# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S543
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

INTERSYNODICAL AND DOCTRINAL MATTERS 543

primary objectives of the Missouri Synod (cf. Constitution of the
_ Missouri Synod, Art. III, 1); and
‘ Wuereas, In accordance with these Lutheran principles, the
use of the term unionism historically was applied to fellowship
between Lutheran and Reformed groups, a usage which would
eliminate much confused thinking and the false impression that
differences separating the several Lutheran bodies are as serious
as differences separating Lutherans from Reformed bodies, an
implicit denial of the confessional character of Lutheranism; and

Wuereas, The refusal of co-operation with other Lutherans
on the basis of expediency alone constitutes a denial of Lu-
theranism’s historic confessional character, weakens the power
of American Lutheran influence for good in the councils of world
Lutheranism, and silences by default the conservative voice which
the Missouri Synod should supply; and

Wuereas, It is now clear that a fully concerted effort of all
Lutherans is necessary to give full force to the Lutheran message
and mission in the contemporary world; and

Wuereas, The contention of the English District, the Pastoral
Conference of the Southeastern District, and other interested
groups at the Centennial Convention, that membership in the
National Lutheran Council is not contrary to the Word of God,
nor to the practice of our Synod, still stands unchallenged (cf.
Proceedings, 1947, pp. 536—537); and

Wuereas, This is in harmony with the spirit of Resolution 368 c,
adopted at the synodical convention in 1947, but not printed; and
reading as follows:
“That the Missouri Synod, in agreement with its principles,
offer its full co-operation and support to all groups and
churches at home and abroad confessing the Lutheran faith,
and that our Synod declare its willingness to exert its influence
to the fullest possible extent to uphold and strengthen all true
Lutheran elements, and to that end empower the Praesidium
to take appropriate action”; and
WHEREAS, Since our principle of co-operation with the National
Lutheran Council has been that of expediency, it would seem the
honorable thing that we acknowledge the propriety of official
co-operation and as members assume our fair obligations along
with the other constituent bodies; be it therefore

Resolved, That the English District again affirm the position
taken in its 1946 overture to the Missouri Synod (cf. Proceedings,
1947, Mem. 619, pp. 524—526); and

That a copy of the 1946 overture of the English District and of
this resolution be sent to the Missouri Synod’s Committee studying