From PSWBERESJ%PSW1@CCI.CHRIST.EDU Wed Jul 26 10:18:18 1995 Date: Mon, 17 Jul 1995 10:28:26 -0700 (PDT) From: PSWBERESJ%PSW1@CCI.CHRIST.EDU To: pswnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: 95 LCMS Convention Volume I, No. 7 Sunday, July 16, 1995 IN THIS ISSUE: Barry re-elected Kuhn elected first vice president President Barry outlines convention issues Worship service highlights anniversary "From the Convention" - Manske Ft. Wayne president resigns Barry urges sharing Gospel PRESIDENT BARRY ELECTED TO SECOND TERM Dr. A. L. Barry was elected to his second term as president of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod at the 59th regular convention in St. Louis during the opening day of business on Sunday, July 15. Barry was elected on the first ballot with a majority of votes. Votes received were: Alvin Barry, incumbent 754 (64.9%) Richard Kapfer, president, Iowa West District 290 (25.0%) John Johnson, president, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis 60 votes Dale Meyer, Lutheran Hour speaker 46 votes Robert T. Kuhn, president, Central Illinois District 12 votes Following the election, Barry stated he had prayed that God would make him a spiritual leader, a pastoral leader, a confessional leader , and mission leader. Barry is a graduate of Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minn. and Concordia Seminary, Springfield, Illinois. He received his seminary training through the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Seminary in Wisconsin, 1956, and requested a transfer of pastoral membership to the LCMS in 1960. He has a Master's degree from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., and in 1986 was awarded an honorary doctor of divinity degree by Concordia Seminary, Ft. Wayne. The re-elected president has served as pastor of several congregation in Minnesota and served as secretary of the LCMS Board for Missions from 1975-1977. He and his wife, Jean, have three children. KUHN ELECTED FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Dr. Robert Kuhn was elected to the office of first vice president in Sunday's second balloting. His election replaces Dr. Mennicke, who has served the Synod as first vice president since 1986. Voting on the final ballot was: Robert Kuhn, president, Central Illinois District 604 votes (51.9%) Dr. August Mennicke, LCMS first vice president 435 votes (40.2%) Robert King, LCMS second vice president 55 votes Raymond Hartwig, president, South Dakota District 36 votes John Heins, president, Michigan District deleted end of first ballot Kuhn was graduated from Concordia Senior College, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, in 1959 and from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1963. He has served as pastor of several congregations in Illinois and as development officer of Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois. Nominating ballots for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th vice presidents were presented Sunday afternoon, July 16. Balloting is scheduled for Monday, July 17. PRESIDENT OUTLINES MAJOR CONVENTION ISSUES (St. Louis - Dr. Chas Manske) President Barry highlighted major convention issues to the assembled delegates in St. Louis following his re-election. He indicated his support for the following resolutions as important steps toward making the church body more effective in ministry: 7-02 To Approve Bylaw Changes Involving Dispute Resolution Process (pp. 97-98) 2-03 and 2-04 Retain the Free-Standing Commission on Worship... (p. 37ff) 5-03 To respectfully decline Overture 5-25 (CW, pp. 207-16) The Concordia University System, through its board, brought to the convention various bylaws for the system of colleges and universities. The committee and the Synod president suggest that all in Resolution 5-03 not be accepted now but returned to the Board of Higher Education for further clarification. (p. 79) 4-03 To Improve Financial Reporting (pp. 67-68) and 4-04 To Communicate Indebtedness (p. 68) Both are part of the full financial disclosure concept. 3-09 To Address the Church Growth Movement (pp. 55-56) 3-06A The president also suggested that the issue of women in the church would be an important resolution (References given are in the re-written resolutions presented to the delegates and printed in TODAY'S BUSINESS, July 16, 1995.) The resolutions, though not yet acted on by the convention as of Sunday morning, July 16, will generate significant debate in the next six days. WORSHIP SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS ANNIVERSARIES A centennial of deaf ministry was one of three Synod anniversaries highlighted in Sunday's worship service. Other anniversaries noted are 100 years of overseas mission work, begun in India, and 75 years of campus ministry. Dr. Jerold D. Munz, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church for the Deaf in Indianapolis, signed as he led the 2700 convention delegates and visitors in worship. Worship leaders included Rev. Wilfred Eckhardt, pastor at the U. of Iowa; Rev. Dan Kunkel, missionary in West Africa, who has begun a ministry among deaf people there; and Dr. Luther Meinzen, who served for 40 years as a missionary in India. Rev. Douglas Rutt, missionary in Guatemala, said in his sermon, We are here because of the desires of God that all would be saved by the truth of His Word. He urged the worshippers to Take the Good News to others. The United States is besieged with immigrants looking for a better life. What better life do we have to offer than a better life in Christ? FROM THE CONVENTION FLOOR (by USCLuther.AOL - Dr. Chas. Manske) (Dr. Manske is attending the convention as News Information Director News for the PSWD for the 59th regular convention of the LCMS. Editing and publication of PSWNEWS, mailings, and press releases from the District office is done through Jean Beres, PSWD Communications.) (St. Louis) PSWNEWS - If you are a recent subscriber on the PSWNEWS list, you may have missed our six previous releases, summarizing the pre-convention committee meetings in St. Louis the end of May. The CONVENTION WORKBOOK which included overtures from various congregations and entities of the Synod was re-written by the various convention committees to be presented to the convention as a whole. These updated overtures now appear in writing in TODAY'S BUSINESS, handed out to all delegates daily. We hope to give you fast reporting of breaking events, through PSWNEWS, as the convention continues. HARD COPY OF DAILY UPDATES - will also be mailed to pastors and lay ministers of the PSWD. VOLUME II REPORTS - You will also be receiving my reports and commentaries directly from the convention. In this way you will receive reports of elections and major issues as they happen, by USCLuther (my America On Line address). INDEPENDENT NEWS ANALYSIS - We will be reporting news as we see it happen. We will also attempt to interpret what is happening. We are not an official The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. The official sources distributed through the staff of the Board for Communications of the Synod. These official reports can be gotten on Email by contacting the LutherNet mailserv and requesting CONVENTION and NEWS RELEASES. Let the convention begin as a witness to Jesus Christ and to all He has done! (Dr. Manske has reported nine previous conventions. He is Director of Graduate Studies at Concordia University, Irvine, was founding president of that institution ([1973-79], has taught part- time at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, and has served