# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1938_S217
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Constitutional Matters 217

Wuereas, The official name of our Synod, “The Evangelical
Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States,” fails to ex-
press the aim and the scope of our work and is misleading to those
unacquainted with our Synod and is a handicap in propagating our
work in certain sections more remote from Missouri; therefore be it

Resolved, That we, Christ Lutheran Congregation, Oil City,
Pa., in regular meeting assembled, unanimously petition our Synod:

1. To change the name of our Synod to a more appropriate
designation;

2. To consider as a new name of Synod “The International
Lutheran Church,” as expressing the scope and aim of our work.

Curist LUTHERAN CONGREGATION
HERMAN BIeLENBERG, Pastor Pau G. Lenser, Secretary

The opposite view was presented in the following overture:

Opposing the Changing of Synod’s Name
(Memorial 507)

We, the undersigned, beg leave to bring the following memorial
in the matter of changing Synod’s name to the attention of this
honorable body.

We do not favor changing Synod’s name at this time and feel
compelled to offer this overture for the following reasons:

1. Because “Missouri Synod” is a Bekenntnisname, which in
all religious circles, Protestant and Catholic alike, is known to
stand for our Synod’s firm, uncompromising, Biblical doctrine and
practise, Shibboleth identifying us;

2. Because no better name has been suggested. “Concordia
Synod” is just as sectarian, limited;

3. Because the historical and doctrinal content of the term
“Missouri Synod” far outweighs its geographical significance;

4. Because a change of name might make it appear as though
we were no longer willing to bear the reproach connected with our
stand and name;

5. Because the time for such a change has not come. Should
there be a union of Missouri with other synods of its own con-
fessional standing, a change might be advisable;

6. Because grave practical difficulties, including unnecessary
expenses, would be attendant upon such a change.

Respectfully submitted by the Central Regional Pastoral Con-
ference of North Illinois, convened at Aurora, Ill., February 15
and 16, 1938.

O. H. Linnemeier, Chairman Water A. Sprutu, Secretary
Auex Uxiricu, Committee Member