LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1995, Page 3

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3. We hold likewise that Scripture does not prohibit women from exercising the
franchise in congregational or synodical assemblies.
4. We therefore conclude that the Synod itself and the congregations of the Synod are at
liberty to alter their policies and practices in regard to women’s involvement in the work of the
church according to these declarations, provided the polity developed conforms to the general
Scriptural principles that women neither hold the pastoral office nor “exercise authority over
men.”
Some congregations may desire to insert a separate paragraph in their constitution or
bylaws. We are proposing such a paragraph below. Other congregations may wish to change
present provisions of their constitution and bylaws instead of introducing a separate new article.
In any event, the commission would caution each congregation carefully to examine all articles
of its constitution, bylaws, and articles of incorporation to make sure that there is agreement
among and within these documents. In all probability legal counsel should be secured. All
revisions of congregational constitutions must be submitted to the District President for review
(Handbook, 1.11 b).
In offering the suggestion below to the congregations the Commission on Constitutional
Matters is restricting itself to the position which the Synod has taken in this matter (de iure
humano rather than de iure divino, by human right rather than divine right) at this point. It is
therefore assumed that the Synod may further define its position in the future, thereby making it
necessary perhaps to refine the suggestions being offered herewith.
Privileges of Women
Women who have reached the age of ________1 may hold voting membership in the
congregation and serve as officers and as members of boards and committees as long as these
positions are not directly involved in the specific functions of the pastoral office (preaching, the
public administration of the sacraments, church discipline) and as long as this service does not
violate the order of creation (usurping authority over men). Accordingly, they shall not serve as
pastor, as a member of ________,2 as chairman or vice-chairman of the congregation, or as
chairman of ________.3
The Commission on Constitutional Matters
1

The age given shall be at least the majority age established by state law.
Here shall be listed the board of elders or corresponding board directly involved in the functions
of the pastoral office.
3
Here the congregation may list at its discretion those major policy and decision-making boards
or standing committees, if any, whose chairmanship the congregation might wish to restrict to
men.
2