# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_April 27 1979_S5
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

question: "Is there anything contrary to the Scriptures and to the Confessions in that
congregation's constitution?" This question seems to be important in view of the fact that
non-action on the part of the District committee may sometimes be invalid and seem to be the
issue in the case referred to in Overture 5-06.
5-11

It was felt that the application of Dallas Resolution 5-01 should continue to be held very
firmly to be constitutional.

5-15

Ordination and installation of Seminex graduates. Perhaps a resolution needs to be drafted
which contains a strong admonition for District presidents to be serious about
implementing Bylaw 4.01 b, although drastic automatic action may not be advisable.

5-17

It was suggested that the Synod should go slow in deciding that (and 2-12) Directors of
Christian Education should become members of the Synod together with pastors and
teachers.

6-02

Bylaw proposals for Colloquy Board. Attention was called to the fact that the proposed
wording of 4.51 was also listed by mistake as the present wording for the same paragraph.
The words "or their representative" do not appear in the present bylaw. It was felt that the
provision should not be made too loose. Perhaps the bylaw could state that for any
endorsement of a colloquy candidate for placement it will be necessary for at least two of
the three members to be present personally and not just by way of their representative. The
representative also needs to be a high level faculty member.

6-31

Evaluation of theological professors. This was not considered constitutionally necessary
since other provisions already exist.

6-32

Permanent tenure for faculty. Question: Have accrediting agencies been contacted?

6-34
35,36

The CCM favors a strong colloquy program; licensing during the process
may be a live option to get at practical problems.

6-37

Saskatoon. In spite of the heading given this overture by the BHE, the CCM is of the
opinion that the quoted statement is not intended to be incorporated in the Handbook since
it apparently is of a temporary nature and not in bylaw form.

6-38A Only those who are members of the Synod (pastors, teachers) ought to be colloquized.
Question: Why was deaconess colloquy ever introduced?
6-46

Deaconess program. Could very well be moved from Valpo.

6-60

Social Ministry placement. Again, the Commission holds that there are difficulties
involved in the Synod placing professional workers who are not members of the Synod
(pastors, teachers).

6-61

Right of congregations to elect. It was resolved to inform Floor Committee #6 that the first
resoled is patently unconstitutional unless restricted further: "Resolved, That we affirm the
right of the congregation to call any qualified candidate." IIf it is the Synod that qualifies the
candidate, the resolve could stand, but that does not seem to be the intention of the resolve.

6,-62

Certify Herman Otten. No position was taken on this matter.