as moderator and producer of the national TV series [on 320 stations], Christianity on Trial. ) FT. WAYNE PRESIDENT RESIGNS Dr. David Schmiel, president of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, has announced his resignation as president, effective January 1, 1996. BARRY URGES LCMS TO SHARE GOSPEL WITH THE WORLD (St. Louis) LCMS President A. L. Barry has urged delegates and attendees at the 2.6 million-member church body's 59th Regular Convention to Go now and tell the King's people the Good News of the Gospel. Barry's remarks were made July 15 at the 7:30 p.m. opening worship service of the triennial convention. The July 15- 21 gathering is being held at the Cervantes Convention Center in America's Center in St. Louis. Our Good News is to be shared, said Barry. What are you going to do with this Good News, Missouri? Certainly, our first response should be to thank God. But, it can't just stop there. We must go and tell the King's people the Good News! From PSWBERESJ%PSW1@CCI.CHRIST.EDU Wed Jul 26 10:18:19 1995 Date: Tue, 18 Jul 1995 14:33:44 -0700 (PDT) From: PSWBERESJ%PSW1@CCI.CHRIST.EDU To: pswnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: 95 LCMS Convention Volume I, No. 8 Monday, July 17, 1995 IN THIS ISSUE: Barry encourages confessional course/outreach President speaks to resolutions Convention addresses physician-assisted suicide Committee reports Delegates consider race-related issues Fellowship with Paraguay, South Africa, formalized Synod adopts vision statement BARRY ENCOURAGES CONFESSIONAL COURSE, STRESSES OUTREACH St. Louis (LSMCNEWS) - Delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of the LCMS were encouraged to take actions that will keep the church on a course that is faithful to the historic Lutheran Confessions while it reaches out with the teachings and forgiveness God gives through Jesus Christ. In remarks to the first business session on Sunday (July 16), Synod President Barry called for two priorities faithfulness and outreach. We do not have to imitate others, he said. We can both do our mission work and at the same time remain faithful and confessional Lutherans. In fact, this we must do. At the same time, the Synod president encouraged the convention, and the church body, to reach out to people who don't know about Jesus Christ. Citing the Synod's celebration of 100 years in world mission, Barry said, Now is the time of unprecedented opportunity and challenge in the Lord. We have been sent forth by God's blessing to be a blessing. We have a very unique and special message for the world. It is the pure teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. PRESIDENT SPEAKS TO RESOLUTIONS (St. Louis - LCMSNEWS) President Barry's opening remarks to the delegates on Sunday offered comments on resolutions expected to come before the convention through the week of July 21. He said he -- supports a proposal to refine the conflict-resolution process in use in the Synod to allow for appeal of decisions, and to establish guidelines for the process; -- urges more study of a theological document on the service of women; -- has concerns about establishment of a single Board for Congregational Services that would bring together several existing boards. He suggested that the convention should elect all, or a majority of, members of the board; -- urges keeping the existing Commission on Worship independent, rather than incorporating it into a Congregational Services board; -- believes it best to decline a proposal from the Synod's Board for Higher Education to revise bylaws related to colleges and universities; -- supports full financial disclosure, saying, We need to demonstrate a genuine willingness to answer all questions when asked, not merely provide information as required by state laws. -- urges reaffirming the Synod's positions on Scriptures and its Confessions, as well as on altar fellowship and the Synod's practice of close communion; -- urges studying Church Growth teachings, in order to help congregations use the helpful aspects, while avoiding those that are problematic. CONVENTION ADDRESSES PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE (St. Louis - LCMSNEWS) Delegates in convention here (July 17) delayed final action on the resolution to speak out against any attempt to legalize physician-assisted suicide and encourage its pastors and people to do the same. Action is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon (July 19). The resolution, which says that attempts to legalize assisted suicide are an affront to the Lord who gives life, directs that the Synod express its objection to medical personnel having any part in actively inducing death, even at the patient's request. The delegates did vote to amend the resolution before them, adopting the amendment, We respect the individual's right to refuse treatment or to forbid life-support systems by a prior directive and to be allowed to die. COMMITTEE REPORTS COMMITTEE 1: MISSIONS Res. 1-01A Thanksgiving of 100 years of world missions, 100 years of ministry to the deaf, and 75 years of ministry to America's university campuses. Adopted Res. 1-06A Support for campus ministry. Adopted COMMITTEE 2: CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES Res. 2-01A President Barry's five-point statement of vision, with wording of the second Whereas modified to alter the phrase people-centered to Christ-centered. Modified motion adopted. Res. 2-02 Change of the Commission on Black Ministry into a Board for Black Ministry Services and to grant seats to such a new board on the Council of Mission and Ministry and on the Council of Administrators. To be reconsidered at a later date. Res. 2-05A Tabled. Title modified To commend for study the CTCR document, Racism and the Church . Res. 2-08A Postponed. COMMITTEE 3: THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS Res. 3-01 Formalizing altar and pulpit fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay. Adopted. Res. 3-02 Formalizing altar and pulpit fellowship with the Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa. Adopted. Res. 3-03A LCMS to join the International Lutheran Council. Postponed. COMMITTEE 4: PROGRAM AND FINANCE Res. 4-01 Promotion of walking together in biblical stewardship. Referred back to committee. DELEGATES CONSIDER RACE-RELATED ISSUES Monday's convention first rejected, but then decided to reconsider, a resolution to grant board status to the Commission on Black Ministry (giving it a stronger role in policy-making and programmatic activities). Reconsideration will come later in the week. FELLOWSHIP WITH PARAGUAY, SOUTH AFRICA, FORMALIZED (St. Louis - LCMSNEWS) Church fellowship between the LCMS and Lutheran church bodies in Paraguay and South Africa was formally recognized by the delegates Sunday afternoon. The convention formally acknowledged altar and pulpit fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay and with the Free Evangelical-Lutheran Synod in South Africa. SYNOD ADOPTS VISION STATEMENT A five-fold vision statement was commended for use and urged to be put into practice by congregations. Similar to the vision statement outlined by President Barry, the five points are: Strong in the word People-centered and people-sensitive Reaching out boldly with the Gospel Faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions Marked by peace and unity From PSWBERESJ%PSW1@CCI.CHRIST.EDU Wed Jul 26 10:18:19 1995 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 16:49:20 -0700 (PDT) From: PSWBERESJ%PSW1@CCI.CHRIST.EDU To: pswnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: 