LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 2–4, 2012, Page 14

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Clarity, granting that a text’s clarity or lack thereof may be due to the blindness of the interpreter (“The
sun is not less bright because a blind man cannot see it”—Gerhard).
History, taking into consideration the genesis and historical context of a passage from the Constitution,
Bylaws, or resolutions of the Synod.

Understanding the Use of Research by the Commission before Arriving at an Opinion/Interpretation
The commission is careful to utilize, as much as possible, basic and thorough research before arriving at its
opinions. Such research includes in every case:
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The handbooks of the Synod, past and present. The first English language Handbook was produced
and published in 1924. A collection of handbooks is maintained in the Office of the Secretary and is
consulted regularly. Each commission member is given electronic copies of those handbooks.
Convention workbooks and proceedings to study resolutions past and present—their origin and
intended purpose. A collection of workbooks and proceedings is maintained in the Office of the
Secretary and is consulted regularly. Each commission member is given electronic copies of
convention proceedings.
All relevant CCM opinions from 1947 to the present, honoring their binding nature while noting
relevant constitution and bylaw changes/amendments since they were issued. Those opinions are
maintained in the Office of the Secretary and are consulted regularly. Each commission member is
given electronic copies of these CCM opinions.

[Revised 11/2012]

[Appendix C]
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS

Introduction:
A Synodical Survey Commission, which had been authorized by the 1956 convention of the Synod, gave its first
report to the 1959 convention. It then gave a comprehensive report with recommendations to the 1962 convention
(1962 Convention Workbook, pp. 228-268. The Commission on Constitutional Matters is referred to in this report on
pp. 257-258). In order to be thorough in its work, the Survey Commission engaged Dr. August Suelflow as Research
Secretary. He produced a historical document in 1961 entitled “The Development of the Formal Administrative
Structure of the LCMS from 1897 to 1961.”
The following historical notes on the history of the Commission on Constitutional Matters covering the period from
prior to 1923 through 1961 are gleaned from this document, with other research and documentary assistance
provided by former Concordia Historical Institute Associate Director Marvin Huggins and Synod Secretary
Raymond Hartwig.
Prior to 1923, an ad hoc committee elected by a convention of the Synod handled constitutional matters. The
committee was usually comprised of three members. The Synod did much of its business until this time by ad
hoc committees.
In 1923, a standing Committee on Constitutional Matters was created by convention resolution. It was to consist
of three members and was to be represented at the meeting of the convention floor committee on constitutional
matters.
In 1932, the Synod adopted a resolution instructing that all proposals seeking changes to the Constitution and
Bylaws first be submitted to the Committee on Constitutional Matters.

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