# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1916_S77
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

of the Ev. Luth. Synodical Conference of North America. 1916. 77

to its conduct at the synodical convention, we must fear that they will use their power to carry the union into effect without taking the proper brotherly consideration.

"On the other side stands a considerable and likewise resolute minority. It cannot, for conscience' sake, enter the new body until the requested correction has been made in the doctrinal basis, the 'Opgjör.' The minority has never been so strong, so united and firm as now. And many who do not share its view of the 'Opgjör' sympathize with it, because they are against the autocratic power that has been given to the Church Council in order to curb the minority, and because they want to protect our free-church principles and our freedom of conscience against all coercive power and all dishonesty.

"That one sees also within the majority that the situation is so serious that nothing can be done is evident from a letter of Dr. Stub's to the convention on the day before its close. He says that he regards it as a sacred duty to set negotiations going between the three bodies on these subjects.

"VI.

"What, then, must the minority do?

"The answer is: We must try to set right what is wrong, and until that is done, continue our work in the Synod as hitherto. That is our simple duty and, according to the constitution of the Synod, our right.

"Our educational institutions and other institutions, for whose establishment and maintenance we have sacrificed so much, we must maintain and protect, as we have declared in our joint declaration mentioned above. That a split may be averted is meanwhile our sincere prayer. The other bodies will soon hold their conventions. We do not know what will happen there. The Lord sits in command.

"We still have our body. In it let us do our work, and let each day bear its own trouble. If the difficulties cannot be removed, there will still be enough congregations left that want to remain in the Synod, so that it can continue and maintain its great motto: 'The Word alone and grace alone!' No synodical resolution can compel a congregation by force out of the Synod and into a new body. This matter only the congregation itself can decide.

"May the Lord make his countenance shine upon our dear church body!

"With respect,
"The Minority Committee."