# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1877_S7
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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and exposition of the divine Word, both in teaching and in defending [*nach Lehre und Wehre*], therefore the consciences of all Lutherans, whether individuals or congregations or church bodies, are bound to it.

Thesis 4.

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

Thesis 5.

Whoever also denies the binding force of the conclusions that follow consistently from the words of this Confession is not a true member of the Lutheran Church, even if he unlawfully keeps the Lutheran name.

Thesis 6.

From the kind and nature of this orthodox confession it follows of necessity that church practice be in accordance with it. For every churchly act must either be a direct 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 into one church body with any other synod calling itself Lutheran 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 nevertheless tolerates within its fellowship pulpit exchange with non-Lutheran preachers and communion fellowship with non-Lutherans, or even approves and sanctions it, and does not decisively oppose every form of chiliasm.

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 give a thorough public testimony in the sermon against these societies and bring their opposition to Scripture and faith into clear light, nor take the individual lodge brothers into special pastoral instruction and care.