This series comprises the general correspondence retained by the Rev. Fredrik A. Schiotz, president of The American Lutheran Church (TALC) from 1960-1971. The correspondence dates from 1952-1971 with the majority from 1960-1971. Correspondence written prior to the time Rev. Schiotz was president of TALC was retained in this series for continuity purposes. This is a substantial collection of typewritten and handwritten correspondence on a wide variety of topics. In addition to the correspondence there are other records such as newspaper clippings, magazine articles, and printed reports that were included with particular correspondence sent to President Schiotz. Subject matter for this series includes that which related to the church or office of the president directly, such as congregational policy, ordination anniversaries, congratulatory letters, and church anniversaries. The bulk of the correspondence relates to current events and matters affecting the society-at-large. These subjects include civil rights, the Vietnam War, anti-Semitism, the Black Manifesto, civil defense, church-state relations, communism, ecology, grape boycott, fair housing, and alcoholism. Many of these letters were written to Pastor Schiotz by members of TALC. The letters express their opinions on the church's position on a particular matter. Other letters express church members' concern regarding a policy of the church or a stand it has taken on an issue. This correspondence gives valuable insight into the political and cultural environment of that day. Particularly poignant are some of the letters written by parents of young men eligible for the draft and requesting information on how one applies for conscientious objector status. Included with most of these letters are Pastor Schiotz's written responses to those letters. Most of the time he himself responded, but if he was out of the office traveling, he had either his executive assistant or his secretary convey his response to the letter writer. Very evident in these letters is the wealth of patience Pastor Schiotz had in dealing with what were at times very angry TALC members. Of particular interest may be the substantial amount of letters he received on the subject of civil rights and integration. This series also includes records that predate Pastor Schiotz's tenure as TALC president. They are from when he worked for the American Lutheran Conference and also from his time as a pastor of a congregation in Brooklyn, New York. Files are arranged alphabetically by subject matter. Those folder labeled with a single letter contain correspondence filed alphabetically by author's last name or the subject matter.
