RESOLUTION 2004.3

Title of Resolution         An Appeal to the ELCA Clergy and Bishops Procedures

Name of Mover            Reverend James Lehmann, Immanuel, Thomasboro

Name of Seconder        Rev. Dr. Timothy D. Hubert, St. John Lutheran, Royal

WHEREAS   the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America "accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life" (2.03); "accepts the Apostles' Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as true declarations of the faith" (2.04); and "accepts the Unaltered Augsburg Confession as a true witness to the Gospel" (2.05); and

WHEREAS  all of our pastors and bishops, in the rite of our ordination and during our installation to service, have twice sworn, by the grace of our God, to "...preach and teach in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and these creeds and confessions (Apostles, Nicene and Athanasian Creeds, and the Lutheran Confessions); and

WHEREAS   we are witnessing increasing innovation and subjective interpretation that has been argued as ignoring the Holy Scriptures, creeds and confessions of the Lutheran Church;

                     THEREFORE, BE IT 

RESOLVED that this synod affirm that proper procedure for the proclamation of the Gospel begin with letting Holy Scripture speak for itself (by the Holy Spirit), appealing to the faithful witness of the saints across the ages as needed for further understanding, placing no final authority in reason or experience; and be it further

RESOLVED that pastors and bishop of this synod be encouraged as they continue striving for fidelity to the Holy Scriptures, creeds, and confessions in their proclamation, faith and life; and be it further

RESOLVED that the congregations of this synod find ways to encourage and support the pastors and bishop in this endeavor