A Brief History of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod: Part 1

prepared to consider the controversy. The printed word became an arsenal in the battle. Because of the nature of the conflict, the synod withdrew from the Synodical Conference to deal with the problem in-house. Things degenerated to such a point that factions locked each other out of church buildings. Even the president of the Synod, Herman Amberg Preus, was deposed and carried out of his congregations!15 U. V. Koren came through with the brilliant En Redegjörelse (An Accounting) which put the issue back into focus for the synod, but was not accepted by Schmidt and company. The opening of St. Olaf's Academy and the 1887 condemnation of the school's opening marked the final split between the Synod and the Anti-Missourians. Schmidt and Clausen, bitter enemies regarding the Slavery issue, would soon join forces. At the rematch over the Election controversy in 1917 the Synod would surrender.16

Upon this bedrock of doctrinal purity and defending the truth, the Reörganized Norwegian Lutheran Synod of America would arise in 1918. Thirteen pastors would form the nucleus. Though it appeared to be a "plucked chicken," it was indeed healthy and the feathers have since grown back.

REÖRGANIZATION OF THE SYNOD

At the turn of the century the various Norwegian groups felt a need to organize. Committees were appointed to study a possible merger. The bodies that participated were the United Norwegian Church (Forenede Kirche), the Hauge Synod and the Norwegian Synod. The Hauge Synod had opposed the Norwegian Synod on the matter of lay-ministry and personal piety; the United Church was an amalgamation of foes of the Norwegian Synod. That the factions forming the United Church had at one time bitterly opposed each other was inconsequential. They came together themselves to provide a united front against the Norwegian Synod.

That these three bodies sought unity in the 1900's is interesting. Philosophically and doctrinally they were opposed. In fact, the first meetings ended with the general assumption that the differences in doctrine would prevent any merger. But where there's a will there's a way. New committees were soon appointed by the three bodies to hold new meetings. Thus Opjør was given birth. This document, also known as the Madison Settlement, became the basis for this new union. It allowed error to coëxist with truth. Though opposed by Koren, he died before serious action could be taken. Rev. Stub, the new president of the Synod, heartily endorsed the

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