# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1944_S771
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

PROPOSED SYNODICAL HANDBOOK

grace with necessary frequency shall not oppose divid-
ing the parish; neither shall they oppose the organiza-
tion of new congregations in territories which would
be thereby better served. All other interests are sub-
ordinate to those which seek to promote the glory of
God and the extension of His kingdom.
S.H. 46.3
303. Principles of Division

The dividing of one congregation into two or more
and the establishing of a new mission or congregation
adjacent to an existing parish or parishes shall be
regulated and effected in accordance with due. Chris-
tian regard for the spiritual welfare of all concerned.
This demands 1) that any such separation or division
be brought about — as much as possible — by a volun-
tary agreement, prompted by the conviction of all
concerned; 2) that church property be divided in ac-
cordance with justice and equity, so that one party
will not be slighted while the other party is given
undue advantages; 3) that Christian forbearance
rather than the strict letter of the law decide any diffi-
cult questions; 4) that lesser evils be borne in order
to prevent greater evils; 5) that the dividing of a
parish for the. purpose of organizing new congregations

be not absolutely insisted upon if thereby a whole —

congregation would be seriously disturbed.
S. H. 47.4

305. Reports of Removal to Other Parishes

Pastors shall, in order to prevent a deplorable and
unnecessary loss of members, report the removal of any
of their members to the parish to which such members
have removed. Members shall keep their pastors in-
formed as to such removals.

S. H. 47.5

CALLS, ORDINATIONS, INSTALLATIONS,
AND COMMISSIONINGS

307. Advising Congregations in Matters of Calls

A. Congregations shall seek the advice of the re-
spective District officials when calling pastors or
_ teachers.

B. Lutheran congregations not members of Synod
making application to Synod for pastors or teachers
shall also have the benefit of such official advice.

C. Congregations of non-Lutheran faith making
application to Synod for pastors or teachers shall not
be denied their request; provided,

1. that the congregation making application declare
its unconditional acceptance of the Bible as the Word
of God;

2. that the congregation declare its willingness to
permit its pastor to minister to it in accordance with
the confessions of the Lutheran Church;

3. that the congregation declare its: willingness to
sever its. connection with any heterodox body with
which it may be affiliated.

D. If a non-Lutheran congregation is without a
pastor and requests that one of our pastors fill its

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