# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_May 5 6 1966_S5
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

"Several requests have come to the Commission on Constitutional Matters to interpret the meaning
of the statement on woman suffrage in the church which was adopted in Resolution 2-36 of the
Detroit convention (Proceedings, page 103).
The resolution reads: (quote same in its entirety).
The last sentence in point 3 has raised some questions. But the words mainly in question are in
point 1 of the resolution: ". where this involves exercising authority over men with respect to the
public administration of the Office of the Keys." The questions_most frequently asked are: On
which issues may women vote and on which may they not vote?
Which offices may they hold and which may they not hold?
The Commission on Constitutional Matters has asked the Commission on Theology and Church
Relations to study further the theological questions involved in woman suffrage. In the meantime
we respectfully request all congregations and Districts with questions about the interpretation of
the Detroit resolution not to make major changes until the theological issues are further clarified."
370. Release of Statement on Woman Suffrage: It was decided to send this statement to the Constitution
Committees of the Kansas and Northwest Districts which had addressed questions to the Commission
and also to send a copy to all District Presidents to use at their discretion. It was decided to answer a
letter from Pastor George Reule of Oregon which touches on this matter by simply informing him that
the whole question has been referred to the CTCR for further study.
During the course of the 2-day meeting the following additional list of items was developed which the
Commission felt should be studied in anticipation of presenting a revised Handbook to the New York
convention:
371. Order Cards for Handbook: Sending perhaps one copy of the Handbook to each congregation with
an order card enclosed for an additional copy, if desired.
372. Bylaw Approvals: A proposal to rewrite 2.107 that would require Districts to submit preliminary
drafts of bylaws and articles of incorporation well in advance of presentation to District conventions.
373. District Officers: A review of the entire Handbook section on District Officers.
374. District Presidents and Vice-Presidents: Must they be clergymen? If so, should this be spelled out?
Shall they, and District staff officials, be salaried by the Synod?
375. Synod - District Relationship: See 367.
The meeting adjourned with a prayer spoken by the Secretary.
Herbert Mueller, Secretary

MINUTES OF COISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
TT W. Washington, Chicago, Illinois, June 30 - July 1, 1966
376. Chairman Kuenne called upon Luessenhop to open the meeting with a Scripture reading and prayer.
All members were present except Dr. 8treufert. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as
submitted.