LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 15–16, 2007, Page 4

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The Synod does provide for brotherly dissent, which does not put one’s membership or status in jeopardy.
However, those who join the Synod agree that “[w]hile retaining the right of brotherly dissent, members
of the Synod are expected as part of the life together within the fellowship of the Synod to honor and
uphold the resolutions of the Synod” (Bylaw 1.8.1). Referring to 1971 convention Res. 2-21, Bylaw 1.6.2
(b) (7) defines “honor and upheld” as “to abide by, act, and teach in accordance with” (emphasis added).
It is also agreed that “[w]hile the conscience of the dissenter shall be respected, the conscience of others,
as well as the collective will of the Synod, shall also be respected” (Bylaw 1.8.2—emphasis added).
1995 convention Res. 3-08 concludes, “Resolved, That because we are ‘eager to maintain the unity of the
Spirit in the bond of peace’ (Eph. 4:3), any members of the Synod who advocate a different practice of
Holy Communion be fraternally reminded of the commitment all members of the Synod make to one
another by subscribing to the Constitution of the Synod to honor and uphold its doctrine and practice and,
where there is disagreement, to follow the proper channels of dissent as outlined in synodical Bylaw 2.39
c [2007 Bylaw 1.8]” (emphasis added). The Bylaws of the Synod call upon us to “honor and uphold” the
resolutions of the Synod and not, in the words of the questioner, “merely honor.”
Therefore, in response to the question asked, yes, members of the Synod are expected to honor and
uphold the resolutions of the Synod, including those regarding Communion practice. The Synod has
resolved that its members abide by the practice of close(d) Communion, exercising responsible pastoral
care in extraordinary situations and circumstances.
17. Wyoming District Bylaw Amendments (07-2510; 07-2510A)
With a letter dated October 3, 2007, the second vice-president of the Wyoming District, who also serves
as the chairman of the district’s constitutions committee, submitted bylaw revisions from the district’s
May 4–6, 2006 convention for review by the commission. With an October 24, 2007 letter, the vicepresident also provided proposed changes developed by the district’s board of directors in response to a
2006 resolution to move from two vice-presidents to three regional vice-presidents.
The Secretary of the Synod was asked to reply to the district that it is necessary to provide its entire
Bylaws for review to determine whether the recent bylaw changes suit the remainder of the bylaws. As a
preliminary response, however, pending receipt and review of the balance of the Bylaws, the commission
noted the following:
•

The bylaw changes submitted via the October 3, 2007 letter appear to be in good order.

•

The proposed bylaw changes submitted via the October 24, 2007 letter include the following
concerns:
o

The use of the term “Circuit Visitor” in proposed Bylaws 3.21 and 3.27 (a) and (b) does
not correspond with the terminology used in the Synod’s Handbook: “Circuit Counselor.”

o

It is assumed that the first three paragraphs of Bylaw 3.603 remain unchanged although
they are not shown in the proposed bylaws column.

o

Under Bylaw 3.603, new paragraph (d) would read more clearly if the pronoun “them”
were replaced by “it.”

The commission will complete its review of these proposed changes upon receipt of the Bylaws of the
district in their entirety.

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