LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — January 15–16, 2021, Page 9

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congregation may, having given such advice due consideration, consider its situation in light of the
Scriptures and Confessions and do otherwise than advised, realizing that if it acts contrary to the conditions
of membership in the Synod (Const. Arts. II and VI) it places its membership in jeopardy. Keeping in mind
that one of the congregation’s primary purposes in maintaining membership in the Synod is that it may see
to the provision of proper ecclesial advice, and that therefore such, when provided, should not be lightly
dismissed, this seems the most immediate remedy to advice that—upon due and proper consideration—
would be found to be incorrect.
Should a dispute arise between a congregation and its district president, the proper response would be to
initiate the dispute resolution process as outlined in Bylaw section 1.10, the use of which is mandated by
Synod Bylaws as the process to be used in the case of disputes between members of the Synod.
The district presidents do carry out their offices both under the ecclesiastical supervision of the President
of the Synod and as elected by their districts and responsible to their member congregations in convention.
84. 2019 Res. 9-17 Study of Voting Privilege in the LCMS
Dr. Gude and the Secretary shared with the commission the progress made by the 2019 Res. 9-17 study
group toward its report to the convention, originally scheduled for release this month. The group’s intention
is to keep as closely as possible to the schedule. The commission, as primarily responsible for the report,
agreed in principle with the direction of the work so far and looks forward to reviewing the final version of
the report before its publication.
85. Agenda
Dr. Gude noted four items held long-term on the agenda, which are now being removed for the following
reasons, under the proviso that the commission will gladly take them up again if requested by the submitters:
•
•

•

Michigan District request for reconsideration of Op. 16-2784A: the district board of directors has
not, for some years, responded with interest in pursuing this item further.
Eastern District Governance Policy Manual (Ag. 17-2807), North Dakota District Policy Manual
(Ag. 17-2843): The Secretary has, subsequent to the commission’s initial response, had ongoing
correspondence and consultation with these districts regarding aspects of the design of these
manuals in light of a number of review of similar “policy-based governance” manuals. The
commission looks forward to reviewing these manuals as they continue to be developed by the
respective boards, but has no revised edition to consider at present.
Mid-South District Accountable Manager Governance Document (Ag. 14-2736): This item was
superseded by the recent review of an extensively revised version of the manual under Op. 202952.

86. Adjournment and Upcoming Meetings
Having concluded its agenda, the commission adjourned with closing prayer. The commission remains
tentatively scheduled to meet in person April 9–10, 2021, in St. Louis.
John W. Sias, Secretary

CCM Minutes – January 15–16, 2021 – Page 65