# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1941_S245
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Constitutional Matters 245

Now, therefore, in the interest and to the welfare of our Synod
and for the information and assistance of the civil courts be it

Resolved, That. Synod declare with finality that our church
government is synodical in fact as well as in name, that its reso-
lutions and decisions have binding force, that such is also true of
the power and authority of the District synods, and that the power,
jurisdiction, and authority of both the General Synod and the Dis-
trict synods should and must be exercised and do have binding
force, in order

1, That an active and effective “united defense against schism”
may be made;

2. That a proper “supervision of the ministers and teachers of
Synod with regard to the performance of their ‘official duties” may
be had;

3. That “the protection of pastors, teachers, and congregations
in the performance of their duties and the maintenance of their
rights” may be had; and be it further

Resolved, That Synod declare with finality that Article VII of
the Constitution be interpreted as follows:

1. That Synod in its relations to its members is not an ecclesias-
tical government exercising legislative or coercive powers when it
demands unconditional and unqualified submission and surrender
to the Word of God, because in that case the Word of God is the
rule in fact.

2. That Synod, with respect to the individual congregation’s
right of self-government, is an advisory body, but it acts in an ad-
visory capacity only in connection with those matters that are
strictly a matter of self-government; that is to say, such matters as
do not include or involve faith, doctrine, practice, or discipline.
A congregation’s right of self-government does not include any
right to trench upon matters of faith, doctrine, practice, or dis-
cipline, since the Word of God is the only rule and norm and
governs a congregation in these matters. Neither can it violate
or encroach upon matters covered by Synod’s Constitution and
By-laws.

3. That a resolution of Synod imposing something upon the
individual congregation is of binding force when it is in accordance
with the direct command or injunction of the Word of God, in
which case the local congregation is obliged to adapt itself to the
expediency of such resolution.

The scope and effect of Article VII is not to be deemed limited
or restricted by or to those matters or things which would be com-
prehended by the foregoing; and be it further

Resolved, That Synod declare with finality that notwithstand-