95 LCMS Convention Volume I, No. 9 Tuesday, July 18, 1995 IN THIS ISSUE; Timely updates times by electronic access PSWD election notes "Full Financial Disclosure" passed Sell and Rosin re-elected Worship committee stands free Voting rights for women reaffirmed TIMELY UPDATES TIMED BY ELECTRONIC ACCESS While we talk about surfing the web, and the speed and convenience of electronic transmittal, we occasionally find ourselves standing on the shore, still waiting for the right wave to travel from St. Louis to the District office. Along the same line, Chuck Manske found his moden and computer loved in the press room from Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning. In other words, although there is much convention news to be relayed, the transfer process has taken longer than expected. DAILY UPDATES will continue through Friday of this week with a wrap-up on Monday. (Jean Beres) PSWD ELECTION NOTES BOARD OF REGENTS, CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, IRVINE: Rev. Richard Allsing, St. Paul, San Diego (Also elected Paul Hillmann, retired principal, Terra Bella, CA; laypersons, Daniel Krueger, Arvada, CO, Eleanor Kruse, Fortuna, CA,, and Melvin Olsen, San Jose, CA) LCMS BOARD FOR MISSION SERVICES: Rev. Jim Johnson, Good Shepherd, Goleta, CA BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis: Jack Fleischli, Abiding Savior, Lake Forest, CA BOARD OF REGENTS, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis: Rev. Ed Westcott, retired pastor, Sun City, AZ BOARD OF DIRECTORS/LCMS A run-off election, later this week, includes former PSWD President Arnie Kuntz against two other candidates. He received 494 on the first vote and needed 556 to be elected. FULL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE PASSED (St. Louis - LCMSNEWS) Delegates defined and approved "full financial disclosure for the Synod and all of its entities and agencies," including district offices. The resolution, which is binding on each corporate agency of the Synod, defines full financial disclosure as all information (including but not limited to, information required to be made available under state law) recorded in any fashion" with some exceptions. The resolution was written so that disclosure is not limited to what is required by current Missouri law, but permits disclosure beyond the limits of corporate law in Missouri, as well as that of other states. SELL AND ROSIN ELECTED (St. Louis LCMSNEWS) Dr. Norman D. Sell has been re- elected as the Synod's vice president finance/treasurer and Dr. Walter L. Rosin as the church body's secretary. Sell received 613 of the 1,132 votes while Dr. John Gerber, CPH president, received 519. Rosin received 575 of the 1,222 votes cast, compared with the 547 votes for the Rev. Raymond L. Hartwig, S. Dakota District president. WORSHIP COMMITTEE STANDS FREE (St. Louis LCMSNEWS) Worship is so important to the church that a free-standing commission should continue to provide counsel and materials that lead, teach, and assist members in this critical part of church life. With that reasoning, delegates voted to retain a free-standing Commission on Worship. VOTING RIGHTS FOR WOMEN REAFFIRMED (St. Louis LCMSNEWS) Delegates reaffirmed the Synod's position (taken in 1969) on women voting in congregational meetings, that "Scriptures does not prohibit women from exercising franchise in congregational assemblies." The convention noted that "some members of the Synod continue to believe that woman's suffrage is not in the realm of Christian freedom, but is contrary to the Scriptures and that the Synod was in error for its 1969 position. Delegates urged these members to make use of established procedures for dissent as outlined in Synod bylaws. "From the Convention" - Manske will appear in tomorrow's edition of DAILY UPDATE. From PSWBERESJ%PSW1@CCI.CHRIST.EDU Wed Jul 26 10:18:20 1995 Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 12:25:02 -0700 (PDT) From: PSWBERESJ%PSW1@CCI.CHRIST.EDU To: pswnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: 1995 LCMS Convention Volume I, No. 10 Wednesday, July 19,1995 IN THIS ISSUE: PSWNEWS source information Delegates reaffirm commitment to urban, cross-cultural ministries Committee reports District presidents encouraged in pastoral role PSW SOURCE INFORMATION DAILY UPDATES through the PSWNEWS are gathered through three Email sources for the convention CONVENTION/LCMS NEWS and DAILY MINUTES. The first course is distributed by the LCMS Communications staff at the International Center in St. Louis. The second comes directly from the minutes taken at the convention. This information is received, via LUTHERNET. On-floor convention observations and insights are also received via USCLUTHER from Dr. Chas. Manske, serving as News Information Director for the PSWD for the 59th Regular Convention. Sources are then edited and published via Email to subscribers of PSWNEWS and (hardcopy) U.S. mail to all pastors and lay ministers from the District office communications department. PSWNEWS subscribers are receiving the same printed information as those via U.S. mail. The advantage of PSWNEWS subscribers is that they may also subscribe for full text coverage through the other Email sources. All delegates will receive hard copies of PSWNEWS, mailed to their homes, to share convention information with their congregations and circuits. (JB) DELEGATES REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO URBAN, CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRIES Delegates (Tuesday, July 19) reaffirmed the church's commitment to urban and cross-cultural ministries and encouraged outreach efforts to immigrants and international students attending U.S. high schools and colleges on Tuesday, July 19. Mainline churches are cited for abandoning declining-membership, inner-city congregations at a time when ministry opportunities are increasing. Fields ripe for harvest (John 4:35) were noted in the delegates response to reaffirming commitment. (The PSWD has the largest number of urban/cross-cultural churches within the LCMS. Our area of the Synod has been called, the mission field right in our own back yard. African-American, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Arabic, Jewish, and Hispanic established ministries are within the PSWD. Of the 275 District congregations, we list 64 sites for this specific mission. On-going support is given through the District and through the circuits. Praise God for the mission field He has placed before us!) COMMITTEE REPORTS COMMITTEE 8: REGISTRATION, CREDENTIALS, AND ELECTIONS: Delegate registration is 1,170. Total attendance (July 20) is 1,918. COMMITTEE 5: HIGHER EDUCATION 5-01. Thanksgiving was given for the blessing of God upon Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, was given. Adopted. 5-02A A motion for renewal of financial support for seminary education was presented. An amendment to cover the cost of all tuition was substituted to read,to alleviate undue financial burden, was defeated. COMMITTEE 6: HUMAN CARE 6-01A Affirming the sanctity of life. Motion was made and adopted to refer back to committee. 