# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1876_S54
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 54 —

[illegible] Watch [*…wache*; the text below speaks of a doctrinal watch, *Lehrwache*] on the Part of the Synodical Conference.

[illegible] the *Synodalconferenz* [Synodical Conference] has set itself, according to § III of the Constitution, the task of "mutual strengthening in faith and confession," as well as "promotion of unity in doctrine and practice and removal of occurring or threatening disturbance of the same," the question was raised: whether it would not be advisable that all synodical reports of the synods belonging to the Conference be reviewed yearly by a committee and a report on them be made to the assembled Conference. A certain doctrinal watch [*Lehrwache*] on the part of the Synodical Conference over the individual synods is certainly desirable, necessary and salutary. For what is published in one synod is, in a sense, recognized by all the other synods of the Conference, if no one raises a protest. Everyone will attribute the doctrine dealt with in the individual synods to the whole Conference. Now it could well happen that something in the synodical reports could not be approved by all members of the Conference. Therefore an inspection is necessary. The holy Apostle Peter writes too: "Submit yourselves one to another." Among Christians no one wants to be over the other, but gladly beside, indeed under him; each wants to enjoy the gifts of the other, which are given for the common good.

The result of this discussion was that it was

resolved:

1. Each synod of the Synodical Conference shall see to it that a report of its annual proceedings be sent in good time to the president of the Conference, and he is to see to it that for the next session of the Conference a written report on the matters dealt with in the individual synods be available for it, which report is at the same time to point out anything questionable.

2. It is the wish of the Conference that the president of each individual synod, as regards both the general synods and their districts, send their reports to the presidents of the other synods, so that all learn what goes on and is dealt with in the synods.

IV. The Late Pastor F. C. D. Wyneken Sr.

Only a year ago the Synodical Conference was assembled around the aforementioned aged servant of the Church and faithful witness of the truth in the midst of his highly venerating, dear congregation at Cleveland, Ohio, where the sessions of the Conference were held. The joy of having him once again this year, and even longer, in our midst and of seeing him take lively part in our deliberations, God the LORD has, according to his unsearchable counsel, not granted us. On