Rev. James Pope, professor at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., has returned home after serving as an observer to the triennial convention of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) held in Houston, July 10-17. Pope, a member of the Commission on Inter-Church Relations (CICR), was the official WELS representative.

Pope says this was the most positive of the three consecutive LCMS conventions he has attended. The convention met under the theme "One People—Forgiven," and Pope says there was a heavy emphasis on reconciliation. "It was obvious there was a concerted effort among delegates to speak and be passionate about a position, without tearing others down."

Delegates elected a new president, Rev. Matthew Harrison, who has been serving as executive director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care since 2001. He received 54 percent of the vote to 45 percent for Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, the current president. "Conservatives within the Missouri Synod are welcoming the decision," says Pope.

Delegates also adopted sweeping governance restructuring resolutions—including one that reduced the synod's seven program boards to two elected policy boards and another that gives the president the authority to choose the slate of candidates for first vice president. Those resolutions were advocated by Kieschnick. "The challenge Harrison is facing is implementing a major restructuring of the synod approved by the delegates prior to his election," Pope says.

Pope, who was formally recognized by the convention during his stay, says he was warmly received and that delegates expressed to him their appreciation for his attendance and their respect for WELS in general. "People are pleased WELS has representatives here," he says. While the two synods both hold to the inerrancy of Scripture, salvation by grace alone, and other basic doctrines, WELS broke fellowship with the LCMS in 1961 over fellowship, church and ministry, and other issues.

Pope will be preparing a full confidential report of the convention for the CICR, and a summary will be printed in a future edition of the Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, a publication of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.