LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — April 10–11, 2015, Page 17

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

(Documentation received in a matter under panel review indicates that the Matthew 18
process was initiated prior to a rostered worker’s suspension and is ongoing.)
Opinion: The answer to this question is “yes.” If a district president becomes aware of information or
allegations that could lead to expulsion of a rostered worker under his ecclesiastical supervision from the
Synod, he is obligated to place the member on suspended status, even though reconciliation efforts may
be underway. Ongoing reconciliation efforts are not a factor in a decision to suspend, although they
continue to be an expectation throughout the expulsion process. These are two completely separate
matters that happen to interface during the hearing panel process.
The Preamble to Bylaw section 1.10 (Bylaw 1.10.1.2) states, “The words of Jesus in Matthew 18:15–20
provide the basis for church discipline for the local congregation. The same passage also grants Christ’s
guidance to all Christians in seeking to settle other disputes, many of which fall outside the purview of
church discipline involving the congregation.” Accordingly, during the consultation phase of the Bylaw
section 2.14 expulsion process, a face-to-face meeting of the accuser and the accused (Matthew 18:15)
must take place (Bylaw 2.14.3 [c]). Likewise, when a district president suspends a rostered church
worker, he must continue to proceed in the manner described in Matthew 18:15–16, even though he has
taken an action that could lead to the expulsion of the worker from membership in the Synod (Bylaw
2.14.4 [b]).
The Standard Operating Procedures Manual (SOPM) for Bylaw section 2.14 repeatedly emphasizes that
reconciliation of the parties in a dispute, an expectation and way of life for all Christians, continues to be
the primary interest even when the expulsion process of the Synod is underway. The manual states:
“Throughout the entire process, it shall be borne in mind that the primary purpose of the process is not to
expel a member from the Synod but to bring about repentance and reconciliation—to win and restore,
even if the process results in expulsion from membership” (SOPM, p. 18). The suspension of a rostered
individual member of the Synod, therefore, does not halt and should not interrupt ongoing Matthew 18
reconciliation efforts.
104. Other Matters
During the course of the meeting, the commission received a report from its chairman regarding
correspondence received since its last meeting. It also discussed informally with the Secretary of the
Synod matters pertaining to Bylaws 3.12.3.5 (d) and (f); 3.12.3.7 (b); and 3.3.1.3 (e).
105. Future Meetings
The commission established the dates for its meetings for the remainder of the calendar year:
•
•
•

July 10–11, 2015
September 18–19, 2015
December 4–5, 2015

106. Adjournment
With available time for the meeting having expired, the meeting was adjourned with prayer.

Raymond L. Hartwig, Secretary

CCM Minutes – April 10–11, 2015 – Page 79