# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1906_S27
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

of the Ev. Luth. Synodical Conference of North America. 1906. 27

that one not confuse selfishness with special interests. In the limited life in which we find ourselves on earth there are special interests, such as the interests of the family, of the state, of nationality, of the congregation, of the synods. But these special interests do not contradict what benefits the whole Church, so far as this relates to church life. We stand here together in the Synodical Conference [Synodalkonferenz], and it is natural that one speaks here of the individual synods. Every synod has its special interests, and it is quite in order that a Christian stand up for these interests of his synod. It is quite natural that he especially loves the congregation in which he grew up, the synod to which he belongs and from which he has received all his spiritual nourishment, and cares for them. That is a calling in which God has placed him. Paul says that he who does not provide for his own household is worse than an infidel. But these special interests do not stand opposed to what benefits the whole Church; there is no dissension between the special interests of the synods and the unity of the Church. Dissension arises only by selfishness carrying it into the special interests. That synodical particularism has developed in this country is very well understood in view of the history of the Church; and in view of the fact that we all still carry the old Adam about with us, it is not to be expected otherwise than that unjustified synodical particularism arises.

Where we now act together, the exhortation of the Apostle holds: "Be diligent to keep the unity in the Spirit!" As soon as anyone who has some cause to represent perceives that he is falling into dissension with those with whom he knows himself united in faith, he may be sure that he is representing a wrong cause. One can here and there hear the thought expressed: I belong to this synod and am to build the kingdom of God there; the interests of other synods are no concern of mine. That is not rightly thought and said. The Apostle addresses the Gentile Christians in the Epistle to the Ephesians with the words: "I have heard of your faith in the LORD Jesus and of your love to all the saints." There he speaks of the ecumenical spirit, which belongs to the character of a true Christian. There is no such thing as being able to represent the interests of one part of the Church in such a way that the interest of others is disturbed. Here a decision is to be made according to God's Word; but usually both parties think they have God's Word on their side, and therefore in such cases the exhortation holds: "Be diligent to keep the unity in the Spirit!" If you notice that the causes which you want to represent in opposition to each other drive you apart, then the causes are not right. Then a bitter root grows up, and only a semblance of a difference in the presentation of doctrine need be added, and soon the hatred and enmity that have formed will be the means by which one drifts apart in doctrine.