Resolution Adopted at LCMS South Wisconsin District
Pastoral Conference
Madison, WI April 9, 2002 (Conference: April 8-10, 2002)
Whereas, the tragic events of September 11, 2001 have brought
tremendous grief and loss to the lives of thousands, and has deeply affected
all our country, and
Whereas, this tragic event caused many in our country to seek unity
with each other, and
Whereas, true unity is truly God pleasing, (Eph. 4:3-6 Make every
effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one
body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were
called-one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is
over all and through all and in all.); and
Whereas, this true unity is only accomplished by God's grace through
God given faith in our one true Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, (Col. 1:18
[Christ] is the head of the body, the church.); and
Whereas, Scripture and the Confessions call for an uncompromising
confession of Christ alone as the sole source of eternal salvation (John 14:6,
Acts 4:12, 2 Corinthians 6:14-16a, Romans 16:17; Formula of Concord, SD X.V);
and
Whereas, some confusion and disagreement in regard to public
practice has arisen amongst the pastors and congregations of our Synod; be it
Resolved, that the South Wisconsin District Pastoral Conference
respectfully request the South Wisconsin District Presidium which is Synod's
representative to us to provide guidance to our conference on the following
question:
How are pastors to answer people who argue that our LCMS pastors should
participate in inter-faith services by saying, "A District President
did so, and the President of Synod approved of it, why won't you?"
And be it finally resolved, that we respectfully request such
guidance to be received, one month prior to the Fall 2002 Conference, and that
time be set aside for discussion of this matter at the conference.