# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1911_S31
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13th Delegate Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States, 1911. 31

Union of the "Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri
and Other States" with the "German Ev. Luth. Synod of
Missouri, Ohio, and Other States."

A committee appointed at the next-to-last General Synod, which met in
1908 at Fort Wayne, had submitted the following report to the General Synod
now assembled in St. Louis:

In the synodical report of the last General Synod, which met in 1908 at
Fort Wayne, the following is found on page 108: "Resolved, that we consider
a union with the English Synod highly desirable; that we are not now
deliberating in what manner this union should take place, but that the
German Synod appoint a committee to confer about it with the English
Synod and report back to us at our next meeting, and to make specific
proposals; that Prof. F. Bente, Vice-President J. W. Miller, and Mr. W. Schütz
constitute this committee."

This committee appointed by the Synod (Mr. W. Schütz was unable to be
present) discussed this matter thoroughly with the members of the English
Synod during its last meeting, held July 7 to 13, 1909, in Cleveland, O., in
various committee meetings and in open session. The English Synod then
declared by resolution that it (the translation that follows is taken from
page 54 of the "Lutheraner" of 1911) was willing to consider a closer union
with the German Synod, either by merger or by admission as a district,
under the following conditions:

1. That the English Synod turn over its publishing house and book trade
to the German Synod, but that a committee, the majority of whose members
shall consist of members of the English District, be elected to bring to print
such writings as its particular needs require, such as a hymnal, Sunday
school literature, pamphlets, etc.;

2. That the Lutheran Witness become the official English church paper
of the whole Synod, but that the editor be chosen from the English District,
or that the English District at least be equally represented on the editorial
committee. The same shall apply to the Lutheran Guide;

3. That the English language may be used by members of the English
District at the meetings of the Delegate Synod, and that at least a short
record of the proceedings be read aloud and printed in English;

4. That the Mission Commission of the English District have permission
to undertake English missions wherever it deems them necessary, with due
regard for the divine principles of congregational rights (congregational
membership) and of Christian love;