The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1917-06-10
Ry w. IT. Euis)

Noy w. L. EllSI
With a speed that breaks all records
of church union in American history,
three leading bodies of Lutherans in
America are effecting an organic
union that is to be brought to complet-
ion within the present year. If success
ful-and the present signs point to the
complete consummation of the rapidly
developing plans-this unification of
Lutheranism will be the outstanding
event Of this quadricentennial celebra-
ton of the Reformation.
Six months ago there was no partic-
ular discussion, in any quarter. of the
possibility Of bringing together the gen.
eral council, the general synod. and the
United Synod South Of the Lutheran
church. The general council has about
100000 members, the general synod
about 100000, and the United Synod
South $4,000. These are the progressive
English speaking bodies of American
Lutheranism. All are represented on
the joint committee which is promoting
the quadricentennial celebration from
headquarters in Philadelphia, with Rev.
II. X. Gold as their secretary.
Six months ago few persons could
have been found who would have said
that Lutheran unification could pro-
ceed any more rapidly than the nego-
tiations that have dragged their way
through other denominations, usually to
end in failure. Now 1t is apparent that
before the year is over these three
bodies will be one in name, in organi-
tion, and in operation. The monument
al character of this achievement is best
understood by those who know most
about ecclesiastical affairs.
Making History In Trying Time.
This would seem 10 be the last OF
all times for the Lutheran church in
America to do anything aggressive or
distinctive. All its roots strike back
into Luther's Germany. It's people are
Of German blood. Practically every
member of the Lutheran church has
sentimental ties that bind him with
the German people. No other group IN
America has so great reason for feel
ing Che strain Of the war as these who
are united by tender ties with the de-
clared enemies Of America. Nothing
would be more natural than for the
Lutheran church, as a church, to falteT
and halt in its activities, and to come
under suspicion Of other churchmer
and the public generally.
Instead. the contrary has been tn,
case. This is being made one Of the
hfer ,taorc 81 ,ti,ara ,for, Tho churol,
es have unitedly determined 10 g,
ahead with the commemoration OF th'
four hundredth anniversary Of the
mailing fthe ninety-sevep theses by
Martin Luther on the church door o
Wittenberg. No ecclesiastical event II
modern American religious life has beer
more vigorously and effectively handle,
than the Reformation celebration
which the Lutherans have pioneered
} Their activities have ranged all tn,
way from special musical productions
pageants. meetings. lectures, stud.
courses and special papers. down to I
system OF united advertising in the dali.
newspapers OF the country. A NOR
thoroughly modern and up.todate en-
terprise II would be hard TO find. Tn
activities OF this joint committee hav
been OF n sort that would have warmsl
the cookies Of Martin Luther's heart.
The Joint committee for the Reforma
tion quadri-centennial has also issued
in behalf OF the churches, ringing
declaration Of loyalty to the presiden
OF the United States. They also sun
mon all their congregations to war r.
lief and Red Cross activities. The
nave a special committee on appoint
ment OF chaplains. so that there ma
be a full representation Of Luthera
chaplains in the army, and that thes
men may be thoroughly qualified an
bear the authorization Of the demon
nation.
The Lutheran churches are counsele
20 provide special services In recogn