# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1877_S42
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 42 —

2. "That it is also ready for such a union into a state synod of Wisconsin as soon as the possibility is cut off that this state synod again attach itself to one of the existing general synods and thereby lose its independence and autonomy." (Adopted unanimously.)

3. "That it cannot, however, recognize attachment to one of the general synods still existing at present as commanded in God's Word, nor as essentially necessary for true unity, nor as wholesome and beneficial for our synod and congregations."

Regarding the seminary matter the following had been resolved: "That we do not recognize the establishment of a large, general preachers' seminary as good and beneficial for us and therefore cannot take part in it."

After these reports of the delegates, two proposals were made:

First proposal: "That this whole matter now be broken off and the further development of this affair be left to the individual synods."

In support of this proposal it was remarked: By the resolutions passed in some synods the plan of the Synodical Conference [*Synodalconferenz*] had indeed provisionally failed. It is clear from this that the time has not yet come to take up generally the founding of state synods and a joint seminary. If one now nevertheless wished to pass resolutions on this matter through a committee, it would give the appearance that one wanted to exert pressure on some synods and even compel them to withdraw their resolutions already clearly and definitely passed in this matter. The matter at hand is indeed neither commanded nor forbidden in God's Word, and each synod can therefore act according to its best knowledge and conscience as it will. If the fine goal before us cannot yet be reached everywhere in the Conference, individual parts might perhaps make the beginning, and if their union proves itself, more parts will certainly attach themselves little by little. But if we were now to go further in this matter as a Conference, it could easily draw serious and evil consequences after it. For the sake of such matters of indifference [*Mitteldinge*, adiaphora] we should not disturb the unity that God has already given us in doctrine and in belonging together within the Synodical Conference. Quite another thing would it be if we were now disunited in matters of doctrine; then we would have to fight the matter through even if everything flew apart in pieces.

Second proposal: "That a committee be appointed, consisting of all the delegates of the venerable Wisconsin Synod and one fifth of the delegates of each other synod, which still during these days of session shall consider the matter in question, remove any misunderstandings, etc., and submit definite proposals to the Conference for regulating the matter."