LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — April 21−22, 2007, Page 8

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3.1 The Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament as the written Word of
God and the only rule and norm of faith and practice.
3.2 All the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true
and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God, to wit: the
three Ecumenical Creeds (the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the
Athanasian Creed), the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology of the
Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, the Large Catechism of Luther,
the Small Catechism of Luther, and the Formula of Concord.
If a congregation chooses to do so, it may also include confessional statements, even when it
does not restate its confessional basis. Should a congregation do so, it is the responsibility of
the district constitution committee to assure that such confessional statements are in harmony
with the Holy Scriptures, the Confessions, and the teachings and practices of the Synod.
192. Review of Concordia Historical Institute Articles of Incorporation (07-2488)
The Director of Concordia Historical Institute, in a letter dated February 8, 2007, requested that
the commission review the Institute’s Articles of Incorporation “to see if they are in compliance
with [2004 convention] Resolution 4-11.”
Bylaw 3.9.2.2.4 does provide for the examination by the Commission of articles of incorporation
of agencies of the Synod “to ascertain whether they are in harmony with the Constitution,
Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod.” The Commission therefore has examined the Institute’s
articles of incorporation in light of 2004 convention Resolution 4-11 and finds them in
compliance with the expectations of the resolution.
Resolution 4-11 resolved that every incorporated agency of the Synod (such as Concordia
Historical Institute) include the following provisions in its Articles of Incorporation to promote
the unity and to safeguard the interests of the Synod:
1. This corporation, as part of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (the Synod),
acknowledges its allegiance to the Synod and to the convention of the Synod (the
convention).
2. It submits to the authority of the Synod and the convention.
3. It accedes to, recognizes, and accepts the doctrine taught and practiced in the Synod (Art.
II) and the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, and Bylaws of the Synod, as currently
in effect and as may hereafter be amended from time to time.
4. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the organizational documents of this
corporation and the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, or Bylaws of the Synod, as
may hereafter be amended from time to time, the Articles, Constitution, or Bylaws of the
Synod shall control and govern.
5. In the event this corporation is dissolved or its existence otherwise terminates or is
terminated, all right, title, and interest in and to its property, whether tangible or
intangible or whether real or personal, shall thereupon automatically vest in the Synod,
and this corporation covenants and agrees to execute and deliver to the Synod such
documents and instruments and to take such other and further actions as the Synod may
deem reasonably necessary or desirable, in order to evidence and give full effect to the
foregoing.

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