# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S1301
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

and Look. The fine Christian response of the Missouri Synod to
several uncomplimentary references in the last named has helped
f to establish friendly and productive relationships.

Radio and Television

Synod’s department is acutely conscious of the possibilities

both radio and television hold for good public relations. Particular

‘ commendation for the promotion of radio must go to Synod’s Radio

* Committee and to the Lutheran Hour.

The fact that two synodical agencies, the Department of Public

Relations and the Synodical Radio Committee, are concerning

- themselves with radio as a medium of mass communication, has

* caused, and very likely will cause, a certain amount of confusion.

“# This is particularly true of many Districts which have assigned

y development of all mass media, including press, radio, television,

* and other channels of communication, to a single public relations

department. The Board for Public Relations feels strongly that

economy and efficiency call for co-ordination of Synod’s radio and

"television relations. It is, therefore, submitting a proposal, at the

close of this report, for Synod’s consideration.

A number of television programs on the work of Synod have
been presented in various places with the co-operation of the
Department of Public Relations. The American Lutheran Publicity
Bureau in New York, for example, has produced telecasts on
Synod’s work among the blind and deaf, its mission among the
Chinese, its mission to the underprivileged, and on a highlight
from Synod’s history: the first Christmas tree to be set up in an
American church, featuring the story of one of Synod’s former
Presidents, Dr. Henry C. Schwan.

Governmental Relations

‘The Washington office of the department has been busy an-
swering requests for information from synodical and District offi-
cials and from congregations, maintaining contact with key Gov-
ernmental agencies and bureaus, keeping abreast of legislative -
developments, and representing the interests of Synod both here
and abroad. ;

The department either testified or helped to offer testimony to
Congress on a number of bills affecting our Church or our mem-
bership. Such legislation included displaced persons, social security,
and Federal aid to education. The Board for Parish Education co-
operated in the preparation of testimony on the latter two issues.

A strong protest against continuation of the Vatican mission,
formerly headed by Myron C. Taylor, was sent by President Behn-
ken to the President of the United States and to the Secretary
of State. Whether this and similar protests will have any effect

’ remains to be seen.