# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S546
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

546 INTERSYNODICAL AND DOCTRINAL MATTERS

[659] Not to Join the National Lutheran Council

Wuereas, Two conflicting reports on the question of Synod’s
' becoming a participating body in the National Lutheran Council
have been sent to the congregations of Synod; and

Wuereas, The majority report is weakened by the assumption
that the constitution of the National Lutheran Council in theory
would permit us to join without doing violence to our convic-
tions; and

Wuereas, The minority report contains aberrations in the
doctrine of the Church; and

WuereaSs, Joining the National Lutheran Council is not just
a matter of expediency based upon the opinions of boards and
committees of Synod, but would be contrary to Rom.16:17 and
make us guilty of other men’s sins and unionism, since the consti-
tution of the National Lutheran Council in its preamble contains
the. usual broad unionistic formulation of doctrine, contradicted
by existing vital doctrinal differences and serious differing policies;
and in Article X, Section 6, denies a vote upon matters to which
we would be lending financial support, although not otherwise
participating; therefore, in the name of St. John’s Evangelical Lu-
theran Church,

We, the Church Council, respectfully petition the convention
of Synod, assembled in Milwaukee, Wis., June 21—30, 1950, not to
join the National Lutheran Council.

Cuurcy Councit or St. Jonn’s Ev. LutHERAN CHURCH

Gary, Ind.
Wa ter H. Bone, Secretary Haroip Kenpr
WALTER WANTHAL Jos. T. FIRME
Pauw. ScHEUB Harvey H. Lensure
ALFRED BIESTER Paut R. WHYLE
Axsert G. Nott Rosert F. Scowartz
Joun W. Louse Orto R. Pau
Harry C. KortHAver G. H. Naumann, Pastor

March 27, 1950