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

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Although 1977 Res. 3-07, as well as 1971 Res. 2-21 and 5-24, identified the confusion arising from the
Synod’s historical use of undefined terms regarding its doctrinal positions, the resolutions did not clarify
the weight or importance to be given past actions of the Synod, but rather gave guidance to the future.
The resolutions did not attempt to prioritize or fit into the Synod’s new definitions the historical
statements of the Synod generated in convention, by its official organs (The Lutheran Witness and Der
Lutheraner), or by various commissions, committees, and other agencies of the Synod.
Before 1973, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod had switched from the use of German to the use of
English, and 1973 Res. 2-12 quoted the 1938 Dau translation of Dr. Walther’s book, indicating that
Walther regarded the work as “an official manifesto of the Missouri Synod….In Walther’s Kirche und
Amt spoke—and still speaks—the entire God-blest Missouri Synod.” In 2001 Res. 7-17A, the Synod
affirmed and reaffirmed the decision of the 1851 convention recognizing the theses on church and
ministry by Dr. C.F.W. Walther published in the book The Voice of Our Church on the Question of
Church and Ministry as the official position of the LCMS. Without following the process initiated in 1977
of adopting a doctrinal statement, the resolution affirmed and reaffirmed the actions of the 1851
convention, stating in part:
WHEREAS, The book The Voice of Our Church on the Question of Church and Ministry, by C.F.W.
Walther, was published in 1852. The LCMS in convention declared this book to be the pure doctrine (reine
Lehre) of church and ministry; therefore be it
Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod meeting in convention in the year of our Lord 2001
affirm the above referenced writings of C.F.W. Walther as the definitive statement under Holy Scripture and the
Lutheran Confessions of the Synod’s understanding on the subject of church and ministry; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention reaffirm the decision of the 1852 convention in recognizing
C.F.W. Walther’s book, The Voice of Our Church on the Question of Church and Ministry, as the official
position of the LCMS; and be it further
Resolved, That all pastors, professors, teachers of the church, and congregations honor and uphold the
resolutions of the Synod as regards the official position of our Synod on church and ministry and teach in
accordance with them….

While 2001 Res. 7-17A did not undergo the more rigorous process described in Bylaw 1.6.2 (b) for the
adoption of a doctrinal statement, the deference due Kirche und Amt and The Voice of Our Church on the
Question of Church and Ministry is that reflected in the historical context of the 1851 convention and as
reflected in 2001 Res. 7-17 itself. It is the definitive statement under Holy Scripture and the Lutheran
Confessions of the Synod’s understanding on the subject of church and ministry and is regarded as the
official position of the LCMS.
233. Texas District Handbook Final Review (13-2679)
The commission was provided with the Texas District Bylaws for review following actions taken by the
district convention. The commission thanks the district for its cooperation in offering its documents for
review and giving attention to the recommendations provided. Upon review, the commission noted that
many of its previous requirements and recommendations had been incorporated into the district’s
documents. The commission also noted several remaining concerns to bring to the district’s attention, as
follows:
•

Bylaw 2.005, paragraph a, has not been updated to reflect the Synod’s current process for the
election of circuit visitors. This will need to be attended to when the district incorporates into its
documents the changes made by the 2013 LCMS convention.

CCM Minutes – August 9-11, 2013 – Page 387