# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1953_S785
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

CONVENTION MINUTES 785

boi o under synodical control so as to meet Synod’s expectations,
Hf. such arrangements upon investigation prove to be possible.
th The session was closed by singing the hymn “Now Rest
‘Beneath Night’s Shadow,” with Luther’s Evening Prayer, and
with the votum. oo

g Session 14

June 25, A.M.

4 The fourteenth session was opened by devotional exercises in
F which the Rev. T. A. Weinhold, President of the Western District,
5-served as liturgist. In the meditation based on Rom. 3: 24, 28, the
q Rev. H. J. Rippe, President of the Atlantic District, pointed out
: that faith is more than a mere belief in the existence of God, but
F a complete reliance and trust on the merit of Christ. We are jus-
tified freely by grace alone. The promises of the Law are con-
f ditioned on obedience; the promises of the Gospel are uncon-
F ditional; hence, to speak of salvation on account of or in view of
F faith, which would presuppose some exercise of will power on
F man’s part, does violence to Scripture, which makes salvation the
unconditioned and unmerited gift of divine grace. The minutes
f were then read and adopted.

The Rev. Herman Meier of Lockport, N. Y., was excused from
serving on the Bronxville Board of Control, and the Rev. Louis
Wagner was elected to that position for six years.

Synod separated the office of Secretary of Missions from the
gf Executive Secretary of Missions for North and South America and
authorized a re-alignment in the duties of the personnel of the
Board for Missions in North and South America so as to have
appointed a Secretary for North American Missions, for Latin
American Missions, and for Evangelism. One of these secretaries
: is to serve as Executive Secretary of the Board for Missions in
‘ North and South America. Areas of responsibilities of the secre-
' aries are to be defined by the Mission Boards and the Board of
Directors. . ;

Synod voiced thanks to God for His blessings upon our laborers
in Africa, commended the Missionary Board of the Synodical Con-
ference and our missionaries, and besought a safe homeward
journey for Dr. Karl Kurth. All Districts were asked to receive
Negro congregations. Those unable to finance this work are to be
granted subsidies.

Approximately 3 per cent of the estimated building costs is to
be added to the appropriations submitted to the Convention.
Resolution 45 of Committee 1 was moved and seconded but not
acted upon. ;

The Board of Directors was commended for the consideration