LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — August 9–11, 2013, Page 2

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

attempting to carry out the bylaw function assigned to it to provide guidance to the Synod in matters of
theology and church relations (see Bylaw 3.9.5.2.1).
Commission on Constitutional Matters Opinion 11-2589, “Ecclesiastical Supervision and Right to
Dissent,” provides, in its opinion to Issue 1 therein, background on the dissent procedures of the Synod, to
which opinion the commission refers the questioner. This opinion gives background from the Synod’s
Constitution and Bylaws from the 1973 report of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations,
“Guiding Principles for the Use of ‘A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Principles’ with Special
Reference to the Expression of Dissent,” and from previous opinions of the Commission on
Constitutional Matters, especially Opinion 05-2444, “Proper Dissent and Dispute,” and Opinion 05-2443,
“Activity of Small Groups Within the Synod,” opinions to which the commission also refers the
questioner.
The balance of respect for both the dissenter and the Synod is included in the first words of Bylaw 1.8.1:
“While retaining the right of brotherly dissent,…” (emphasis added). The attitude of dissent begins with
the assumption that the discussion between members of the Synod in regard to an issue will be as
“brothers” (sisters are of course included). The Synod expects, even desires, its members to discuss issues
of the church, whether of doctrine or of practice, in a congenial manner, assuming that fellow members of
the Synod will treat one another in love.
Dr. C. F. W. Walther emphasizes that love must be consciously, even tenaciously, practiced in his 1879
essay to the first Iowa District convention:
Two men in a Synod/District may disagree about something, and that disagreement can easily become a fire that
inflames the entire Synod/District, for both of them then often try to gather support for their own position. We
cannot prevent bitter thoughts from arising. Unfortunately, our hearts are such touchy tinder that such sparks
can immediately start a fire; but we should immediately get water and put it out.
“To begin to love is not very difficult, but abiding in love,” says Luther. Let us note that carefully, dear
brethren! That we now love one another requires no skill. But it “is truly an art and a virtue” to abide in this
brotherly love, for Satan will do everything to destroy this love.
Finally, let us also note this extremely important axiom of Luther: “Where there is no love, there doctrine
cannot remain pure! [Duties of an Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Essays for the Church, Vol. II, Concordia
Publishing House, 1992, p. 58]

1971 Res. 5-24 couples brotherly love with the Synod’s conviction of faith that the Holy Spirit works
through the power of God’s Word to lead the Synod to all truth:
13. While it must be recognized that a separation may regretfully be called for when neither the dissenter nor the
Synod is persuaded to alter their position, all members of the Synod should earnestly and frequently invoke
the blessing of the Holy Spirit “that as a result of joint study of the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will lead
the Synod into all truth” and “that the Synod can speak with a voice that is Scriptural, Gospel oriented, truly
Lutheran, and that will continue to ‘walk together’ as a true Synod.” [1971 Res. 5-24, Convention
Proceedings, p. 165]

Within the context of the attitude of love and the conviction that the Holy Spirit will enable brothers and
sisters who discuss and even disagree with one another to be led to the truth, the Synod has established a
three-part process described in Bylaw 1.8.2 for the manner in which dissent may be properly shared and
openly discussed:

CCM Minutes – August 9-11, 2013 – Page 380