# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1953_S1181
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

INTERSYNODICAL AND DOCTRINAL MATTERS 563

ACTION |
pon recommendation of Committee 3 Synod resolved:

Resolution 2

WHEREAS, The Executive Committee of the Lutheran World
ration has issued an invitation to The Lutheran Church —
ouri Synod to accept the privileges and responsibilities of
*nbership in the Lutheran World Federation; and
i Waereas, The constitution of the Lutheran World Federation
its objectives and the practical implications of membership
‘the part of Synod in this body should be carefully examined
‘before this invitation is either accepted or declined; and
‘sus, WHEREAS, The next convention of the Lutheran World Federa-
tion. will not be held until 1958; be it therefore

Resolved, That the Praesidium of Synod appoint a committee
ofithree to

1) study the constitution and objectives of the Lutheran
World Federation;

2) evaluate the practical working of this body in the light of
Scriptural doctrine and practice; ,

3) make recommendations with respect to action by Synod
in the matter of the invitation to membership in the Lutheran
World Federation or the extent of possible co-operation with
the same; ;

4) submit its findings and recommendations to the College
of Presidents by September, 1954, for study and possible amend-
ment, after which they shall be submitted to all pastors and con-
gregations of Synod by January 1, 1955, for study with a view to
action at Synod’s general convention in 1956.

Questions Regarding the Doctrinal Position of Synod
. (Unprinted Memorial 60) :

The undersigned respectfully request Synod at its Houston.
Convention to give its members the following assurance:

1. That Synod still holds that the doctrine of the Antichrist,
namely, that “the Pope is the very Antichrist” (Smalcald Articles)
is an article of faith, though non-fundamental (Proceedings,
Northern District, 1876, p. 36 f.; Brief Statement, pars. 43 and 44);

2. That when Synod confesses in the Brief Statement (par. 44).
that “the doctrine of the Antichrist” is “clearly defined. (“ent-:
schieden”) in Scripture,” it is referring to what it confesses about
the Antichrist in par.43, especially this conclusion: “We teach
that the prophecies of the Holy Scriptures concerning the Anti-