LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1932, Page 90

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The reasons for the
On the basis of the

faithful allegiance to the Church are —

a) A membership so consecrated to the task of Christianity that
an atmosphere ig provided in which the youthful souls may flourish
and grow into fine, loyal Christian characters:

b) A Christian day-school.

Several correspondents have suggested that i
conducted annually and that the Period be extended from five
years. The material for the roll-cal] of 1932
statistician’s office in January.

INVESTIGATION OF THE DANCE.

"9° That in many localities practically al] young people dance;
"3. That pastors and teachers generally avoid
and ‘school;
4, That dancing is no longer regarded as sinful.
To our questionnaires on the subject we have thus far received

about 250 replies. Tabulations, though incomplete, give the following
apparently valid percentages: —.

the subject in pulpit

WALTHER LEAGUE.

In communications received from District committees we note
# very general approval of the Walther League. We believe that the
League is a powerful agency in advancing the work of our Church
‘among our young people. For this reason we are ready to endorse the
League, its problems, and its worthy aims. Synod will do well to lend

.its support and facilities to the advancement and expansion of the
Walther League.

Ev. Luth. Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States. 1932. 107

JUNIOR ORGANIZATIONS.

During the past three years your board was Primarily concerned
with the problem of junior organizations: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts,
Girl Reserves, Camp-fire Girls, and Hi-Y. Particularly in recent years
the subject of junior organizations was frequently discussed in local
congregations and in conferences of pastors and teachers. There was,
and still is, a considerable variety of opinions about them. By resolu-
tions adopted three years ago the matter was assigned to this Board
for study and report. The instructions as given at that time have been
carried out. A pamphlet embodying the report was distributed among
conferences of pastors and teachers, with the request that the report
be studied and that our Board be informed as to the reception of our
recommendations.

Responding to the request, conferences in various sections of the
country sent written opinions. Our findings and recommendations
relative to Hi-Y and Girl Reserves were unanimously approved. As to
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts there was, however, no such unanimity of
sentiment. At one extreme we find Some groups that adopted our
recommendations in toto. At the other, a much larger number, we
find those who rejected unequivocally our report on the Boy Scouts.
Among the latter there was included a formal resolution which de-
elared that Lutheran boys who hold membership, or continue to hold
membership, in Scout troops will be barred from the Lord’s Table.
Between these extremes there are graded shadings of approval and
disapproval.

Since the publication of the pamphlet our study of the problem
has continued. There has been meanwhile an exchange of letters with
conferences and with headquarters of the Boy Scouts of America. In

some twenty-five objections which he found in letters received from
pastors and conferences. Most of these objections dealt with ‘the
dangers of unionism and unionistic services for Scouts. To what: ex-
tent Scout officials attempted to remove these objections is. probably
best indicated by citing from official Scout literature or correspon-
dence: —

“Tt is not only unwise arid ill advised for a local council to under-
take to interfere in any way with an institution’s management of its
own troop, but it has also no authority to do so.” (Policies and Regula-
tions. Interpretations, 6.) : : -

“The policies upon which the Board has made its recommendations
will be consistently observed by the Boy Scouts of America, both
locally and nationally. We will appreciate your cooperation in helping
us to see that this is done.” (From letter received by Dr. Graebner
from Mr. Wyland.) i :