# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1935_S144
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

132 Proceedings of Thirty-Sixth Regular Convention,

Wuereas, In accordance with the principle of separation of
Church and State our Church and Synod is entitled, and has a dis-
tinct direction, to be adequately represented in these services, since
attendance at religious services is never commanded nor compulsory,
the United States Government merely providing a fair opportunity
for the men to have their spiritual needs provided for; and

Wuerzas, In strict accordance with the same fundamental prin-
ciple of our Church and United States Government a chaplain does
not receive pay as a clergyman or exponent of a certain sect or re-
ligion, but merely receives compensation and allowances as a military
officer in accordance with his grade, rank, and length of service in
the armed forces of our country; and

Wuerzas, Thus the acceptance of a commission in the United
States Chaplains’ Corps is in no wise contrary to Scripture, the Lu-
theran Confessions, and the Constitution of Synod and violates no
article of faith nor synodical principle of doctrine and practise (cp. the
relevant Army Regulations, excerpts of which are appended here-
with); and

Whereas, The very object of Synod, as set forth in Article ITI,
Constitution of the Ev. Luth. Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other
States, especially in paragraphs 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8 of this article, are
best and most advantageously accomplished in this large mission-
field by having such of our clergy as are especially fitted for this type
of work represented in the United States Chaplains’ Corps; there-
fore be it

Resolved, That the various District mission boards, in consulta-
tion and concurrence with the General Secretary for Home Missions,
be authorized to 1) make necessary recommendations of orthodox
Lutheran pastors qualified for appointment to the chaplaincy to the
Adjutant General in Washington, D. C., through proper channels,
2) endorse qualified men for this appointment in accordance with
the law and existing regulations, and 8) officially commission such
pastors as qualify for this important soul-saving service in the Army
and Navy of the United States of America, both in times of peace

and war. Respectfully submitted by

Tue SoutHern San Joaquin Vattey Pastorat ConFERENCE
OF THE CALIFORNIA AND Nevapa District.
E. F. Muetier, Chairman. L. A. Kuerrner, Secretary.

Regarding Army and Navy Chaplaincies.
(Memorial 415.)
The Atlantic District, assembled at Albany, N. Y., in June, 1934,
resolved to recommend to the Synod the adoption of the following
resolution : —