To Memorialize the Synod to Urge Congregations to Seek Uniformity in Worship
WHEREAS, Saint Paul prayed for the Christians in Rome that God would “give you a spirit of unity among yourselves . . . so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 15:5-6); and
WHEREAS, the churches of the Reformation could affirm that “among us nothing in doctrine or ceremonies has been accepted that would contradict either Holy Scripture or the universal Christian church” and that “no novelty has been introduced that did not exist in the church in days of old, [for] no noticeable change has occurred in the public liturgy of the Mass” (Augsburg Confession XXIV); and
WHEREAS, one of the chief reasons for forming the synodical union, now called the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, was, “to strive after the greatest possible uniformity in ceremonies” (1854 Constitution, Article IV, 10); and
WHEREAS, today there is great disharmony in worship practices in congregations of the LCMS, causing confusion and distrust among congregations; and
WHEREAS, many congregations are using resources from non-Lutheran sources that do not have as their focus the doctrine of justification but often focus instead on the praise offered to God by the people; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the South Dakota District memorializes synod that we remind one another of the promise we have made of “Exclusive use of doctrinally pure agenda, hymnbooks, and catechisms” (Constitution Art. VI, 4), both to preserve the truth and for the sake of good order; and be it further
RESOLVED, That out of love for each other congregations of the LCMS be strongly urged to seek as much uniformity in ceremonies as possible; and be it further
RESOLVED, That congregations be urged to adopt and use the new synodical hymnal, “Lutheran Service Book,” as soon as is feasible; and be it further
RESOLVED, That 2004 Res. 2-04 not be understood to sanction the use of Reformed or neo-Evangelical worship forms or to encourage deviation from agreed upon forms when it resolved that the Synod “affirm respect for diversity in worship practices as we built greater understanding of our theology of worship”; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That the President of the Synod, the Council of Presidents, the seminaries, universities, and colleges, and the Commission on Worship continue to find ways to foster discussion among groups with diverse viewpoints for the purpose of building greater understanding of our theology of worship and fostering further discussion of worship practices that are consistent with sound Lutheran theology and practice.
Romans 15:5-6 (ESV) May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, [6] that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Augsburg Confession
XXIV. The Mass
1 We are unjustly accused of having abolished the Mass.?2? 9 Without boasting, it is manifest that the Mass is observed among us with greater devotion and more earnestness than among our opponents. 7 Moreover, the people are instructed often and with great diligence concerning the holy sacrament, why it was instituted, and how it is to be used (namely, as a comfort for terrified consciences) in order that the people may be drawn to the Communion and Mass. The people are also given instruction about other false teachings concerning the sacrament. 2 Meanwhile no conspicuous changes have been made in the public ceremonies of the Mass, except that in certain places German hymns are sung in addition to the Latin responses for the instruction and exercise of the people. 3 After all, the chief purpose of all ceremonies is to teach the people what they need to know about Christ.
Constitution of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States
IV. Business of Synod
1. To stand guard over the purity and unity of doctrine within the synodical circle, and to oppose false doctrine.
2. Supervision over the performance of the official duties on the part of the pastors and teachers of Synod.
3. Common protection and extension of the church.
4. Publication and distribution of a church periodical.
5. Conscientious examination of candidates for the ministry and teaching profession.
6. To provide for ecclesiastical ordination and induction into office.
7. The preparation of future preachers and teachers for service in the Church.
8. To provide for congregations without pastors, if the former apply to Synod.
9. To give theological opinions, also to settle disputes between single persons or between parties in the congregations. But the latter is to take place only in cases where all persons involved have applied to Synod for arbitration.
10. To strive after the greatest possible uniformity in ceremonies.
11. To have concern for the faithful execution of all the duties of the ministry, especially of the truly evangelical care of souls in all its branches; in this respect also to help advance sound catechumen instruction above all, and especially with reference to the false doctrines of the prominent sects; also to institute and maintain catechizations every Sunday for the confirmed youth.
12 To support indigent congregations who are members of Synod, that they may obtain the regular service of a pastor.
13. To gather church statistics within Synod and also to start a chronicle of American Lutheranism.
14. To establish connections with the Lutheran Church in foreign countries, especially Germany.