6-02 Objecting to suicide. The amendment, We respect the individual's right to refuse treatment or to forbid life-support systems by a prior directive and to be allowed to die,was adopted. Further amendments to reword and amend were discussed and defeated. The chairman called for the orders of the day. DISTRICT PRESIDENTS ENCOURAGED IN PASTORAL ROLE (St. Louis LCMSNEWS) Presidents of the 35 districts were encouraged in their pastoral roles by actions of the church body's convention. Delegates voted to reaffirm the pastoral relationship of the district presidents with all members of the Synod in their districts. Rev. Marvin Weseloh, a member of the committee, said the intent of the action is to stress how the president deals with people, not as a CEO or a judge, but dealing pastorally in every situation. From PSWBERESJ%PSW1@CCI.CHRIST.EDU Wed Jul 26 10:18:20 1995 Date: Fri, 21 Jul 1995 13:11:42 -0700 (PDT) From: PSWBERESJ%PSW1@CCI.CHRIST.EDU To: pswnews@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: 95 LCMS Convention Volume I, Number 11 Thursday, July 20, 1995 IN THIS ISSUE: And suddenly we see him for what he is - Manske Life issues come before convention Kuntz re-elected to LCMS Board of Directors Board for Congregational Services established Convention seeks to fine tune Dispute-Resolution Process Conflict of Interest policy revised DR. ALVIN BARRY AND SUDDENLY WE SEE HIM FOR WHAT HE IS by Dr. Chas. Manske It was Wednesday afternoon (July 19). It had been a long day...exhausting for the delegates but also for Dr. Alvin Barry, the newly elected president of the 6,000 congregations of the LCMS. One task remained, the greeting of delegates, guests and friends at the evening reception. The other officers would greet with their wives at their side. But, Dr. Barry would stand alone. He explained, at the end of the afternoon session, why Jean would not be present at his side. He felt that he owed an explanation to the delegates. So, he explained that the illness that had intruded upon their lives would be the reason for her absence. Cancer had prevented his partner for life to share this moment of joy with him. She had been with him at all the important times of ministry in his life...but not this time. And he tried to explain it...without asking for pity. Strong men do not do that. But, the words came out hesitatingly. This had been a difficult year with bone cancer; something that would not stay away, even when doctors said it might. And suddenly the hesitation became a pause and the tears that were hidden deep inside could not be hidden any longer. And we saw the man, and we saw what was important after all. It is the issue of life and death. And it touched not only the man, but it touched our lives, too. As we stand naked before God, the trivial pursuits of man are exposed for the trivialities that they are. And suddenly the most powerful sermon of the convention had been preached in words that were too few. What had not been said to the convention was how President A. L. Barry and his wife had lived together in recent months. The things that Jean could no longer do in the home were now being done by the man who was the leader of a 2.6 million member church body. Yes, that included laundry and the preparation of means and clean-up as well a side of the president that others would not know about and he would not tell them. This is a private side of life that northern Europeans tend to hide. It is part of our DNA. It is our heritage not to talk about the things that make us cry. It was a different side of Dr. A. L. Barry that the convention had not seen before. They had seen the man elected president for the second time. This time it was with nearly two-thirds of all the votes on the first ballot, with the four other candidates sharing the other one-third of the votes among themselves. There was no mistake that this was a strong president. He had made his vision statements the goals and objectives of the entire church body. The convention made sure of that by adopting them enthusiastically. The man from Iowa became the man of the hour everywhere. We knew his strength. We knew his vision. But we had not known the man, until he told us that his wife of a lifetime would not be with him tonight. Suddenly, we saw him for what he is! LIFE ISSUES COME BEFORE CONVENTION (St. Louis - LCMSNEWS) Delegates on Thursday addressed issues concerning the sanctity of life and physician-assisted suicide. Delegates resolved that the Synod express its objection to medical personnel having any part in actively inducing death, even at the patient's request or the request of the patient's family. Delegates amended the original resolution to include the Synod's intent to respect the individual's right to refuse treatment or to forbid life-support systems by a prior direction and to be allowed to die. In a separate resolution, delegates reaffirmed the Synod's position that human life begins at conception while also putting the Synod on record as deploring, renouncing, and repudiating in the strongest terms any use of violence as a means of protest. Discussion of the resolution, prior to adoption, included a suggestion that the Synod explore efforts to prevent the need for abortions by promoting educational opportunities and pregnancy counseling. In other human-care issues, a resolution directed to the Synod's Board of Directors asks that a task force convene to address the issue of providing adequate and affordable insurance coverage for full-time church-work students and their dependents, while they are in college or seminary and on vicarage or serving an internship. KUNTZ RE-ELECTED TO LCMS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Arnold Kuntz, former president of the Pacific Southwest District, has been re-elected to the Synod's Board of Directors for a six-year term. Others elected are: Clergy: Rev. Ulmer Marshall, Mobile, Ala. Teacher: Clifford Dietrich (re-elected), superintendent of Ft. Wayne Lutheran schools Laity: Christian Preus, attorney, Plymouth, Minn. Dean Bell, farmer and lay minister, Hendrum, Minn. Dr. Jean Garton, president, Lutherans for Life, Benton, Ark. BOARD FOR CONGREGATIONAL SERVICES ESTABLISHED As a means of providing more effective service to the 6,000 congregations of the LCMS, the Board for Congregational Services has been established. The new board brings together functions and staff of former boards of evangelism, youth and parish services, and the Council on Stewardship. Its eleven members are to be elected on Friday (July 21). Dr. Lyle Muller, executive directory for Congregation Services will lead the board's areas of service that include adult ministry, children ministry, evangelism, family, leadership development, schools, stewardship, and youth. The Conference of Congregational Services, begun in 1992, was also formalized. Representatives from districts, seminaries, colleges and national staff, plus the Congregational Services board, will serve as the 74-member body. CONVENTION SEEKS TO FINE TUNE DISPUTE- RESOLUTION PROCESS (St. Louis - LCMSNEWS) Delegates to the 59th Regular Convention of the LCMS, July 18, sought to fine tune the church body's dispute-resolution process put in place at the last LCMS convention in 1992. Among bylaw changes adopted by the convention is provision for adding to the process a review panel, an additional possibility for appealing a decision that, until now, would have been final. In a relation resolution, delegates asked the task force that designed the three-year old system to develop guidelines for use by panels involved in hearing of the disputes brought to them. It is apparent that some fine-tuning is necessary in order to provide clarification or to deal with the factors that were not anticipated, says one of the two resolutions. Disputes that arise in the Synod and are taken to the dispute- resolution system are heard first by a trained reconciler. If there is no resolution at that level, three reconcilers may be selected to form a dispute-resolution panel to seek a solution. Until this year's