LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — June 30 - July 1, 1966, Page 2

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387. Southern Nebraska Articles: Subsequent to approving the Southern Nebraska District Articles of
Incorporation the Commission had adopted a standardized "Objects" paragraph (see 357). However, since
so much difficulty had been encountered with the Southern Nebraska District regarding this point, the
Chair ruled that it would be wisest to leave the objects statement in that set of articles stand as originally
approved by our Commission instead of applying the new wording. The Commission had previously
agreed, upon advice of Legal Counsel Kuhlmann, to the provisions involved in dissolution (see 338 and
344).
388. Disposition of Church Property: Dr. Wolbrecht inquired whether the Commission might find any
way of safeguarding the interests of Synod when a congregation wishes to dispose of its property (e.g., a
move from the inner city to the suburbs). No solution presented itself.
389. Constitutional Amendments: It was suggested that perhaps all Districts should be encouraged by our
Commission to have a Constitution Committee and to remind congregations to submit amendments to
their constitutions to this District committee for approval. No action was taken on this suggestion.
390. Mission Bylaws: The Commission resolved to have the Secretary ask Dr. William Hillmer to suit the
proposed bylaws governing the new Board for Missions no later than October 1 for our study.
391. After same discussion of paragraphs 2.127 and 2.129 (Presidential Elections) Dr. Wolbrecht left the
meeting.
392. Woman Delegate: President Karl Graesser of the Atlantic District had asked whether a woman could
be seated as a delegate at the District convention. The Board formally approved the letter which Secretary
Mueller had written under date of May 26, stating in brief that up to this time it had always been
understood that the representation would be male, but that a woman might function as a guest observer in
a reporting relationship to her congregation.
393. Fuerbringer Retirement: No further report.
394. Policy Statements: The Secretary read three documents received from Dr. Wolbrecht: Policy
Statement Regarding Request for Authorization of Capital Outlay, Policy Statement Regarding Release of
Financial and Operational Reports, and Availability of Certain Mailing Lists, all dated June 1. The
Commission also took note of the fact that its members have been invited to participate in the travel
accident insurance program made available by the Synod.
395. Board of Control Nominations, Indiana: The Indiana District had inquired concerning its right to
make nominations for various boards of control and the advisability of writing this into the District
bylaws. Secretary Mueller had answered that the District does indeed have the right to nominate for River
Forest, Springfield, Fort Wayne, Ann Arbor, but that it would be inadvisable to make any reference to this
in the District bylaws. The Commission resolved to inform Pastor Harold Ott that it has approved this
opinion given by the Secretary.
396. Transfer Date in Signature Books: The Secretary of the Texas District had inquired whether it was
necessary to carry out the provision of the bylaws that the date of transfer from the District should be
inserted after the name in the constitution signature book. The Commission resolved that it is not within
its province to pass upon the value of this bylaw or to enforce it but that it advises the Secretary of the
Texas District to abide by the bylaw since it is a bylaw.