# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1956_S490
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS

Synod to Examine the Validity of Reasons
for Removing a Certain Pastor from Office

(Unprinted Memorials 35 and 36)

ACTION
Synod adopted the resolution in the report of Committee 6:

Resolution 46

These memorials present the case of a pastor who was deposed
from office by his congregation and whose deposition was approved
by the District officials. He did not appeal his deposition and
subsequently resigned from Synod. Two sister congregations
request that Synod declare the basis on which the pastor can be
deposed and in effect ask whether the deposition was proper.

We agree that Scripture allows only three reasons for deposing
a pastor from office: “Teaching false doctrine,” Titus 1:9; offensive
conduct, 1 Timothy 3:1-7; and willful neglect of official duties,
1 Timothy 2:2; 1 Corinthians 4:1,2. (Fritz, Pastoral Theology,
page 55). As to the application of these reasons to the particular
case, it is the opinion of this committee that this is a question of
casuistry which does not properly belong before Synod; there-
fore be it

Resolved, That no further action on these memorials be taken
by this convention.

Time Limit for Unprinted Memorials
(Unprinted Memorial 79)

ACTION
Upon recommendation of Committee 6, Synod resolved:

Resolution 48

Wuereas, A great number of unprinted memorials are received
up to the day of the opening of the convention and continue to
come in during the convention; and ;

Wuereas, This practice gives neither the delegates to the con-
vention nor the floor committees sufficient opportunity to give the
proper study to such proposals; be it

Resolved, That all unprinted memorials addressed to any
synodical convention shall be in the hands of the President of
Synod no later than ten days before the opening date of the con-
vention; and be it further

Resolved, That only upon recommendation of a committee of
three, appointed by the President of Synod, shall the convention by
special resolution make exception to this rule; and be it further

Resolved, That Section 1.25 of the Handbook be amended
accordingly.