# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1953_S581
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

PRESIDENT’S TRIENNIAL REPORT 11

are vitally interested in Synod’s position on the ques-
lodgery. Unfortunately there are some complaints that
egations fail to abide by the practice outlined by Synod
and 1932. Synod’s position over against lodgery has not
BA As long as lodges remain Christless, or even anti-
fa: in their rituals and practice, there is but one position
synod can take. Synod’s regulations are very evangelical,
very firm. May God continue to give our pastors and our
wisdom, the courage, the consecration, and the de-
ion to abide by these Scriptural principles.

ith:.regret and sadness your President must report: that,
Synod at Milwaukee adopted the Common Confession,
x of pastors and segments of a few of our congregations
heir membership with our Synod and organized a church
their own. Your President and Vice-President Harms as
he District President of one of the men involved offered
with some of these men who hold official positions in their
ody. In one instance the offer of such a meeting was
In another instance acceptance was made conditional.
t these meetings did not materialize.

s-free conferences in Europe, the so-called “Bad Boll meet-
tinued during the past three years. Last year none were
he western section of Germany, but two series of such
s were held in Berlin. Furthermore, such meetings were
din England and in France. Reports indicate that these
ences were very fruitful and beneficial. They afforded
‘an opportunity to bear witness to the truths of God’s
the Lutheran Confessions as God has graciously granted
us. The theologians who went over there as our repre-
deserve a hearty vote of thanks and appreciation. They
lered excellent service for the cause of Christ. Also
“summer these free conferences will be conducted again.
Braciously guard and protect our men. May He give
om and understanding, courage and willingness, for the
may He graciously and richly bless their efforts.
ently remarks have been made that similar free con-
sould be held in the United States. A few years ago the
f Presidents encouraged your President to extend that
an: invitation to the presidents of all Lutheran bodies.
these free conferences did not materialize though the
‘was extended. Some were not interested in further
cussions. Recently your President received an invi-
the president of the American Lutheran Conference
ible: meeting of representatives from each Lutheran
y to work out an agenda for bona fide conferences.