LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 11–13, 2011, Page 18

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Bylaw 5.02 B: This section of the bylaw will now need to include mention of circuit counselor
selection and mission and ministry emphases consideration—new responsibilities for circuit
forums adopted by the 2010 convention of the Synod.
Bylaw 5.02 B 6: As it currently reads, this paragraph assumes that there will never be a need to
combine circuits to form an electoral circuit. Provision should be made in the wording to allow
for electoral circuits formed by combining two adjacent visitation circuits (Synod Bylaw 3.1.2
[a]).

78. Fellowship Within the Synod (11-2610)
In a letter dated August 17, 2011, a pastor of the Synod submitted three questions pertaining to fellowship
with one another through membership in the Synod. The letter, which was also sent to the Commission on
Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), contained some background material.
Question 1: Is it the self-understanding of the LCMS that all of its pastors and parishes are in fellowship
with one another?
Opinion: Yes, it is the self-understanding of The Lutheran Church―Missouri Synod that all of its
congregational members (congregations that have joined the Synod) and individual members (ministers of
religion―ordained and ministers of religion―commissioned on the roster of the Synod) are in fellowship
with one another.
First, the Synod’s Bylaws not only reflect such a self-understanding, but describe the agreements of the
members and the requirements of the members’ fellowship with one another:
1.3.4 Congregations together establish the requirements of membership in the Synod (Art. VI). In joining the
Synod, congregations and other members obligate themselves to fulfill such requirements and to
diligently and earnestly promote the purposes of the Synod by word and deed. Members of the Synod,
compelled by love for each other, accept the responsibility to support financially the work of the Synod
and provide annual statistical information to enable the Synod to plan current and future ministry efforts
based upon an accurate picture of the results of current ministries within its churches, communities, and
world [emphasis added]. (Cf. also Bylaws 1.3.1 and 1.3.3)
1.3.4.1 Members agree to uphold the confessional position of the Synod (Art. II) and to assist in carrying out the
objectives of the Synod (Art. III), which are objectives of the members themselves. Thus, while
congregations of the Synod are self-governing (Art. VII), they, and also individual members, commit
themselves as members of the Synod to act in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod
under which they have agreed to live and work together and which the congregations alone have the
authority to adopt or amend through conventions [emphasis added].
1.7.1 The Constitution, Bylaws, and all other rules and regulations of the Synod apply to all congregational
and individual members of the Synod [emphasis added].
1.8.1 While 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 [emphasis
added].
1.8.2 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 [emphasis added].

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