changes, such a panel could be asked to reconsider, but ultimately made the final decision in a case. The changes add a review panel, comprised of three district presidents, which will now have the final word. Efforts are to be made throughout the process to bring reconciliation to those involved in a dispute. The system, adopted in 1992, replaced a system that resembled a courtroom model for adjudicating disputes. Some of the debate surrounding the additional layer of appeal centered on whether or not the change would made the new system more adversarial. A proposal by the convention floor committee, to appoint a new committee to develop guidelines and dismiss the Task Force on Dispute-Resolution, was replaced by a substitute resolution that gives the job to the existing task force. CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY REVISED The Synod's proposed revised and expanded bylaws on conflict of interest have been accepted by the convention. New wording covers prohibiting conflict and calls for their disclosure, applying to every board, commission, officer and staff member of Synod, and to every agency or entity of the Synod. Those covered must disclose receipt of any honoraria or payment made for services rendered to the Synod, its entities or agencies; must not carry out any activities or disclose information that could be detrimental to the Synod; may not vote on any transaction in which the individual could receive financial gain; and must disclose any gifts, entertainment, or favors in excess of $100 each year. Individuals will be required to sign annual statements of compliance. From USCLuther@aol.com Wed Jul 26 10:20:19 1995 Date: Fri, 14 Jul 1995 15:52:55 -0400 From: USCLuther@aol.com To: PSWNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: PSWNews II 1StLouis PSW NEWS AT THE ST. LOUIS CONVENTION VOL. 2, NUMBER 1 FRIDAY, JULY 14, 1995 LCMS CONVENTION BEGINS JULY 15, 1995 Delegates are in the process of gathering in St. Louis for the convention of the national church body which begins with worship. PREVIOUS PRECONVENTION REPORTS If you are a recent subscriber on the PSW List, you have missed our previous six releases which summarized what happened at the Committee meetings in St. Louis the end of May. The "Convention Workbook" which included overtures from various congregations and entities of synod was re-written by the various convention committees to be presented to the convention as a whole. These overtures now appear in writing as #1 of "Todays Business." This means that the "Convention Workbook" is relatively obsolete and the actions to be taken by the convention will come out of "Todays Business." If you were a member on this service, you got summaries of all the overtures two weeks earlier by using this E-Mail service. We hope to give you fast reporting of breaking events as the convention continues. PROCEDURE You will be receiving reports from two sources when you subscribe to PSW News: 1) Vol. 1 of convention reports with sequential numbering will continue to be edited in Irvine California on the basis of E Mail reports and FAX from the convention floor. After immediate posting on internet, it will be put into hard copy and mailed to all 270 congregations as well as additional mailings to delegates in attendance from Arizona, California and Nevada. Also news releases are developed for all major news souces which include radio, television and print media. The person responsible for the distribution of all this information is Jean Beres, comunications staff person for the Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. She has done all of this work at previous conventions working with former district PR Director, Rev. Ken Kilian and with the undersigned. Jean has excellent skills and you will love her reports. 2) Vol. II will be reports directly from the floor and media room of the LCMS convention in St. Louis. In this way you get the reports of elections and major issues as they happen by USCLuther. The undersigned has done the reporting at 9 previous national conventions for the district. That reporting begins here with Vol. 2, No. 1, today. INDEPENDENT NEWS ANALYSIS We will be reporting news as we see it happen. We are not an official news source for the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. The official sources are compiled and distributed through the staff of the Board for Communications of the synod. These official reports can be gotten on E-mail by contacting mailserv and requesting CONVENTION and NEWS RELEASES. There will also be a section called "Commentary" where we will attempt to interpret what is happening. For those of you who are used to newspaper language, this is what happens when you read the editorial page. BUT WHO IS USCLuther? I will be signing these editorials by my screen name for America On Line. USCLuther is Charles L. Manske, Ph.D. Director of Graduate Programs in Religion, Concordia University, Irvine, California Some of you may know me by my previous incarnations as founding president of Concordia University (1973-1979), or 14 years of part time teaching at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne or as moderator and producer of the national TV series (on 320 stations) "Christianity On Trial" (1986-1992). So let the convention begin as a witness to Jesus Christ and to all He has done. -30- From cfwlibrary@CRF.CUIS.EDU Wed Jul 26 10:20:19 1995 Date: Sat, 15 Jul 1995 17:10:49 -0500 (CDT) From: "Walther Library -- Concordia Theo. Seminary" To: Walther Library Cc: Reference Assistant Subject: Convention Report: PSWNewsV2#3 (fwd) | Rev. Robert E. Smith | CFWLIBRARY@CRF.CUIS.EDU | | Public Services Librarian |"A man will turn over half a library | | Concordia Theological Seminary | to make one book" | | Ft. Wayne, Indiana | -- Samuel Johnson | ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sat, 15 Jul 1995 16:40:50 -0400 From: USCLuther@aol.com To: PSWNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: PSWNewsV2#3 PSWNEWS VOL. 2, No. 3, Saturday, July 15, 1995 CONVENTION BEGINS The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod in convention at St. Louis begins Saturday evening with worship services and Sunday morning with the opening business sessions. PRECONVENTION NEWS The convention is still trying to understand the retirement of Dr. David Schmiel, president of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, effective in January 1996. The announcement was made about 7 days ago, but most delegates did not hear about it until they arrived at the convention. What does this mean in terms of the continuous discussions that have existed on the Fort Wayne campus and the issues facing this convention in higher education? COMMENTARY PRECONVENTION INFORMATION AVAILABLE Although materials are not to be distributed relative to elections at the convention building, (according to #1, Todays Business, page 7) nevertheless, materials are available to the delegates in a variety of ways. The "FORWARD" publication suggests candidates for elected offices which would be an alternative to the position of the encumbent president, Dr. A. L. Barry. Suggestions are given for all elected offices including the board of regents for the various synodical colleges, universities and seminaries. The choice for president is Dr. Richard Kapfer, president of Iowa West Dist of the LC--MS, CHRISTIAN NEWS is again being distributed which generally supports the election of more conservative candidates. AFFIRM is another publication that has had wide distribution. The actions of Dr. A. L. Barry are applauded in these