LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — January 20-21, 2003, Page 2

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procedure provided by Bylaw 1.09 c. That bylaw requires, among other procedures, adoption by the
Synod in convention and ratification by a two-thirds majority vote of the Synod’s congregations. Bylaw
1.09 c 7 states that “such adopted and ratified doctrinal statements shall be regarded as the position of
Synod” and, as with doctrinal resolutions, are to “be honored and upheld…until such time as the Synod
amends or repeals them.”
In response to the question regarding the meaning and effect of Resolution 3-07A, the Commission notes
that “The Lutheran Understanding of Church Fellowship” is not simply a study document, as it was used
prior to the 2001 convention. As noted in its first two whereases, Resolution 3-03B of the 1998
convention called for a study of fellowship principles and practices on the nature of our church body and
our fellowship principles and practices, and Resolution 3-10C of the 1998 convention called for all 2000
District conventions to utilize the study to help build a “better understanding, general harmony, and more
consistent practice in our Synod.” The President of the Synod and the Commission on Theology and
Church Relations produced the document “The Lutheran Understanding of Church Fellowship” jointly.
Following a period of study by District conventions, conferences, and congregations, the Commission on
Theology and Church Relations in conjunction with the President of the Synod submitted a report to the
Synod on the synodical discussions, and Resolution 3-07A was submitted to the 2001 convention.
Resolution 3-07A recognized that the document “The Lutheran Understanding of Church Fellowship” “is
in harmony with Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions and that “a majority affirmed The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod position on church fellowship that it set forth.” The resolution also recognized
that a majority “found it scriptural and confessional and wanted The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
to maintain its historic position.” Resolution 3-07A is a doctrinal resolution of the Synod pursuant to the
requirements of Bylaw 1.09 a and b. It was not proposed or adopted as a doctrinal statement under Bylaw
1.09 c.
The final four resolves outline the convention-approved uses of “The Lutheran Understanding of Church
Fellowship,” and the published response of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations. First,
“Resolved, That we rejoice and give thanks to God for the unity of doctrine and practice that this study
has demonstrated.” Second, “Resolved, That we commend this study and response for continued use and
guidance to build that unity where it is still lacking.” Third, “Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm once
again its position on joint worship and recommit ourselves to live according to the instruction of the
Lord’s apostle…(Eph. 4:1-3)…(Eph. 5:21)….” Fourth, “Resolved, That all action taken in this resolution
shall be used to help carry out ‘The Great Commission’ and shall not in any way detract or distract from
the primary mission of God’s kingdom here on earth….”
In adopting Resolution 3-07A, the 2001 synodical convention not only commended “The Lutheran
Understanding of Church Fellowship” document (2001 Convention Workbook, pp. 375–387) for use and
guidance, but it also commended the “response” of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations
(“A Report on Synodical Discussions” – 2001 Convention Workbook, pp. 48–51) “for continued use and
guidance.”
In carrying out their official responsibilities, ecclesiastical supervisors of the Synod are expected, as with
all synodical resolutions, including doctrinal resolutions and statements of the Synod, to heed Resolution
3-07A and see to it that it is “carried out” (Art. XI B 4) and “implemented” (Bylaw 4.71 b). In carrying
out their official responsibilities, officers of the Synod are expected, as with other doctrinal resolutions
and statements of the Synod, to heed the resolution and submit to it. All members of the Synod are to
honor and uphold Resolution 3-07A together with all other doctrinal resolutions and statements until such
time as the Synod amends or repeals them (Bylaw 1.09 b and c). Those members who dissent are
expected to do so within the guidelines of Bylaw 2.39 c.
Regarding interpretation of the content of “The Lutheran Understanding of Church Fellowship” and the
response, such questions should be directed to the Commission on Theology and Church Relations.
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