# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S527
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

INTERSYNODICAL AND DOCTRINAL MATTERS 527

In referring to the above co-ordinated activities of the National
Lutheran Council and the Missouri Synod the word “co-operation”
has sometimes been used. It must, however, be clearly understood
that when it is so used, it does not imply working together in the
field of spiritual ministry. Never at any time did the Missouri
Synod turn over to the National Lutheran Council the spiritual
responsibility for its membership nor its work.

The various committees and commissions of our Church which
worked together with the National Lutheran Council during the
past nine years believe that such relationship of co-ordination,
allocation, and comity was of mutual benefit. :

In 1949 Free Conferences in Europe were arranged by the
Missouri Synod in co-operation with the VLKD (Vereinigte Luthe-
rische Kirche in Deutschland) and the National Lutheran Council.
It is sometimes said that emergencies of the war brought about
situations which prompted fellowship with other Lutherans outside
of America on the basis of principles different from those followed
‘by the Missouri Synod in America. Such a statement is not in
harmony with the facts. Prayer fellowship was practiced only with
those with whom we are in doctrinal unity. Joint prayer was .some-
times practiced on the same ‘basis as practiced in our own country
-with members. of other church bodies.

Paragraphs from the Constitution of the National Lutheran Council
Pertinent to the Study of the Question of Synod’s Becoming
a Participating Body
Preamble (1949 Edition)

Wuereas, In their respective constitutions, the participating
Lutheran church bodies accept the Holy Scriptures as the Word
of God and the only source, norm, and guide of Christian faith
and life; and :

-Wuereas, In their respective constitutions, the Participating
Bodies accept the Unaltered Augsburg Confession and ‘Luther's
Catechism as the true exposition and presentation of the doctrine
of the Holy Scriptures; and : coe

* Wuereas, The Participating Bodies are of the conviction that
they can and’should serve the Lutheran Church at large by co-
operating’ in matters of common interest and responsibility,
co-operation in which. does not affect their distinctive principles;

Therefore, said Church Bodies do hereby establish and will
maintain a common agency to be governed’ by the following
Constitution and By-Laws. — a