LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1932, Page 91

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108

Proceedings of Thirty-Fifth Regular Convention,

“ . . We have assumed to give leadership to unio
services, and in this, I believe, our practise must be revi:
must also avoid inviting the ministers of these churches [Missourj
Synod] to participate in union services. . Our understanding of
these principles and our strict adherence to such policies
a great amount of misunderstanding and offense to certain
religious bodies, which do not participate in union religious SErvices
on any occasion.... This correspondence. .. will undoubtedly be the
occasion of the development of literature on this subject in order that
the policies involved may be understood by all our executives.” (From
letter of Mr. Wyland to Scout executive regarding our opp
union Scout services. Carbon copy in BYPW files.)

“Our troop never participates in any general meetings of Scouts
which are of a religious or interdenominational nature.”
Synod pastor.)

Let it be said that all communications, especially forma] resolu-
tions, received adequate review and consideration. It is possible that
some of the opposition is due in part to a lack of information which
only we had in possession.

In view of the variety of opinions which the discussion has evoked
and on account of the genuine anxiety which troubles the mind of
conscientious pastors and other leaders, we are convinced that Synod

must eventually take final and decisive action in the matter.

If the junior organizations (Boy Scouts) are inherently so vicious
in purpose and program that membership warrants excommunication,
then the Boy Scouts should not be tolerated anywhere in the Missouri
Synod, and disciplinary action must be taken against those congrega-
tions in which troops are organized, maintained, or tolerated.

If the view prevails that Scout troops may be organized and con-
ducted with certain precautions and reservations (some even now ap-
proved by Boy Scout officials), then the matter can be left to the
decision of the local congregation, which is best qualified to judge its
own local and peculiar conditions.

In fairness to Scout officials at headquarters we beg leave to add
that they have consistently shown courtesy, understanding, and
willingness to make concessions.

With reference to the invitation of our boys to participate in
unionistic services, a willingness to meet our demands is voiced in the
correspondence quoted above. (In practise even the troops now exist-
ing in our congregations have only in exceptional cases had reason for
complaint on this score.) We have the assurance of the Scout author-
ities that the interpretation of the “oath” in our preliminary report
finds their approval. What remains is that the program of Scouting
be definitely cleared of specific religious objectives in order that the
objections be met which have been set forth in our report. (See also

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Osition to

(Missouri

Ev. Luth. Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States. 1932. 109

g ore Empire, pp. 217—223.) At the time when this report was filed

for inclusion in the Reports and Memorials pamphlet, negotiations
e still pending.

wen The section of this report which deals with the Boy Scout matter

has been mailed to those conferences which sent us opinions dissenting

from OUTS: —_ Respectfully submitted,

Tue Boarp ror YouNG Peorxe’s Work.
M. J. Roscuxe, Secretary.

The report of Committee 7 regarding this memorial was adopted
by Synod in the following form: — ;

1. WHEREAS, The Board for Young People’s Work has held twenty-
seven meetings during the past three years and has established contact
with committees in nearly every District of Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That we compliment the Board for its faithful and in-
telligent application to the duties imposed upon it by Synod; and be
it further

9, Resolved, That we concur in the principles and recommenda-
tions of the Board that — . ; _

a. A congregation should not delegate its responsibility toward its
young people to some other organization, constant vigilance on the
part of the congregation being necessary ;

b. The Christian day-school through its thorough indoctrination
is a powerful agency in keeping our youth with the Church ;

c. The regular reading of our church periodicals, particularly of
our official synodical organs, and of other wholesome literature by our
young people should be continuously encouraged ;

d. Christenlehre and the organizing of Bible classes for young
people are recommended. ;

3. WuHerEas, Young people’s work should be carried on with
great diligence and intelligent direction on account of its far-reach-
ing possibilities; and

Wuereas, The Walther League is a very helpful agency in the
advancement of this work in our Church; therefore be it ;

Resolved, That we earnestly urge all our congregations to organize
young people’s societies, if they have not already done so, and that we
reafirm Synod’s endorsement of the Walther League and its worthy
aims; and be it further

Resolved, That we commend the close and whole-hearted eoopera-
tion between the Synodical District Committees for Young People’s
Work and the respective Walther League district boards;. and be it
further ; ;

4, Resolved, That we commend the sponsoring of the Synod-wide
Roll-call and suggest that.a similar project be undertaken by the
Board for Young People’s Work every five years and covering a period
of ten years.