LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — April 29, 2003, Page 12

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AN OPINION REGARDING DISSENTING GROUPS
AND ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE SYNOD
From several quarters the Commission on Constitutional Matters has received inquiries
which may be summarized in the following constitutional questions:
Is it permissible under the Constitution of the Synod, without the consent of the Synod, to
call into being organizations whose purposes are to express dissent to the resolutions of
the Synod or whose purposes might ostensibly be in keeping with the purposes and
functions of the Synod but might in reality arrogate responsibilities which the Synod has
reserved to itself? By the same. token, is it permissible for existing organizations to
engage in such activities?
The Commission on Constitutional Matters holds that such actions subvert the
Constitution of the Synod.
The very nature and purpose of a synodical fellowship need to be restated once again. A
synod is a "walking together." The choice of the word "synod," derived from the Greek,
is significant because it emphasizes the idea of unity. For good reason our church body
has chosen for itself the name: "The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod." We are
congregations, pastors, and teachers who have decided to join hands and to walk together.
The Preamble of the Constitution has the sub-heading: "Reason for the Forming of a
Synodical Union." Union was the major concern in effecting the organization of the
Synod. The concepts of fellowship, togetherness, brotherhood, and "walking together"
express the basic purpose of the Synod's existence.
The reasons given in the Preamble for forming the union are "1. The example of the
apostolic church, Acts:15: 1-31," and "2. Our Lord's will that the diversities of gifts
should be for the common profit, 1 Cor. 12:4-31." Once again the emphasis falls upon the
idea of unity.
In Article III, Objects, the fundamental thrust of the Synod is not only clearly stated but is
given preeminence. The first purpose of the Synod is listed as: "The conservation and
promotion of the unity of the true faith (Eph. 4:3-6; 1 Cor. 1: 10) and a united defense
against schism and sectarianism (Rom. 16:17)." The Scripture references include the
admonitions to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, to avoid all divisions,
and to beware of division makers.
Objects 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 continue with this theme. All of these imply the quest for
oneness, its preservation and extension.
Objects 7 and 8 need special emphasis in view of the questions which have been raised
regarding the formation and continuation of groups which attempt to carry out the
purposes which the Synod reserves for itself:
7. The supervision of the ministers and teachers of Synod with regard to the
performance of their official duties;
8. The protection of pastors, teachers, and congregations in the performance of
their duties and the maintenance of their rights.
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