LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — July 17–25, 2013, Page 3

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(see #219 below) and the floor committee’s willingness to act accordingly, Res. 4-07 and 4-09 would be
withdrawn by the floor committee and any questions in their regard would be rendered moot.
219. Reconsideration of CCM Opinion 11-2598 and CCM Participation in 2010 Res. 8-30B (132682)
Following discussion with the President of the Synod and Dr. Albert Collver of his staff regarding issues
associated with proposed convention Res. 4-07 and 4-09, the following special report of the commission
was provided to the convention floor committee and to the convention (TB, pp. 230–231).
COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS SPECIAL REPORT
The Commission on Constitutional Matters, acting on its own initiative, by the mercies of
God and out of Christian love, for the sake of unity in the Synod and to assist the Synod to focus
on the Lord’s mission given the church, and in order to assist the Synod to focus on the Article VI
study of the Synod’s Constitution mandated by 2010 Resolution 8-30B, approved the following
resolution that it previously prepared and then discussed with the President of the Synod and with
Floor Committee 4:
Reconsideration of CCM Opinion 11-2598 and CCM Participation in 2010 Res. 8-30B
In a letter dated July 1, 2013, Dr. Matthew Harrison, the President of the Synod, formally asked
the Commission on Constitutional Matters to set aside or rescind the commission’s Opinion 112598 for the sake of the Synod and her ongoing study of Article VI of the Synod’s Constitution
which was mandated by 2010 Resolution 8-30B.
WHEREAS, In a letter (cf. Bylaw 3.9.2.2) to the Commission on Constitutional Matters dated
July 1, 2013, Synod President Harrison stated: “A setting aside or rescinding of CCM opinion 112598 would promote unity in our Synod and demonstrate that both the CCM and the President's
Office are fully committed to the study of Article VI as 2010 Resolution 8-30B mandates. By the
mercies of God and for the sake of the Synod, I beseech you to work with me to promote unity in
the Synod through a study of Article VI unencumbered by CCM opinion 11-2598”; and
WHEREAS, the adopted 2010 Synod Resolution 8-30B states:
WHEREAS, The Blue Ribbon Task Force on Structure and Governance has proposed an
amendment to Constitution Article VI (Requirements of Membership) for the purpose of clarification
and affirmation; and
WHEREAS, Concerns have been expressed throughout the history of the Synod, including recently,
about the proper understanding and application of Article VI with respect to the conditions or
requirements for acquiring and holding or retaining membership in the Synod; and
WHEREAS, These concerns as well as misunderstandings and misapplications of Article VI have
included such matters as “subscription … to [Synod’s] Constitution”; “Renunciation of unionism and
syncretism of every description”; “Exclusive use of doctrinally pure agenda, hymnbooks, and
catechisms in church and school”; and “examination and approval of [congregation’s] constitution and
bylaws by the district”; and
WHEREAS, The requirements for membership reflect the identity and values of Synod; and

CCM Minutes – July 17-25, 2013 – Page 374