publications. COMMENTARY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE SYNOD The election of the president and vice presidents takes place on Sunday. It is here that we discover where the votes are for this convention. Many observers believe that Dr. A. L. Barry will be elected again as president of the church body (many believe that this could happen on the first ballot.) This would be remarkable. If my memory serves me correctly, Dr. J.A.O. Preus was elected on the third ballot at Denver 1969 and second in Milwaukee 1971. So re-election has not been automatic in the past. But the other result of Mailwaukee in 1971 was the national election of most elected officers of synod (95%) who were in accord with the direction that Dr. J. A. O. Preus wanted. COMMENTARY THE FIRST VICE PRESIDENCY OF SYNOD The most revealing election involves the five candidates for first vice presidency. The encumbent, Dr. Augie Mennicke, will stand for re-election. The likely runoff candidate will be Dr. Robert T. Kuhn, president of the Central Illinois District. The way in which the votes line up for this crucial full time office is likely to determine the future of many other elections for the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod in St. Louis. We will be reporting the elections of officers to you in our next news releases on Sunday, July 16, 1995 USCLuther (Charles Manske) From cfwlibrary@CRF.CUIS.EDU Wed Jul 26 10:20:20 1995 Date: Sun, 16 Jul 1995 17:57:47 -0500 (CDT) From: "Walther Library -- Concordia Theo. Seminary" To: Walther Library Subject: Convention Report: PSWNEWSV2#4 (fwd) | Rev. Robert E. Smith | CFWLIBRARY@CRF.CUIS.EDU | | Public Services Librarian |"A man will turn over half a library | | Concordia Theological Seminary | to make one book" | | Ft. Wayne, Indiana | -- Samuel Johnson | ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sun, 16 Jul 1995 12:30:30 -0400 From: USCLuther@aol.com To: PSWNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: PSWNEWSV2#4 PSWNews Vol. 2, No. 4, Sunday, July 15, 1995 LC--MS CONVENTION ELECTS DR. ALVIN L. BARRY TO SECOND TERM AS PRESIDENT Dr. A. L. Barry was elected to his second term as president of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod at the annual convention in St. Louis during the opening day of business on Sunday, July 15. Barry was elected on the FIRST ballot with a majority of votes. The votes for presidency were the following: Dr. Alvin L. Barry 754 votes 64.9% Dr. Richard G. Kapfer 290 votes Dr. John F. Johnson 60 votes Dr. Dale E. Meyer 46 votes Dr. Robert T. Kuhn 12 votes Dr. A. L. Barry in his response to being elected, stated that he had prayed that God would make him a spiritual leader, a pastoral leader, a confessional leader and mission leader. In his short response he accepted the results of the election. DR. ROBERT KUHN ELECTED FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Previously candidates for first vice president were nominated by synod's congregations. The election was accomplished on the SECOND ballot. The votes on this final ballot were as follows: Dr. August Mennicke 435 votes 40.2% Dr. John Heyns Deleted at end of first ballot. Dr. Robert Kuhn 604 votes 51.9% Dr. Robert King 55 votes Dr. Raymond Hartwig 36 votes OPENING WORSHIP SERVICES INSPIRE ASSEMBLY The saturday evening worship service reflecting the convention theme, "Sent Forth by God's Blessing" included a sermon by Dr. A. L. Barry. Message, music and prayer lifted the participants to accept the challenges of our time. The Sunday morning worship service entitled, "A Worship Service Celebrating Mission Anniversaries," included a message by The Rev. Douglas Rutt. missionary from Guatemala. The worship service celebrated the 100th anniversary of overseas mission work, 100 years of deaf mission work, and 75 years of campus ministry. USCLuther From cfwlibrary@CRF.CUIS.EDU Wed Jul 26 10:20:20 1995 Date: Sun, 16 Jul 1995 18:02:44 -0500 (CDT) From: "Walther Library -- Concordia Theo. Seminary" To: Walther Library Subject: Convention Report: PSWNEWSV2#5 BIGISSUES (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Sun, 16 Jul 1995 17:28:09 -0400 From: USCLuther@aol.com To: PSWNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: PSWNEWSV2#5 BIGISSUES PSWNEWS VOL. 2, NO. 5 PRESIDENT A. L. BARRY OUTLINES MAJOR ISSUES OF THE CONVENTION. The president of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod highlighted various convention issues to the delegates attending the national convention meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. As the first major item of business on Sunday, the president was elected again to another three year term as president. (see previous release) The president indicated his support for the following resolutions as important steps toward making the church body more effective in ministry. (The references given are in the re-written resolutions presented by the various committees and printed in "Todays Business" July 16, 1995) Theses resolutions have NOT been acted on by the convention, but will generate significant debate in the next six days: 1) "To Approve Bylaw Changes Involving Dispute Resolution Process" 7-02 pp 97-98 This resolution examines the previous convention actions, makes some revisions and adds an appeal process. 2) "Retain the Free Standing Commission on Worship, etc." #2-03 and 2-04 p. 37ff 3) "To Respectfully Decline Overture 5-25" Resol #503 p. 79 The Concordia University System through its board brought to the convention various bylaw changes for the system of colleges & universities. The committe and the synod president suggest that all in Resol. #503 not be accepted now but returned to the board for higher education for further discussion and clarification. 4) "To Improve Financial Reporting" Resol #403 and "To Communicate Indebtedness Resol. #404 pp. 67-68 This is part of the "Full Financial Disclosure" concept. 5) "To Address the Church Growth Movement" Resol 3-09 p. 55 6) The president also suggested that the issue of "women in the church" (Res. #306A) would be an important resolution. We will be doing additional reporting as these resolutions are discussed on the floor of the convention. THE NOMINATING BALLOT FOR VICE PRESIDENTS 2 TO 5 IS THE NEXT ITEM OF BUSINESS for Sunday afternoon. Probably the election for these offices will take place on Monday. USCLUTHER From USCLuther@aol.com Wed Jul 26 10:20:20 1995 Date: Mon, 17 Jul 1995 18:51:53 -0400 From: USCLuther@aol.com To: PSWNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: PSWNewsV2,#6 PSW NEWS VOL. 2, NO. 6, MONDAY, JULY 17,1995 DR ROBERT KING ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH--MISSOURI SYNOD Delegates continued the election process for vice presidents of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod at the national convention in St. Louis on Monday, July 17, 1995. The process began with a primary ballot to nominate candidates for the offices of vice president 2 through 5, or a total of three vice presidents. One was elected, Dr. King, but the other two were not yet elected late Monday afternoon. On Sunday the convention elected Dr. A. L. Barry as president on the first ballot with a 65% vote and Dr. Robert Kuhn as first vice president on the second ballot with a 52% vote. After the primary nominating ballot, twelve persons had accepted nomination to have their names stand for election. The twelve persons and the votes they received after the first ballot are recorded below: Rev. David D. Buegler 350 Dr. Eugene W. Bunkowske 432 Dr. Robert King 932 ELECTED Dr. Walter A. Maier II 210 