# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1873_S7
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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may unite into one church body with a synod that calls itself Lutheran but in which the prevailing practice contradicts the confession.

Thesis 8.

This contradiction can occur in several ways. It occurs, first, when a Lutheran church body that expressly and emphatically professes the symbolical books [the Lutheran confessions] nevertheless tolerates within its fellowship pulpit exchange [*Kanzeltausch*] with non-Lutheran preachers and communion fellowship [*Abendmahlsgemeinschaft*] with non-Lutherans, or even approves and endorses them, and does not oppose every form of chiliasm [millennialism] decisively.

Thesis 9.

This contradiction occurs, further, when members of its congregations continue, as before, to be members of the secret societies as well, and the pastors concerned neither raise a thorough public testimony in preaching against these societies and bring into clear light their contradiction to Scripture and faith, nor take the individual lodge brothers into special pastoral instruction and care.

Thesis 10.

This contradiction is no less present when a Lutheran synod, or a composite synodical body, tolerates that individual pastors of its own who also call themselves Lutheran continually serve congregations that are in fact Unionist [*unirt*, belonging to the Prussian-style union of Lutheran and Reformed].

Thesis 11.

It further contradicts the confession when the church body puts up with its pastors having no regular call from their congregations but only a temporary one, or even itself reinforces this disorder through the licensing system [*Licenzwesen*].

Thesis 12.

It is a glaring contradiction of the confession when a church body that calls itself Lutheran and wants to be Lutheran shows no earnestness and zeal to establish orthodox parish schools, as far as lies in its power, where they do not exist.

Thesis 13.

It is further a contradiction of the confession when a Lutheran church body does not see to it that only orthodox agendas [service books], hymnals, catechisms, and books of instruction and edification are used in its congregations, or at least does not apply due diligence that