LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 28−29, 2005, Page 18

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district or Synod for the purpose of it becoming a resolution? If it is not in violation, how is it
appropriate for him to discuss this matter with his congregation and still be in compliance
with Bylaw 1.7 of the Handbook?
Opinion: A pastor who is in the process of dissent according to Bylaw section 1.8 is not in conflict with
the Synod’s Constitution and Bylaws if he discusses his issues of dissent with his congregation. The
formal process of dissent should be considered separate and distinct from the right or privilege to discuss
different viewpoints with his congregation. As stated in the October 16, 1969 opinion of the Commission
on Constitutional Matters, “An Opinion Regarding Dissenting Groups and Activities Within the Synod”:
Christians as well as non-Christians expect differences of opinion and judgment to arise
when people walk together. The Synod has provided for forums in which such
differences can be discussed and evaluated beyond the confines of the local
congregation…When the majority has been determined it must be respected. Otherwise
life together (synod) becomes all but impossible. Discussion may indeed continue; but it
needs to be carried on with full respect for the majority will and within the forums
established by the Synod for the preservation of synodical unity…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 to their peers. Frank and open discussion carried on
in a spirit of Christian love and forbearance must be a part of our life together in the
Synod… (Emphasis added)
Opinion 03-2328 of the Commission states in addition:
As part of life together in the Synod, members have the responsibility to continually
examine and reexamine their confession (symbols, doctrinal statements, and resolutions)
to determine if they are faithful to Holy Scriptures. Members have a never-ending task of
testing everything that the Synod believes, teaches, and practices to see if they are in
accordance with the Word of God. If there are issues that need to be addressed or issues
that are considered by the members of the Synod that have not yet been addressed, any
action is to be governed by the procedures set forth in the Bylaws, particularly Bylaws
1.09 and 2.39 [current Bylaws 1.6, 1.7, 1.8].
Therefore, a pastor in the process of doctrinal dissent does not violate his obligation to “honor and uphold
the resolutions of the Synod” (Bylaw 1.8.1) by discussing a doctrinal issue with members of his
congregation in preparation of an overture to be submitted to a convention. While a dissenter is not “free
to teach the dissenting view…” (see Opinion Ag. 2048, October 23, 1996), he is free to “have frank and
open discussions and to always examine and review all positions and resolutions of the Synod” (see
Opinion 05-2444), especially with members of his congregation. There is a distinction between discussion
of doctrinal issues and the teaching of doctrine contrary to the position of the Synod. While there is
freedom to discuss doctrinal issues, “[a] member dissenting…must follow the doctrine of the Synod and
its doctrinal resolutions pending the outcome of the process…A member who dissents according to the
procedures outlined…may not be charged with false doctrine while such procedures are being followed”
(see Opinion 00-2203).
And further, while it is appropriate and responsible for a pastor to discuss the issues or the matter with his
congregation as well as together consider, prepare, and submit an overture to the convention of the Synod,
it is expected that, in doing so, both the pastor and the congregation “honor and uphold the resolutions of
the Synod,” respect the “consciences of others,” and respect the “collective will of the Synod” in word

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