# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1928_S70
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

70 Proceedings of the thirty-first convention
[Printed in English.]

be advised to conform himself to the mode of procedure followed in
his own synod, and the officials of the respective synod shall see to
it that the case is in no wise unnecessarily delayed. In case an ex-
communicate consults a pastor of another synod after having been
nonsuited in his own synod, and after it has been found impossible
to bring about a settlement between the pastors and the congregations
concerned, it shall be the duty of the respective presidents to take
charge of the case.

II.

The Synodical Conference has declared: “The privilege of affili-
ating or severing its connections with a synod is an inalienable right
of a congregation. The manner in which a congregation chooses to
exercise this right finally rests with the congregation itself; however,
in exercising this right, every caution should be taken not to violate
the principles of Christian love.”

Before a congregation has definitely declared its withdrawal
from membership in a synod, it is not permissible for an official of
another synod to espouse the cause of, or advise, said congregation.
If its withdrawal, however, has been definitely established, it shall
not be deemed improper for officials of another synod to advise such
a congregation.

III.

In case a member of a congregation desires to sever his connec-
tions with the congregation to which he belongs in order to affiliate
with a congregation of another Synod, he should, before taking this
step, advise with his pastor and his congregation. The tie which
unites him with his congregation and his pastor is divine and for
that reason ought to be severed only in an orderly manner. If a mem-
ber cannot possibly agree with his pastor and congregation on the
benefits he may derive from joining elsewhere, e. g., if this member is
of the opinion that because of the language question greater spiritual
blessings would inure to him and his family should he join elsewhere,
the final decision in such matters rests with the individual Christian
himself.

Should it be impossible for the two congregations in question
to come to some understanding, admission to membership shall not
be granted forthwith, but the case shall then be placed before the
proper District officials, who shall advise in accordance with the above
principle and thus bring the case to a close.

IV.

In intersynodical controversies all cases are to come for arbitra-
tion, first, before the District presidents, next, before the presidents
of synods, and finally, as the last resort, before the synods.

If, in case of an open controversy in any congregation, a member
of another synod is desired as an adviser, this is to be permitted only
if all the parties concerned approve.

If members of a sister congregation are desired as witnesses in
an open controversy, these shall be admitted to the hearing and al-
lowed to give their testimony.