# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_February 25 26 1977_S7
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

would certainly be appropriate to assume that the District President has jurisdiction. This reply was
ratified by the Commission.
274. Congregational Fellowship (Ag. 1166): Rev. Ralph Easterhouse of West Frankfort, Illinois had
raised two questions: (1) regarding selective communion as an option for the congregation and (2)
concerning fellowship with an independent congregation in Marion which had been called into being by
two Missouri Synod congregations. The Secretary had suggested that he approach the District President
and the CTCR with these questions but then had gone on to state his personal conviction that the first
question could be answered on the basis of the Synod's general practice regarding guest communion
privileges and that in the second instance it would seem the natural thing for that congregation to apply
for membership in the LCMS in view of its history of origination. This reply was ratified.
275. Chapter V and Inter-Congregational Disputes (Ag 116_9): Phil Draheim had written to the effect that
an attorney had asked him whether Section V of the Hand-book could be utilized by a congregation to
settle an internal dispute. The Commission merely noted this for the record.
276. Women's Participation in Joint School Association (Ag. 1180): Upon advice of Dr. Preus a Ms.
Christel Marquardt, an attorney, had asked the Secretary whether the decision of a Topeka School
Association to restrict the offices and authority of women in the Association was in harmony with the
Synod's position. The Secretary had called attention to three levels of relationship. 1. The Synod has the
right to determine eligibility for membership on its own boards and commissions. 2. Over against the
congregations the Synod serves in an advisory capacity. 3. Over against private organizations such as
joint educational endeavors the Synod has even less of a relationship. The Commission ratified,this
approach to the question.
277. Immanuel, Danville, Illinois, Article on Separation (Ag 1181): The congregation had submitted a
lengthy constitutional article for reaction from the Commission. The Secretary had decided to forward
this matter to the legal counsel for reaction. It was agreed to hold this item and also to share with legal
counsel Phil Draheim the paragraph in the model constitution printed in Guidelines.
278. District Committee on Constitutions (Ag. 1153): The Secretary had shared with Rev. Arleigh Lutz of
that committee of the North Wisconsin District that such a District commission should concern itself not
only with the Constitution but also with the Bylaws of the congregations, as ruled upon on an earlier
occasion by the CCM. The Commission ratified this reply.
279. Nebraska District Bylaws (Ag. 1165): The Commission also ratified the two minor revisions in the
Nebraska District Bylaws which had been made in order to bring their election procedures into harmony
with the new presidential election procedures of the Synod.
280. Floor Committee Assignments: The following assignments were made for the floor committee
meetings to be held at the end of May and also in Dallas:
Committee #1 - Credentials and Registration: Mueller
Committee #2 - Missions: Freise
Committee #3 - Theology: Eberhard
Committee #4 - Administration: Prevallet
Committee #5 - Constitutional Matters: Freise and Mueller
Committee #6 - Higher Education: Klotz,
Committee #7 - Parish Services: Prevallet
Committee #8 - Social Ministry: Klotz
Committee #9 - Sundry: Prevallet