# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1872_S93
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 93 —

...and received inquiries, to which they answered according to their best
knowledge and conscience. If the answer and the counsel given were welcome,
it was accepted; if not, the matter was left alone. Lutheran literature is
named as one part of the [conference's] activity; it is certain that if we
had long since been united and joined together, much could already have
been accomplished in this regard which, to the scant credit of the Lutheran
Church in America, has so far been left undone. We would long since have
had an American edition of Luther's writings, would long since have had a
new edition of the Weimar Bible, etc. — A single small synod cannot carry
out such large, costly undertakings alone, which several united synods, by
contrast, can easily accomplish. — Up to now things stand sadly in this
regard within our American Lutheran Church. The old treasures of our
Lutheran fathers' doctrinal writings must be made accessible again to the
Lutherans now living. Thereupon § 5 was adopted.

§ 6 concerns the manner of carrying this out. Regarding the timing of the
conferences, it was noted that this time had been chosen because it was
hoped that, in particular, the teachers at all the Synod's institutions
would be able to take part in them. A great deal depends on the teachers
active at these institutions. Through right doctrine and instruction they
can build up God's kingdom and church and create boundless blessing; but
they can also do untold harm and tear down what has been built. If matters
stand doubtful with the teachers, this will show up first of all at the
conference. Regarding the delegates to this conference, the question was
raised: for how long a term are they to be elected? Answer: since the
officers are elected for only one year, new delegates must likewise be
elected every year. But since we hold a General Synod only once every
three years, the best arrangement would be for the present General Synod
to elect the delegates for the coming year. Alternates must be elected for
them. These could then, in the following year, be sent as delegates from
those districts which that same year would have no further opportunity
for a new election. The delegates are to count as delegates of the General
Synod. However, the districts are to be considered in the election such
that each district is entitled to elect a certain number of delegates in
proportion to the number of its voting members. At the same time it was
determined that advisory members, too, may be elected as delegates. If
teachers are elected, they count as belonging to the *Hörerschaft*
[literally "body of hearers" — here, the non-voting auditors]. After this
discussion and these determinations, § 6 was adopted. Likewise without
further discussion,

§ 7 was adopted, and then, after another roll call, the whole constitution
[was adopted].

The Synod's arrangement for the election of delegates should be appended
here at once. It turned out that we at present have voting...