LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — August 9–11, 2013, Page 4

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geographical concerns may have limited peers to those in physical proximity to each other to have
meaningful dialogue and productive discussion of issues of concern, modern communication enables
meaningful and even nuanced discussion between peers to take place easily, almost instantaneously,
across the globe with little or no expense. And yet communication using the World Wide Web, social
media, Internet discussion groups, and any other means of communication does not lessen the
responsibility of members of the Synod to honor and uphold the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of
the Synod.
The means (proximity, electronic venue, etc.) are not the issue, but rather how the means are used.
Electronic communication has not changed the Synod’s understanding of a fellowship of peers, but
electronic communication provides additional means to discuss issues. The most effective means of
communication is that which assists in discussing the issue. Without identifying in advance a fellowship
of peers and limiting and controlling these electronic communications within that fellowship, members
should recognize that the misuse of these means, either intentionally or inadvertently, can result in
publicly teaching or advocating false doctrine.
Members of the Synod can and will use the World Wide Web, social media, and Internet discussion
groups to discuss issues of theology and doctrine. The Synod encourages such discussion, as was stated in
the 1973 report of the CTCR, “Guiding Principles for the Use of ‘A Statement of Scriptural and
Confessional Principles’ with Special Reference to the Expression of Dissent,” in the sections noted
below:
9. From the fact that the Synod has established the aforementioned procedures for expressing and dealing with
dissent, it is clear that the Synod does not intend to impede the fraternal discussion of doctrinal issues, and
that the Synod recognizes that such discussion may even lead to the revision or correction of its official
doctrinal statements. But it is equally clear that the Synod, in the interest of doing things decently and in
order, has established the aforementioned procedures for expressing and dealing with dissent so that the
church is not disturbed by its members engaging in loveless public criticism or disparagement of its official
position.
10. In evaluating and dealing with dissent or disagreement which has been expressed in accordance with the
aforementioned procedures, all supervisory officials and boards, as well as the Commission on Theology
and Church Relations and any peer groups that may be involved, should always endeavor to distinguish
carefully between formal and substantive dissent, and to deal with the latter in terms of the Synod’s
confessional base, namely Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions (cf. Constitution, Article II).
…
12. It must be recognized that the process of expressing and dealing with dissent may reveal that the dissenter
actually disagrees with the confessional position of the Synod, and not merely with a formation in a
synodical statement of belief. It is imperative that all members of the Synod be dealt with fraternally,
evangelically, pastorally, and in keeping with the provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod for
the exercise of doctrinal discipline.
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).

How members discuss theology and doctrine in any forum for communication (including the World Wide
Web, social media, and Internet discussion groups) and at the same time honor and uphold the
Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod in regard to dissent is important. How a member is to
express brotherly dissent as opposed to teaching or advocating false doctrine is discussed in numerous
opinions of this commission, including 00-2203, “Questions re Brotherly Dissent and False Doctrine,”

CCM Minutes – August 9-11, 2013 – Page 382