# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S1302
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

824 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

Several other departments of Synod have assured us that they
have effected economies as the result of handling of Passports,
visas, military permits, etc., by the Washington office of public
relations. In addition, personal contact with Governmental agencies
has made possible more effective action both on the part of the
Government and of the Church.

Civic and Other Organizations

Personal relationships have been established with the repre.
sentatives of organizations outside our Church too numerous to
mention. ‘

New understanding of our Church and its work has resulted
from many of these relationships. In other instances, misunder-
standings of long standing have been removed.

A great deal more remains to be done in this area. With the
help of ‘God and the active co-operation of both pastors and
laymen, the building of understanding through group contacts can
become a most effective means in promoting good public relations
for our Church.

Attacks

Several noteworthy attacks were made on our Church or
prominent representatives of the Church during the past year and
a half. The department took active notice of these attacks. As a
consequence the New York Times, Christian Century, Minneapolis
Star, Look, and several other prominent publications carried ar-
ticles or letters in defense of Martin Luther, the Lutheran Church,
and the Missouri Synod. The department co-operated in a nation-
wide answer to Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ill-informed attack
upon Dr. Walter A. Maier.

Other attacks were nullified by prompt action before they
became public.

Information Service

The department maintained an information service for synod-
ical officials to the extent that such activity was possible with
limitations of staff.

News Service

A start was made on the establisment of a regular news serv-
ice. Important events and developments within Synod received con-
siderable coverage through the use of items from the news service
by press and radio editors throughout the country.

Convention Coverage
The Department of Public Relations is in charge of press and
radio coverage of the 1950 synodical convention. A special com-
mittee has been appointed to take charge of this arduous and
important task.