LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 28−29, 2005, Page 8

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would be contrary to the Scriptures…If permitted to do so, every member of the Synod
would have the right to determine which of the positions of the Synod in similar matters
it wished to accept and which to reject.
II. “Dissent from doctrinal resolutions and statements is to be expressed first within the fellowship of
peers and then brought to the attention of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations before
finding expression as an overture to the convention calling for revision or recision. While the conscience
of the dissenter shall be respected, the consciences of others, as well as the collective will of the Synod,
shall also be respected” (Bylaw 1.8.2).
The “dissent from doctrinal resolutions and statements” is first of all expressed within the “fellowship of
peers.” A 1969 Commission opinion on “dissenting groups” is helpful in understanding a partial
background of the current bylaw:
The Synod has provided for forums in which such differences can be discussed and
evaluated beyond the confines of the local congregation. The pastors and teachers
conferences; the circuit meetings; the synodical and district board, commission, and
committee meetings; the doctrinal supervision and appeals procedures; and above all the
conventions of the districts and of the Synod provide the proper channels through which
the issues of opinion and judgment are to be discussed and decided…If additional
channels for discussion are needed the Synod can provide for the same in its Bylaws
through appropriate convention action.
In a report of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, November, 1973, “Guiding Principles
for the Use of ‘A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Principles’ with Special Reference to the
Expression of Dissent,” the “fellowship of peers” is explained this way:
The Synod’s established procedures for registering dissent with its doctrinal statements
include the following: a. “That we call upon those who teach publicly in the church
(pastors, teachers, and professors) to test their findings and opinions with their peer
groups before presenting them to the church at large and to refrain in brotherly love from
disseminating doctrinal positions in such manner and in such situations as will cause
confusion and offense in the church” (1965 Resolution 2-08, Proceedings, p. 96). It is
expected that pastors and teachers will discuss their objections and concerns in their
conferences, that professors will discuss such matters with their teaching and
administrative colleagues, and that staff members will discuss their objections with their
boards and other staff persons.
Then the dissent is brought to the attention of “the Commission on Theology and Church Relations”
before finding expression as “an overture to the convention.” This, together with the expression of dissent
within the fellowship of peers, gives the dissenter the privilege and responsibility to advise and persuade
or convince the “fellowship of the Synod” on the basis of the power of the Word of God and in an orderly
harmonious way.
Brotherly and formal dissent should not be confused with the wholesome need to discuss differing
viewpoints, to have frank and open discussions, and to always examine and review all positions and
resolutions of the Synod. A 1969 Commission opinion (“Dissenting Groups”) stated:
In this opinion the Commission is not attempting to limit the right of individuals to speak
their own minds. Before and after the passage or rejection of synodical resolutions
individuals must be free to express their concerns, especially for their peers. Frank and
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