# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1906_S87
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Constitution and Agreements of the Synodical Conference. 87

make [it] and, in case of accepting the call, join the synod concerned. If the congregation has been served at different times by different synods, then that synod has precedence which served the congregation last. (S.-C. XII, 51 f.)

Change of the Previous Synodical Relationship.

The right and the freedom to join a synod, or to leave such a one, is an inalienable congregational right.

How a congregation exercises this right is finally for it itself to determine; yet it should take good care that it does not sin against love.

A congregation, where it is a matter of a change of synodical relationship within the circle of orthodox synods, must not lose sight of the fact that it is bound to its previous synod by a special bond, so that therefore in the dissolution of such a relationship the commandment of love comes into consideration in particular respects. It should therefore make use of its right only when guided by the weightiest reasons and in Christian order, so that it may not abuse its right. (S.-C. XIV, 51 f.)

Heathen Mission. — Negro Mission.⁵)

1. The Synodical Conference [*Synodalkonferenz*] appoints . . . a mission board of three⁶) members, in whose hands the whole direction of the heathen mission shall lie. It has the authority to call missionaries in the name of the Synodical Conference, as also to instruct and supervise them with regard to their work, and, if it becomes convinced of the unfitness or unworthiness of a called missionary, to dismiss him. The appointed missionaries and their helpers are subject to the orders of this board; it itself, however, is responsible to the Synodical Conference and at each session of the said body is not only to present a written report of its activity, but also to obtain further instructions. It elects from its own midst a chairman, secretary and treasurer, and has the right, in case one of its members withdraws in the interim, to supplement itself. The mission board determines the salary of the missionaries and mission helpers and sees to it that the same, like all other money needed for the proper carrying on of the mission work, is paid out on its order by the treasurer. The mission treasurer shall at every assembly of the Synodical Conference submit a written report on all receipts and expenditures, in which accounting he also has to note whether and what contributions from the individual synods belonging to the Synodical Conference, respectively district synods, have flowed into the mission treasury. The term of service of the mission board, which board should if possible live in one place and meet at least once a month, shall be four years.

2. The mission board appoints missionaries. Only such a person can be called by the mission board to carry on the mission work who has previously been

5) This mission was begun as a "heathen mission, and indeed for the present among the heathen or at least religiously neglected and forsaken Negroes of this country."
6) Now there are six members. (S.-C. XVI, 63.)