# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_July 17 25 2013_S4
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

WHEREAS, The ministers of religion–ordained and the ministers of religion–commissioned of the
Synod have an important role and responsibility in the life of the church; and
WHEREAS, Membership in the Synod carries clear expectation; and
WHEREAS, The LCMS is made up of congregations from a great diversity of cultural contexts,
calling for an appropriate measure of flexibility in communicating the saving message of the Gospel;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the President of the Synod in consultation with the Council of Presidents, the
Commission on Theology and Church Relations, and the Commission on Constitutional Matters make
provisions for the preparation of materials (a study) that explain the biblical, confessional, and
historical basis for Article VI of the Synod’s Constitution and the current and historic bylaws that
elucidate the article; and be it further
Resolved, That the study involve the Council of Presidents, the districts, circuits, and seminaries;
and be it further
Resolved, That the congregations of the Synod be encouraged to engage in the study to promote
unity, harmony, and understanding; and be it further
Resolved, That following the study, the Commission on Handbook, in consultation and
concurrence with the Synod President, the Commission on Constitutional Matters and the Council of
Presidents, submit a proposal to clarify and affirm or amend Article VI to the next convention of
Synod; and be it finally
Resolved, That we give thanks to the almighty God for the privilege and opportunity He gives us
to work and walk together in this Synod as His ambassadors in and to the worlds in which we live.”

And
WHEREAS, The urgency of this study was conveyed in the concluding paragraph of
Commission on Constitutional Matters Opinion 11-2598 with these words: “The commission
urges the timely implementation of this convention resolution including its second-last resolve
paragraph: ‘Resolved, That following the study, the Commission on Handbook, in consultation
and concurrence with the Synod President, the Commission on Constitutional Matters and the
Council of Presidents, submit a proposal to clarify and affirm or amend Article VI to the next
convention of Synod’” (emphasis added); and
WHEREAS, The Commission on Constitutional Matters has already partially fulfilled its 830B responsibilities by submission of materials on September 27, 2011, to be included in the
study to take place; and it is the commission’s prayer, hope, desire, and strong encouragement
that the commission’s materials be put to good use; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Commission on Constitutional Matters suspends (sets aside application of)
its Opinion 11-2598 until the completion of the study mandated by 2010 Synod convention Res.
8-30B; and be it further
Resolved, That based on the study of Article VI and the subsequent action by the 2016
convention of the Synod in the fulfillment of 2010 Res. 8-30B, the Commission on Constitutional
Matters may, if necessary, reconsider or revisit Opinion 11-2598; and be it further

CCM Minutes – July 17-25, 2013 – Page 375