# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S1304
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

826 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

Department of Public Relations — Restudy 1947
Resolutions
(Memorial 526)

Wuereas, The words of the Lutheran Witness in 1919 are still
true, “Publicity, advertising the Church, is in itself neither good
nor evil; it depends upon the purpose. If the advertising of our
work and doctrine is intended to serve the purpose of bringing
souls to Christ, all advertising is good; aye, let us cry the Gospel
from the housetops! If our publicity is intended to satisfy an itch
for recognition among outsiders, it is wholly evil”; and

Wuereas, Synod in 1949 established a “Department of Public
Relations” and authorized the Fiscal Conference “to allocate ample
funds .. . which will compare favorably with those of other lead-
ing church bodies” (Proceedings, 1947, p. 467 f.); and

Wuerzas, The cost of this department was $11,995.10 in 1948.
$25,000 in 1949 ($28,225 had been requested); and $37,000 was
allocated in 1950 budget (the original request was $41,660.44); and

Wuereas, This department calls for District Public Relations
Departments at a yearly expense of one to several thousand dol-
lars per District; and

Wuereas, This arrangement calls for an aggregate Synod-wide
expenditure of approximately $100,000 every year; and

Wuereas, This enormous expenditure shows that this depart-
ment has become another expensive bureau of the Church; now
therefore be it

Resolved, That we request Synod to re. study its resolution of
1947 regarding the establishment of a “Department of Public Re-
lations”; and be it furthermore

Resolved, In the event that Synod resolves to continue the
department, Synod place stringent restrictions on the expenses of
this department.

(Signed) (Rev.) J. Bertram, Fort Dodge, Iowa
(Dr.) P. E. Krerzmann, Cuba, Mo.
Zion Ev. LurHeran Cuorcu, Cuicaco, Iu.
Cart G. Kruse, Pastor
Signatures attested by (Rev.) H. D. Mensine
Tinley Park, Il, April 5, 1950
ACTION

Committee 13 brought in the following resolutions, which

were adopted: : ,
Resolution 2

Wuereas, The need of an adequate Department of Public Rela-.
tions continues to be apparent, distinct in its functions from the