# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_February 18 19 1971_S1
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

WHEREAS, The Board of Directors of the SELC District appointed delegates to represent the
congregations of the District in line with the bylaw requirement regarding size and number of
electoral circuits; and
WHEREAS, The Commission on Constitutional Matters has approved this procedure as a
feasible way of meeting what would otherwise be an impossible situation; therefore be it
Resolved, That the delegates appointed by the Board of Directors of the SELC District be seated
at the 1971 convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as fully recognized voting and
advisory delegates.
303. Election of Delegate, Circuit 12, Kansas District (Ag. 231): The Commission's ruling in this matter
was challenged by Reverend Lester H. Dumer. After further discussion the Commission resolved to
inform Pastor Dumer that the Commission cannot order a new election since the deadline dates have
already passed and that the Commission asks all concerned to abide by its previous ruling. The secretary
was asked to phone Counselor Sprick to determine which of the two pastors involved had actually been
registered by him for the convention (See page 46).
304. Heinitz Request (Ag. 237): Professor Kenneth Heinitz of CTC, River Forest, had asked in behalf of a
faculty committee for a copy of all rulings and interpretations of the Commission since the Denver
convention. The secretary had replied that this was an impossible request and had given several reasons.
The Commission formally endorsed this reply.
305. Congregational Bylaws (Ag. 239): Reverend James Haberkost of the Northern Illinois District had
asked whether District constitution committees needed to review also the bylaws of the congregations.
The Commission resolved to inform him that as a general policy it might be advisable also to ask for
bylaws when constitutions are submitted, in order to make sure that the congregation's constitution is
being properly interpreted, but that it should not be regarded as necessary to have every bylaw change
submitted to the District committee for review.
306. Interpretation of Bylaw 1.63 b, "Rights of Advisory Members"(Ag 241): Ad Hoc Committee 4-31 on
Organization asked for an interpretation of this paragraph. The Commission decided to inform the
committee that is is our understanding that the words refer to advisory delegates and representatives and
to convention committees and convention offices, and the Commission also decided to suggest that the ad
hoc committee recommend an improved wording of the bylaw to the convention.
307. Loans to High Schools (Ag. 242): The Board of Trustees for Trust Funds had asked the Commission
to interpret Denver Resolution 12-18 which speaks of loans to high school associations. The Commission
interpreted this resolution to mean that the Board of Trustees may make such loans if the high school
association in question meets the requirements of the "Prudent Man Rule" as set forth in the resolution.
308. Congregations Demitting (Ag. 19): Since Dr. Wolbrecht had made the suggestion originally that
more detailed bylaws ought to be developed governing procedures when congregations demit, the
Commission resolved to ask him to submit a proposal in writing.
309. Report to Convention (Ag. 240): After a few editorial changes had been made, it was resolved to
adopt the proposed report to the convention prepared by the secretary for the Commission.
310. Relation of Institution President to Faculty Members (Ag 200)• Since the situation seems to be
improving and since there has been no further request in writing from Dr. Klann for amplification of the
Commission's previous ruling on this matter, it was decided to take no further action.