# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1932_S118 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 162 Proceedings of Thirty-Fifth Regular Convention, Regarding this memorial, Committee 15 submitted the following resolution : — Wuereas, It appears that there is a difference of opinion regard- ing the true interpretation of Article VII of Synod’s Constitution con. cerning the relation of the Synod to its members, especially in refer. ence to the meaning and scope of the term “advisory body”; and Wuereas, The Central Conference of Northern N. ebraska has pe- titioned Synod for an opinion in this matter, requesting the Synod to cause a brief interpretation of Article VII of-the Constitution to be written; and Wuereas, It appears desirable that such an interpretation be given the widest possible publicity; therefore be it Resolved, That the Synod request the standing Committee on Constitutional Matters to publish an explanatory article concerning the true meaning of Article VII in the official organs of the Synod, the Lutheraner and the Lutheran Witness. This resolution was adopted by Synod. Amalgamation of the English District Congregations with Other Districts of Synod. (Memorial 407.) The increased use of the English language throughout all Dis- tricts of our Synod during the past decade has brought forth petitions to Synod concerning the amalgamation of English District congrega- tions with other Districts of Synod. The 1923 convention of Synod, considering a petition from the Visitors of the Western District, held that a proposal for amalgamation should come from the English District and asked that District kindly to discuss this matter. Synod adopted a similar resolution in 1926. The English District has not yet proposed amalgamation of its congregations with Districts in which they are geographically located, although reasons for amalgamation are stronger to-day than they were a decade ago. Therefore the Northern Illinois District, in convention assembled at River Forest, Ill., June 28 to July 3, 1931, presents the following resolution : — “That the Ev. Luth. Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States be requested to reconsider the resolutions according to which a move for amalgamation must come from the English District and to take the necessary steps to effect the amalgamation of the congregations and pastors of the English District with the respective Districts of Synod in whose territory they are located.” ; We urgently request Synod to give this matter most serious and careful consideration for the following reasons: — 1. The English language is now the predominent language Ev. Luth. Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States. 1932. 163 ‘throughout our Synod, and therefore the reasons which obtained twenty or more years ago for a separate English District, scattered over all parts of our vast country, do not obtain to-day. 2. Our bilingual congregations are doing mission-work adequately and efficiently in the English language, and establishment of separate and purely English missions is often a duplication of efforts and not in the interest of economy. 3. Elimination of duplicate mission boards and missionary efforts will forestall unbrotherly friction and rivalry in many parts of Synod. 4. Many of our circuits, congregations and laymen especially, deplore the fact that congregations heavily burdened with the support of their schools must contribute to mission subsidies and church ex- tension funds from which competing churches without schools are founded and supported. 5. Most of our bilingual Districts already have a number of purely English congregations, which are in no way deprived of the benefits of membership with Synod. 6. Amalgamation of our English District congregations and pas- tors with other Districts will eliminate the offense given or taken in mission-practise where there is competition for new fields. Respectfully submitted by Tue Nortuern Inunors District. F. L. Genrs, Secretary. Dissolution of the English District. (Memorial 408.) “WueErEas, Practically all the congregations of our Synod are now bilingual and in consequence thereof an exclusively English District is no longer needed for the promotion of English work in Synod; and “Wuereas, An amalgamation of the congregations of the English District with the respective synodical Districts in which they are located would result in closer fraternal relations; and “Wuereas, Such merger would make for a more unified policy in the prosecution of the various endeavors of our church-work; and “WHEREAS, The proposed amalgamation would obviate the in- convenience to which the brethren of the English District are now subjected in attending their District conference and board meetings and would at the same time materially reduce their expenditures for travel and the work of the various District boards; therefore be it “Resolved, That we petition the Hon. Delegate Synod to approach the English District with the request to consider seriously the question whether the time has not come for the dissolution of its District.” (See Report of South Wis. Dist., 1931, p. 76.) Henry Grusser, President. R. Scuroru, Secretary.