# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_December 6 7 1974_S12
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

348. San Francisco Night Ministry (Ag. 671, 671A,B,C,D,E): The Commission heard the report of
Luessenhop and Freise to the extent that in their estimation this ministry is strictly a social ministry. They
recommended that the Commission revert to the original opinion of 1968 with proper caveats attached.
The following ruling was moved and seconded:
Since two of the members of the Commission have made an on the spot investigation of the
so-called San Francisco Night Ministry, the Commission on Constitutional Matters has decided to
revert to the original opinion issued in 1968:
"The Commission on Constitutional Matters holds that the synodical Constitution, its
statements, and even individual words, need to be interpreted in the light of the theology of
the Synod and its application to changing needs and circumstances.
In view of recent decisions of the Synod (e.g. adoption of Theology of Fellowship 'for
reference and guidance,' New York Resolution 2-13) we feel that the support and
participation outlined in your letter are not in violation of the theology of the Synod and its
application to present needs and circumstances and therefore not in violation of the
Constitution (Article VI, 2, c), so long as such support or participation does not constitute a
denial of the Gospel and is not in conflict with the Lutheran Confessions."
In doing so the Commission adds the urgent counsel to the District that great care be taken to avoid
syncretism and to be vigilant over against any possible infraction of the Constitution and Bylaws of
the Synod. It expresses the hope that the time may soon come when it would be possible for the
District to take this work over in order that a true Gospel ministry may be established and needless
dissensions be avoided. This action is taken with the understanding that the District will eventually
engage its own man trained in Lutheran theology for this important ministry.
After this had been discussed for quite some time the Commission decided to postpone any further action
on the motion until the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned with the Lord's Prayer in unison.
Herbert Mueller, Secretary