Dr. Dale Meyer 355 Dr. Norbert C. Oesch 304 Dr. J. A. O. Preus III 286 Dr. Robert D. Preus 397 Dr. Wallace A. Schulz 389 Rev. Edwin Suflow 237 Dr. William Weinrich 287 Rev. Laurence White 241 In a ruling by synod's constituional committee, the ballot was narrowed to six candidates instead of eleven. The candidates who remained on the second ballot for election as national vice presidents were: Rev. David D. Buegler Dr. Eugene W. Bunkowske Dr. Dale A. Meyer Dr. Norbert C. Oesch Dr. Robert D. Preus Dr. Wallace R. Schulz CONVENTION APPROVED OVERTURE "TO RETAIN FREE STANDING COMMISSION ON WORSHIP" The passing of the free standing commission was called for by Pres A. L. Barry in his opening speech to the convention. The vote for approval was 840 - Yes and 285 - No. The resolution is identified as Rolution 2-03A on page 129-130 of "Today's Business." USCLuther 30 From USCLuther@aol.com Wed Jul 26 10:20:20 1995 Date: Mon, 17 Jul 1995 19:12:36 -0400 From: USCLuther@aol.com To: PSWNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: PSWNewsV2,#7NewVPs PSW NEWS VOL. 2, NO. 7, MONDAY, JULY 17,1995 (Follow Up Story) DR DALE MEYER, DR. EUGENE BUNKOWSKE AND DR. WALLACE SCHULZ ELECTED VICE PRESIDENTS OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH--MISSOURI SYNOD Delegates continued the election process for vice presidents of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod at the national convention in St. Louis on Monday, July 17, 1995. In a ruling by synod's constituional committee, the ballot was narrowed to six candidates instead of eleven. The candidates who remained on the second ballot for election as national vice presidents were: Rev. David D. Buegler 521 VOTES Dr. Eugene W. Bunkowske 598 VOTES Dr. Dale A. Meyer 648 VOTES Dr. Norbert C. Oesch 463 VOTES Dr. Robert D. Preus 538 VOTES Dr. Wallace R. Schulz 569 VOTES On the basis of this votes the election committee announced that Dr. Dale Meyer had been elected third vice president, Dr. Eugene Bunkowske was elected fourth vice president and Dr. Wallace Schulz was elected fifth vie president. USCLuther 30 From USCLuther@aol.com Wed Jul 26 10:20:20 1995 Date: Mon, 17 Jul 1995 19:12:09 -0400 From: USCLuther@aol.com To: PSWNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: PSWNewsV2,#6 PSW NEWS VOL. 2, NO. 6, MONDAY, JULY 17,1995 DR ROBERT KING ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH--MISSOURI SYNOD Delegates continued the election process for vice presidents of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod at the national convention in St. Louis on Monday, July 17, 1995. The process began with a primary ballot to nominate candidates for the offices of vice president 2 through 5, or a total of three vice presidents. One was elected, Dr. King, but the other two were not yet elected late Monday afternoon. On Sunday the convention elected Dr. A. L. Barry as president on the first ballot with a 65% vote and Dr. Robert Kuhn as first vice president on the second ballot with a 52% vote. After the primary nominating ballot, twelve persons had accepted nomination to have their names stand for election. The twelve persons and the votes they received after the first ballot are recorded below: Rev. David D. Buegler 350 Dr. Eugene W. Bunkowske 432 Dr. Robert King 932 ELECTED Dr. Walter A. Maier II 210 Dr. Dale Meyer 355 Dr. Norbert C. Oesch 304 Dr. J. A. O. Preus III 286 Dr. Robert D. Preus 397 Dr. Wallace A. Schulz 389 Rev. Edwin Suflow 237 Dr. William Weinrich 287 Rev. Laurence White 241 In a ruling by synod's constituional committee, the ballot was narrowed to six candidates instead of eleven. The candidates who remained on the second ballot for election as national vice presidents were: Rev. David D. Buegler Dr. Eugene W. Bunkowske Dr. Dale A. Meyer Dr. Norbert C. Oesch Dr. Robert D. Preus Dr. Wallace R. Schulz CONVENTION APPROVED OVERTURE "TO RETAIN FREE STANDING COMMISSION ON WORSHIP" The passing of the free standing commission was called for by Pres A. L. Barry in his opening speech to the convention. The vote for approval was 840 - Yes and 285 - No. The resolution is identified as Rolution 2-03A on page 129-130 of "Today's Business." USCLuther 30 From USCLuther@aol.com Wed Jul 26 10:20:21 1995 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 11:15:46 -0400 From: USCLuther@aol.com To: PSWNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: PSWNEWSV2#8Elected PSWNEWS Vol. 2. Number 8, July 19, 1995, Wednesday NORMAN SELL ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT -- FINANCE/TREASURER WALTER L. ROSIN ELECTED SECRETARY OF SYNOD The convention of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod elected the encumbent officers of the church body on Wednesday, July 19, 1995 at the convention of the national church body in St. Louis. The elections were close as Norman Sell with 613 votes was elected over John Gerber with 519 votes. Walter L Rosin who has served for twelve years as synod secretary was elected with 575 votes defeating Raymong Hartwig with 547 votes. Other elections will be announced soon. (Note to readers: our modem and computer were locked in the press room overnight and prevented internet messages; look for more stories today). From USCLuther@aol.com Wed Jul 26 10:20:21 1995 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 13:00:46 -0400 From: USCLuther@aol.com To: PSWNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: PSWNEWSV2#8Elected PSWNEWS Vol. 2. Number 8, July 19, 1995, Wednesday NORMAN SELL ELECTED VICE PRESIDENT -- FINANCE/TREASURER WALTER L. ROSIN ELECTED SECRETARY OF SYNOD The convention of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod elected the encumbent officers of the church body on Wednesday, July 19, 1995 at the convention of the national church body in St. Louis. The elections were close as Norman Sell with 613 votes was elected over John Gerber with 519 votes. Walter L Rosin who has served for twelve years as synod secretary was elected with 575 votes defeating Raymong Hartwig with 547 votes. Other elections will be announced soon. (Note to readers: our modem and computer were locked in the press room overnight and prevented internet messages; look for more stories today). From USCLuther@aol.com Wed Jul 26 10:20:21 1995 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 13:01:42 -0400 From: USCLuther@aol.com To: PSWNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: PSWNEWSV2#9IRVELECTED PSWNEWS VOL. 2, NUMBER 9, WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 1995 BOARD OF REGENTS ELECTED FOR CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, IRVINE CALIFORNIA New members were elected to the Board for Regents for Concordia University in Irvine California, at the national convention of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, for a period of six years each. The Rev. Richard Allsing from greater San Diego continues in office as one of the regents at the Irvine University. Mr. Paul Hillmann was elected as a regent representing commissioned ministers of the church. Laypersons elected were Mr. Daniel Krueger, Ms. Eleanor Kruse and Mr. Melvin Olsen. Other members of the board of regents are elected by various assemblies in the Pacific Southwest region. From USCLuther@aol.com Wed Jul 26 10:20:21 1995 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 17:56:59 -0400 From: USCLuther@aol.com To: PSWNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: PSWNEWSV2#10PortELECTED PSWNEWS VOL. 2, NUMBER 10, WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 1995 BOARD OF REGENTS ELECTED FOR CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, PORTLAND