# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1876_S7
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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Note: Not absolutely required for Lutheran church fellowship is the acceptance of the other Lutheran confessional writings, provided it is not denied that these stand in orthodox agreement with the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.

Thesis 3.

Because the Unaltered Augsburg Confession (which in its origin is as historically particular as in its doctrinal content it is ecumenical) is, in all its articles of faith, the pure and unfalsified explanation and exposition of the divine Word, in doctrine and defence [*Lehre und Wehre*], the consciences of all Lutherans, whether individuals or congregations or church bodies, are bound to it.

Thesis 4.

Accordingly there is no orthodox Lutheran congregation or Lutheran church body that does not accept the teaching and defending words of this Confession as they read.

Thesis 5.

Whoever denies the binding force of the conclusions that follow consistently from the words of this Confession is no true member of the Lutheran Church, even if he wrongfully retains the Lutheran name.

Thesis 6.

From the nature and character of this orthodox Confession it follows necessarily that church practice must be in accord with it. For every churchly act must either be an immediate expression and actual realization of the Confession or at least must not contradict the Confession in deed.

Thesis 7.

From this necessary connection between confession and practice it follows consistently that a truly Lutheran synod may not unite with any other synod calling itself Lutheran in one church body in which the prevailing practice contradicts the Confession.

Thesis 8.

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