# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S1179
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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658 INTERSYNODICAL AND DOCTRINAL MATTERS

and that no interpretation may be held which is contrary to the
analogy of faith; and be it further

Resolved, That all members of Synod should guard against an

abuse of this liberty, which would cause confusion and disturbance

in Synod. .

Il. RETRACTION OF “A STATEMENT”

(Memorials 612 A; 613—622) .

Regarding these memorials the following resolutions of Com-

mittee 3 were adopted:

.

Resolution 21

Wuereas, Synod in 1947, convinced that the issues raised by
“A Statement” should be submitted to the members of Synod for
earnest and prayerful study on the: basis of God’s Word, resolved
“that the President continue to submit to. pastors and congregations
material for the Scriptural study of the questions at issue” (Pro-
ceedings, 1947, page 523); and

Wuereas, The President has faithfully endeavored to carry out
this resolution and has thus far submitted four essays, which have
helped to bring the respective points at issue to a discussion for
clarification; and

Wuereas, Reactions to these essays received by the President
should have due consideration, so that matters in controversy may
be settled on the basis of God’s Word and true unity be re-
tained; and

Wuereas, Not all matters at issue have as yet been presented
through material from the President’s office and several additional
essays are in preparation; therefore be it

Resolved, That we commend the President for his effort in
submitting the essays sent out thus far and urge him, according
to the resolution of the convention 1947, to complete the program
by continuing “to submit to pastors and congregations material for
the Scriptural study of the questions at issue”; and be it further

Resolved, That the President be encouraged to use the reactions
received in connection with these essays for the furtherance of
agreement on the questions raised, to the end that we may “be
perfectly joined together in the same judgment,” 1 Cor. 1:10; and
be it further

Resolved, That specific accusations in the memorials on
“A Statement” be referred to the proper channels of Synod.

HI. DOCTRINAL DISCIPLINE IN SYNOD
(Memorials: 608—612; 634—640; 643647; Unprinted Memorial 44)
Committee 3 had recommended that these memorials be re-
ferred to a special committee, but Synod resolved: ‘

INTERSYNODICAL AND DOCTRINAL MATTERS 659

:, WuerEas, The memorials under consideration contain personal

Jecusations and other matters, all requiring extensive investiga-

Wnereas, Your Committee, for lack of time, could not effec-

“tively act on these matters at this convention; be it therefore

Resolved, To refer the charges to Synod’s regularly-set-up

channels for action.
IV. PRAYER FELLOWSHIP

(Memorials 641, 642, 643)
Upon recommendation of Committee 3, Synod resolved: ‘

Resolution 20

Wuereas, Synod has been asked to declare that “there is no
Scriptural basis for a distinction between prayer fellowship and
joint prayer”; and

Wuereas, This question requires further study; and

Wuereas, The President of Synod has been directed to provide
such a study; therefore be it

Resolved, That this question be held in abeyance until the
treatise on “Prayer Fellowship” has been published; and be it
furthermore

Resolved, That if further clarity is needed on the question, it
shall be referred to the Advisory Committee on Doctrine and
Practice. (Synodical Handbook Section 2.109.)

V. FACULTY OPINIONS ON ENGAGEMENT
(Memorials 608; 612; 632; 633)
Upon recommendation of Committee 3, Synod resolved:

Resolution 8
Wuereas, Synod is asked to state its position on engagement;
therefore be it
Resolved, That we hold to the position expressed in our synod-
ical Catechism in Question 61, which reads: “What is marriage?”
“Marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman unto
one flesh. Marriage was instituted by God and is entered into
by rightful betrothal, or engagement.”

Resolution 9 ;
Wuereas, Differences have arisen in answer to the question
“Is engagement tantamount to marriage?” and
Wuereas, Our theological faculties at St.Louis and Spring-
field have taken this matter under consideration at the request of
President Behnken; therefore be it ,