# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_June 11 12 1976_S5
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

67. Medical Missions (Ag. 981, 981A): In answer to three questions raised by the chairman of the special
committee appointed to study the whole question of medical missions as provided for in Anaheim
convention Resolution 2-10A, the Commission resolved upon the following reply:
1.

(Question 2) Anaheim Resolution 2-10A, which takes precedence over earlier provisions
since it was the latest adopted, clearly assigns responsibility for a program of medical
missions until the Dallas convention to the Board for Missions.

2.

(Question 1) It therefore follows that it is the Board for Missions which is to appoint the
interim secretary for medical work until the Dallas convention takes action.

3.

(Question 3) The Bylaws indicate that the Council for Christian Medical Work is not a
subdivision of the Board for Missions. It should therefore have a separate budget. It stands in
a consultative and advisory relationship to the Board for Missions and all other boards which
may need advice and counsel in this specialized field.

68. Texas United Board of Missions (AS. 954, 954A): Rev. Martin Ramming of Port Arthur, Texas had
asked whether it was permissible for his congregation to join this organization. He supplied a copy of that
organization's constitution. After studying this document the Commission resolved upon the following
reply:
1.

The Commission is troubled by the possibility of unionism, especially by the fact that the title
of the organization is "United Board of Missions, Inc." and that Article II speaks of it as an
eccumenical ministry, treating also the spiritual needs of people, and seeking the
development of people to their fullest potential and personhood as children of Almighty God.

2.

On the other hand, if it is true, as you state in your letter, that "the work is strictly in the social
field and no effort is made to unite churches or engage in joint worship," then membership
may not be objectionable. However, even though the Commission on Constitutional Matters
is willing to venture this tentative evaluation, the Commission feels that such a request should
be addressed more properly either to the Commission on Theology and Church Relations or
to the Board of Social Ministry and World Relief.

69. Minutes: The Commission approved the minutes of the following regular and telephone conference
call meetings: March 5-6, 1976; March 8; March 23; April 13.
70. Missouri District Bylaws (Ag. 977): The Commission resolved to approve the Bylaws of the Missouri
District with the stated suggestions listed in Secretary Mueller's critique (attached to the minutes).
71. All Lutheran Youth Gatherings, Resolution 7-09 and Article VI (Ag. 961, 1007): St. Paul's of
Fairmont, Minnesota, had asked whether Anaheim Resolution 7-09, permitting all-Lutheran youth
gatherings is in accord with Article VI which forbids unionism and syncretism. Pastor Redenbach of New
Westminster, B.C. had asked a similar question in regard to youth gatherings in Canada. The Commission
resolved to call attention to the fact that the resolution itself states that the fellowship principles of the
Synod are to be observed.
72. Saskatoon Program (Ag. 963): Pastor S. H. Redenbach of New Westminster, B.C., had inquired
whether Anaheim Resolution 6-08A, part 8, regarding the Saskatoon program was constitutional. The
Commission resolved to encourage him to approach the Board for Higher Education to whom this matter
has been assigned and also to take note that the procedure according to Resolution 6-08A is "to be
consistent with the Constitution of the Synod."