# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1947_S514
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

614 INTERSYNODICAL AND DOCTRINAL MATTERS

doctrines are clearly defined in Scripture. (For proof texts, see
No. 4.) Matt. 5:17-19,

6. Concerning Romans 16:17,18. We believe, confess, and teach
that Romans 16:17, 18, according to the clear statement of the in-
spired writer, must be applied to every persistent aberration from
the truth of Holy Writ in any degree, shape, or form, and that it
is therefore applicable not only to non-Christians and non-Lu-
therans, but also to such as may bear the Lutheran name, but con-
tinue to cling to any kind of false teaching. We believe that the
word “doctrine” in this text includes the entire body of doctrine,
as taught by the inspired Prophets and Apostles and that the verb
“avoid” demands a form of separation tantamount to a rejection
of error and a refusal to be identified with persistent errorists by
prayer, altar, and pulpit fellowship.

We therefore reject and condemn the teaching that “this text
does not apply to the present situation in the Lutheran Church
of America.” We likewise reject and condemn the restriction of
this passage to troublemakers in the Church or in the individual
congregation. We furthermore reject the notion that a “different
approach” or a “different exegesis” of this passage will eliminate
its clear teaching as a proof text against even the most subtle forms
of unionism and that two opposing kinds of exegesis are here per-
missible, since “every exegesis of a Scripture passage producing a
false doctrine, or explaining away, or nullifying a Scriptural doe-
trine is potentially divisive of church fellowship.”

7. Concerning “Selective Fellowship.” We believe, confess, and
teach that “selective fellowship,” as advocated and practiced by
certain false denominations and also by some Lutheran bodies in
our country and elsewhere, sets aside some of the warnings, cau-
tions, and teachings of Holy Writ with regard to the clear confes-
sional stand required of true Christian congregations.

We therefore reject and condemn any arbitrary disregarding of
established church relationships of confession and the Holy Com-
munion which are apt to give justified offense to acknowledged
brethren of the faith. (See proof texts under No. 4 and N o. 5.)

8. On Prayer Fellowship. We believe, confess, and teach that
confession is a necessary concomitant of prayer and that therefore
common, or joint, public prayer in groups that are not doctrinally
united and may even have resorted to public recriminations, is
contrary to clear Scriptural prohibitions.

We therefore reject and condemn the teaching that “any two
or more Christians may pray together in the name of Jesus Christ
if the purpose for which they meet and pray is right according to
the Word of God” (?), since the statement, as it reads, would
permit public joint prayers with heterodox Christians. We likewise