# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1944_S252
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

252 Intersynodical and Doctrinal Matters’

the Fort Wayne Convention, provided such prayer does not imply
denial of truth or support of error. Local conditions will determine
the advisability of such prayer. Above all, the conscience of a
brother must not be violated nor offense be given.

9.. With regard to Overtures 617 and 618, concerning member-_
ship in the National Lutheran Council, your Committee offers the
following recommendations: _ .

In. Memorial 617 and in several other memorials of similar ©:
intent the recommendation is offered that Synod direct its respon-

sible officers to make formal application for membership in the 3

National Lutheran Council and that the Missouri Synod atcept the
_ duties and responsibilities of such membership under the constitu-
tion of the National Lutheran Council as adopted March 18, 1926.
After thorough consideration of these matters, your Com-
mittee respectfully presents the following:

Wuergas, According to the best information available, member-
ship in the National Lutheran Council, as at present constituted
and in accordance with the proposed constitution, would apparently
involve our Synod in unionistic principles and endeavors beyond
a mere co-operation in externals and thus violate Scriptural prin-
ciples which we are bound to observe; therefore be it

Resolved, That we decline the request contained in Memorial
No. 617 and others of the sathe intent and therefore do not direct
our officers to make application for membership in the National
Lutheran Council; and be it further

Resolved, That we request the President and the Vice-Presi-
dents of Synod, together with our Committee on Lutheran Unity,

‘ to study the proposed constitution of the National Lutheran Council
.and to gather further information as to the scope of the co-operative
endeavors contemplated, with a view to collaborating with the
National Lutheran Council in such matters as involve no violation _
of conscience and no denial of the truth.

We suggest that Synod instruct the Committee on Doctrinal -_

Unity to send, at its discretion, a copy of the new Doctrinal
Affirmation also to the United Lutheran Church.

Unprinted Memorials 28 and 31 were received and considered
by the Committee; they require no action. On unprinted Me-
morial No. 29, a and b, action has already been taken in former
resolutions.

Finally, we suggest that Synod extend a vote of thanks to the
members of the Committee on Doctrinal Unity for their faithful
service. . ,

ACTION
This report with its recommendations was adopted.