# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S523
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

INTERSYNODICAL AND DOCTRINAL MATTERS 523

[651] Appeal of the Norwegian Synod

In view of the continued agitation in Synodical Conference
circles for union with heterodox Lutherans on a wider basis than
the conservative Lutheran Church has hitherto considered Scrip-
tural, particularly in the field of so-called “externals” of church
work, we of the Norwegian Synod wish to present to our sister
Synods our position on the following points:

1. With regard to President J. W. Behnken’s call for a “Free
Conference”: — Although we, in general, favor “free conferences”
for doctrinal discussion with any and all who are willing to bow
to the Word of God, we consider such “free conferencess” of but
doubtful value at the present stage in union negotiations among
Lutherans. They are not welcomed by those liberal Lutherans who
want federation or organic union at once without further doctrinal
discussion. Nor can they accomplish much toward building up
a more conservative spirit in our own and other churches, so long
as we in our own circles are divided on the fundamental question
of what constitutes “unionism.” Cf. the agitation still carried on
by the so-called ”Statementarians,” the American Lutheran, ete.

2. With regard to the “co-operation in externals,” so-called,
which is becoming so widespread in our circles through such
organizations as “Lutheran Men in America,” “The Lutheran Edi-
tors’ Association,” “The Association of Lutheran Seminarians,”
certain welfare agencies, etc.: —We hold that this constitutes
unionism. Cf. the Brief Statement. The. organizations referred to
do not limit themselves to things properly to be called “externals,”
but concern themselves also with the spiritual side of the work of
the Church. Cf. for detailed evidence the synodical essay appearing
in the Norwegian Synod’s Report for 1949, Synodical Conference
Report, 1948, p. 52. ,

- 3. With regard to the form of unionism connected with prayer
fellowship, as distinguished from pulpit and altar fellowship: — We
hold that the position presented in Dr. S. C. Ylvisaker’s synodical
essay on Prayer, in 1947, is. the correct Scriptural position. Cf.
Report of the Synodical Conference, 1940, p. 89.

We are deeply concerned over these and other matters which
are. causing strained relations within the Synodical Conference,
and. appeal to our sister Synods to do everything possible, under
the gracious hand of God, to maintain true unity of spirit in our
circles. As a step to that end, we as a Synod are asking our sister
Synods, at their next conventions, kindly to consider this statement
of our Synod and express their agreement or disagreement with it.

Norwecran SYNopD oF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
A. M. Harstap, President

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