LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — October 16–18, 2005, Page 16

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

Synod under Bylaw 3.3.1.3 (k). Because these questions address issues similar to those raised by the
President of the Synod (see #77 above), a response was deferred to the next regular meeting of the
Commission for the reasons stated, when all related questions will be given careful consideration (see also
#75 above).
88. Activity of Small Groups Within the Synod (05-2443)
In a letter dated September 19, 2005, three members of the Council of Presidents submitted a series of
questions regarding the propriety of certain activities of small groups within the Synod.
Question 1:

Is it in harmony with the Constitution and Bylaws (1.3, 1.4, 1.8, 1.10, 3.1.1, and 3.1.6.2) of
the Synod for any member of the Synod or unofficial group within the Synod to engage in
activities that seek to carry out the objectives of the Synod (Article III) that the Synod has
reserved until itself, though such members or groups have not been given such
responsibility by the Synod itself? (E.g.: “Resolved, that we send our pastor and one
layman to represent __________ Lutheran Church of ___________ to form a coalition of
other confessional congregations and pastors to formulate a united plan of action for
marking and avoiding (Romans 16:1) those who hold to the above stated errors in doctrine
and practice.”)

Opinion: On October 16, 1969, the Commission on Constitutional Matters issued a landmark opinion on
the subject of “Dissenting Groups and Activities Within the Synod.” A portion of that opinion speaks
directly to the question above:
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.

48