# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1944_S659
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION 75

ts

Special promotional tracts on the following subjects are being
ed: The Organization of a Parochial School, Sunday School,
tion .Bible School, Central Parochial Schools, Released Time

Slassés, Teacher Training Courses, and the Cradle Roll De-
rtment.

State Support of Church Schools

Synod in convention in 1941 instructed the Board of Chris-
Education to study the question of government aid to churches
e field of education. Soon thereafter your Board appointed
. Paul E. Bente, Mr. E. C. Sieving, and Mr. Robert Berning of
xt Wayne, Ind., as a committeé to study the question of state
pport of our church schools. After a preliminary report this.
mmittee submitted its findings in an eighteen-page report during
‘ebruary, 1944. On the basis of this extensive study. your Board
ormulated the following policy in this matter and recommends it
to: Synod for adoption:

‘Essential Services of the ‘State

We recognize that some services of the State are essential
o the nature of the State, without which the State cannot be said
exist (e.g., under the constitution of the United States protec-
ion of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness). These can be
emanded of the State by all citizens and therefore also by the
yhurch.

dventitious Services of the State

Other services rendered by the State are adventitious: _ the
tate could refrain from providing them without neglecting its
fundamental duties or ceasing to exist. Chief of these is educa-
ion, which in the nature of things and in divine ordinance is a
arental function, although the State has an interest in the edu-
ation | of its citizens..

Twofold Aspect of the State’s School Program
"The modern school program of the State has two aspects:
1. The social service program (library service, lunches, health
service, transportation, etc.).

2. The teaching program (curriculum, teaching, philosophy of
education).

. A Vital difference exists between these two programs. They
‘are associated merely as a matter of convenience. The social service
program is administered through the schools because schools offer
the easiest access to the children.

.