.7% affirmative vote; and

WHEREAS, This Resolution cited LCMS convention resolutions from 1967 through 1995 stating that in some "special cases," and "extraordinary circumstances," a pastor may commune someone who is a member of a denomination not in fellowship with the LCMS;

WHEREAS, The current practice of many congregations publicly to invite all baptized Christians who believe in the Real Presence and who agree with our doctrine to commune regardless of their church affiliation makes what we agree should be special and extraordinary to be common and ordinary; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That publicly inviting all baptized Christians who believe in the Real Presence and agree with our doctrine even though they are not members of a Missouri Synod Congregation in good standing is contrary to our official position on close Communion and should be discontinued.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Austin
Dr. Bart Goddard, Executive Director
Dr. Lynne Inman, Secretary

Doctrine and Practice
WHEREAS, Article II of the Constitution of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod expects not just agreement in doctrine, but also agreement in practice, when it says that "The Synod, and every member of the Synod, accepts without reservation: 1. The Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament as the written Word of God and the only rul