1998-2
Proposed Resolution to LSM-USA

Purpose:         The purpose of this resolution is to affirm LSM-USA's support of both the ELCA and LCMS and to encourage further dialogue between the ELCA and LCMS on how greater ecclesiastical unity might be achieved.

Background

LSM-USA, "has historically been an inter-Lutheran organization extending across synodical lines and encouraging and reaffirming fellowship between members of all Lutheran church bodies;"' and "one of the purposes of LSM-USA is to promote Lutheran unity in every possible

way."²

In 1997 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted on several ecumenical proposals at it's Churchwide Assembly. These proposals dealt with full communion with the Reformed Churches, the Episcopal Church and a Joint Declaration of the Doctrine of Justification between the Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church.'

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod has expressed a concern regarding these proposals and the ELCA's confessional standing as a Lutheran body in the church catholic (universal church), calling them "very troubling decisions";⁴ and

WHEREAS, the LCMS believes that the ELCA and LCMS are in serious disagreement over the nature of the importance of the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions;' and

WHEREAS, Dr. Barry, LCMS President, has stated "The last thing I want to do is to stir up feelings of hurt and anger between our two church bodies or cause consternation in families that have persons who are members in the LCMS and the ELCA," in his February 1997 Newsletter;' and

WHEREAS, the ELCA works to "seek unity in faith and life with all Lutherans within its boundaries";' and

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that:

1. LSM-USA recognizes the ELCA and LCMS as true expressions of the Lutheran reforming tradition in the church catholic;

2. LSM-USA supports the ongoing ecumenical dialogues of both the ELCA and LCMS under the provision of Scriptural and Lutheran Confessional commandments for Church and Lutheran Unity;

3. LSM-USA urges the ELCA and LCMS to engage in discussion upon how greater ecclesiastical unity might be achieved; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this statement be officially distributed to the Presiding