RESOLUTION 7-06
Overture 7-10 (CW, p. 367)
WHEREAS, 2013 Res. 5-11B restored the prior approval process for initial appointments to seminary faculties, ensuring that review of such appointments would occur by Synod officials with significant synodwide responsibility, for the well-being of the Synod; and
WHEREAS, 2013 Res. 5-05B also restored the prior approval process for initial appointments of theology faculty at Concordia University System (CUS) institutions but set forth a process different from that used for seminary faculties; and
WHEREAS, The prior approval process as amended has been beneficial, and has not caused any issues with institutional accreditation or otherwise; and
WHEREAS, CUS schools are given responsibility for the training of ministers of religion—commissioned; and
WHEREAS, An important mission of the CUS is to prepare church workers, some of whom continue their theological education at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and
WHEREAS, “We, though many, are one body in Christ” (Rom. 12:5); and
WHEREAS, Students continuing through multiple institutions of the CUS, as well as to the Synod at large, would benefit from the application of consistent standards of excellence in the selection and approval of theology faculty; and
WHEREAS, It is also appropriate that the prior approval process evaluate the work and scholarship of those persons being considered for tenure or continuing-level appointments; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks for the diligent and faithful work of all those who have been involved in the prior approval processes as they now exist; and be it further
Resolved, That the bylaws of the Synod be amended as follows:
PROPOSED WORDING
See resolution for proposed wording