# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1882_S81
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 81 —

had arrived, addressed the Conference as follows: "If it is said that the Synodical Conference as such has nothing to do with it, that does not hold water. The Conference resolves on many kinds of matters which extend over the whole period of two years, for example with regard to the Negro Mission. It is, after all, the task of the Synodical Conference in general to work toward the strengthening of peace, in general to look to the welfare of the church, and especially to the welfare of the synods allied in the Synodical Conference. Now the Norwegian Synod is a member of the Conference, but alas! on account of this doctrinal controversy a sick member, and the dear brethren from the other synods must know what wretched distress we have in our synod on account of this controversy. It was already corrected earlier what Prof. Schmidt is supposed to have said, that he had not been disciplined. In these two or three years we have done almost nothing else at our conferences than deal with this matter, and in doing so have also put Prof. Schmidt and those who stand with him under discipline. That was our care, toil and labor in this sad time. And I believe the Synodical Conference owes it to us and to the church and to dear God above all to do what it can to help us in this our distress. When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. What is harm to the Norwegian Synod is also harm to the whole church. Much separates us, language and nationality, but we are children of the same Lutheran Church. And if it can help us at all that such a disputation should be brought about — a useful thing it would be, the Conference recognizes that —, then, I believe, this Synodical Conference owes it to dear God and to us to do what it can."

The following resolutions were thereupon passed:

1. Resolved, that the Synodical Conference hereby once more declares its readiness to hold a disputation, and accordingly also appoints at once the men who are to dispute in its name with opponents of our doctrine from the Norwegian Synod.

2. Resolved, that the disputants shall be

a. all professors of theology and
b. all general and district presidents of the synods belonging to the Conference.

3. Resolved, that the time, place, etc., of this disputation be determined by a committee consisting of the President of the Conference and this year's Norwegian delegates.