OREGON New members were elected to the Board for Regents for Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, at the national convention of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, for a period of six years each. The Rev. Phil Streufert was elected as the clergyman representative to the board. Mr. Gary Gable was elected as the commissioned minister representative to the board. Laypersons elected were Mr. Charles Brondos, Mr. Richard Hyde and Ms. Char Kroemer Other members of the board of regents are elected by various assemblies in the Pacific Northwest region. USCLuther 30 From USCLuther@aol.com Wed Jul 26 10:20:21 1995 Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 18:02:36 -0400 From: USCLuther@aol.com To: PSWNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: PSWNEWSV2#11Missions PSW NEWS VOL. 2, NUMBER 11, July 19, 1995, Wednesday COMMENTARY: MISSION WORK SEEN AS GOAL OF SYNOD'S NEW VICE PRESIDENTS The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod meeting in St. Louis has elected its new leadership for the next three years through the offices of five vice presidents. The amazing thread of similarity among the elected leaders is their interest in world missions. Prior to the elections, not many could have predicted the names of the vice presidents that would ultimately be chosen by the delegates. Two of the vice presidents are speakers on the International Lutheran Hour, a radio program heard on 1500 stations or so around the world. Both are employed by the Lutheran Laymens League which sponsors Lutheran Hour Ministries. Dr. Dale Meyer, the Lutheran Hour speaker has also been involved in the new television series, "On Main Street." Dr. Meyer is the third vice president of synod. On the other hand, Dr. Wallace Schulz, associate Lutheran Hour speaker, has been involved in witnessing situations in various countries of the world; two years ago he was doing mission work in various east block countries in Europe. Dr. Wallace Schulz is the fifth vice president of the synod. Dr. Robert King, elected second vice president, has been a leader in providing for the various pastoral needs which are unmet among minority ethnic groups in the United States. Dr. King, a member of the Afro-American community, serves as pastor of a congregation which has a strong Anglo base. Dr. Robert Kuhn, first vice president of the synod, has been involved in many projects of mercy that frequently give opportunities for witnessing. These include Good Samaritan Advisory Council, Sanctity of Life Task Force and many other Lutheran ministries of help and concern. Dr. Eugene Bunkowske, fourth vice president of synod, is the chairman of the missions department of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The program involves foreign missionaries in a doctorate of missiology program; which is the second largest among all seminaries in the USA. Previously Dr. Bunkowske served as a missionary in Africa before receiving his Ph.D. at UCLA. When the delegates voted for these vice presidents; little did they know that they were choosing missionary leaders for the church body. Some delegates are involved in following various "political choices," but there is ample evidence here that God was in the process of choosing leaders that the Lord needs to serve His ends on earth. "Man proposes but God disposes." God can take our small plans for the future and transform them into His LARGE plans for eternity. Thank God that He has chosen missinary leaders for the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod in the office of five vice presidents. (End of commentary) USCLuther (Charles Manske) 30 From USCLuther@aol.com Wed Jul 26 10:20:21 1995 Date: Fri, 21 Jul 1995 13:15:58 -0400 From: USCLuther@aol.com To: PSWNEWS@CRF.CUIS.EDU Subject: PSWNEWSV2#14POLITICS PSW NEWS VOL. 2, NUMBER 14, FRIDAY, JULY 21, 1995 COMMENTARY: ON THE INFLUENCE OF POLITICAL PARTIES; WHO WON? As the convention of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod comes to a conclusion on Friday afternoon, it may be of interest to our readers to see if political parties within the church body exercised influence over the elections and other convention resolutions. The elections were finally concluded Friday morning at about10 AM. A quick count of the Voting Patterns suggested by various groups indicates the number of recommended candidates elected by the convention: 1. "Forward" (Lutherans Alive Inc) = 72 2. Christian News = 53 or Affirm Magazine (Balance Inc) = 61 The number of candidates endorsed in common and elected by all three groups = 30 The number of candidates endorsed both by Affirm and Christian News only = 49 Perhaps it would be helpful to identify the groups listed above. "Affirm" and "Christian News" are frequently identified as more conservative and being more traditional in worship & doctrines. On the other hand, "Forward" is identified by being conservative but having greater latitude in regard to structure and worship. CONCLUSION Most observers are surprised by how close the numbers are. Elected candidates that were endorsed by all three groups is about 30. Perhaps it would be appropriate to say that most delegates voted as they wanted rather than being unduly influenced by any suggested lists. Since "Affirm" and "Christian News" frequently endorsed the same candidates, namely 49, the influence of more traditional conservative beliefs on the election process is not as great as some thought it might be. THE ELECTION OF THE SYNOD'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS Those that represent the thinking of the "Forward" group were most enthusiastic by the election process in the board of directors where eight on their list were elected while only three were elected from the Affirm group and four from the Christian News group. The numbers listed here also include the election of synod's president, treasurer and secretary. THE BOARD OF REGENTS, CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, FORT WAYNE Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne has had a number of important issues concerning the governance and executive leadership in recent years. In the election for the board of regents, four candidates were elected from the endorsed list of "Affirm" and "Christian News" while no candidates from the "Forward" list were elected. Consequently the board will probably be changing direction in the future. DISCLAIMER We do not stand 100% behind the accuracy of the figures listed above and they should be considered as approximate numbers. In quite a few cases, candidates were nominated from the floor. In other cases, recommended candidate lists were handed out at the door as voters entered the convention hall. Although we think we received all of these approved lists, it is possible that some were missed. We have also relied on the work of others in the press room to correctly record this election compilation--and we thank them for their work. THE PRIMARY BUSINESS OF THE CHURCH In many ways, I hesitate to share the news indicated above. The primary business of the church is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. The maneuvering for position or power are somehow in contrast to the "servanthood" image that we see in the Gospels. I wonder if It is a good use of my time to compile the statistics used above. But then again we need to deal with the realities of church life here on earth until we can reach the church triumphant; and then we will have no need for these types of lists nor political parties. END OF COMMENTARY USCLuther 30