LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — August 9–11, 2013, Page 5

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and 05-2444, “Proper Dissent and Dispute by Members of the Synod,” to which opinions the commission
also refers the questioner.
While focusing on whether or not a pastor who is in the process of the Synod’s brotherly dissent
procedures can discuss and question his issues with his congregation, Opinion 05-2451, “Procedure for
Dissent,” indicates:
Therefore, a pastor in the process of doctrinal dissent does not violate his obligation to “honor and uphold the
resolutions of the Synod” (Bylaw 1.8.1) by discussing a doctrinal issue with members of his congregation in
preparation of an overture to be submitted to a convention. While a dissenter is not “free to teach the dissenting
view…” (see Opinion Ag. 2048, October 23, 1996), he is free to “have frank and open discussions and to
always examine and review all positions and resolutions of the Synod” (see Opinion 05-2444), especially with
members of his congregation. There is a distinction between discussion of doctrinal issues and the teaching of
doctrine contrary to the position of the Synod. While there is freedom to discuss doctrinal issues, “[a] member
dissenting…must follow the doctrine of the Synod and its doctrinal resolutions pending the outcome of the
process.” [emphasis added]

The Synod emphasizes seeking the truth even in the processes it provides for dissent. In 03-2328,
“Additional Confessional Statements,” the commission opined:
As a part of life together in the Synod, members have the responsibility to continually examine and reexamine
their confession (symbols, doctrinal statements, and resolutions) to determine if they are faithful to Holy
Scriptures. Members have a never-ending task of testing everything that the Synod believes, teaches, and
practices to see if they are in accordance with the Word of God. If there are issues that need to be readdressed or
issues that are considered by the members of the Synod that have not yet been addressed, any action is to be
governed by the procedures set forth in the Bylaws….

That opinion also refers to an October 16, 1969 opinion of the commission, “An Opinion Regarding
Dissenting Groups and Activities Within the Synod,” illustrating discussion between a fellowship of
peers:
Christians as well as non-Christians expect differences of opinion and judgment to arise when people walk
together. The Synod has provided for forums in which such differences can be discussed and evaluated beyond
the confines of the local congregation. The pastors and teachers conferences; the circuit meetings; the synodical
and District board, commission, and committee meetings; the doctrinal supervision and appeals procedures; and
above all the conventions of the Districts and of the Synod provide the proper channels through which the issues
of opinion and judgment are to be discussed and decided. In the absence of a clear word of God issues must be
decided by the majority principle, applied in Christian love and with Christian restraint (Article VIII, C). When
the majority will has been determined, it must be respected. Otherwise life together (synod) becomes all but
impossible. Discussion may indeed continue; but it needs to be carried on with full respect for the majority will
and within the forums established by the Synod for the preservation of the synodical unity.

Question 2: “Furthermore, given that many laity have advanced university degrees in theology and other
academic disciplines (something that was not the case within the LCMS when it was
founded in the nineteenth century), are they included within a pastor’s or professor’s
‘fellowship of peers’?”
Opinion: Advanced degrees in theology and other academic disciplines by the Synod’s laity, while
perhaps more prevalent today than previously in LCMS history, have always been a part of Lutheran
church history and our Synod. Martin Luther, a member of the clergy, had his respected friend and
member of the laity, Philipp Melanchthon. C.F.W. Walther, a member of the clergy, had his respected
member of the laity, Carl Eduard Vehse. Luther discussed points of theology with Melanchthon, as did
Walther with Vehse.
CCM Minutes – August 9-11, 2013 – Page 383