LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — March 7-8, 1968, Page 2

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exercise that type of judgment which, according to the traditional polity of our Synod, has always been
regarded as a prerequisite for receiving the voting privilege.
114. Congregational Merger: The Constitution Committee of the Eastern District had asked for guidance
in the question of two congregations merging. The Commission decided to suggest two alternate routes:
1. if there is a desire to preserve for historical reasons the older date of organization, the older
congregation could absorb the younger and then effect whatever changes, in name or otherwise, that
might be desired; 2. the two congregations could amalgamate and be received into the membership of the
Synod as a new congregation. In both instances the congregations are advised to seek legal counsel.
115. Brief Statement in Congregational Constitutions: President Victor Behnken of the Southern
California District had asked whether a congregation applying for membership could include the Brief
Statement in the article on confessional basis in its constitution. After detailed discussion the Commission
resolved upon the following opinion:
The Commission on Constitutional Matters holds that Article VI, 1 "Conditions of Membership" of the
Synod's Constitution requires nothing more and nothing less than the acceptance of the confessional basis
of Article II.
In October, 1966 the Commission was asked whether congregations could include the Brief Statement in
the confessional article of their constitution. It was the Commission's opinion then as it is now that this
cannot be done.
The Commission holds the same opinion in regard to any other doctrinal statement not listed in Article II
of the Synod's Constitution.
It was then resolved to address this opinion to Dr. Harms, since he had also asked for a ruling on this. The
opinion will also be sent to President Behnken with a covering letter. Dr. Harms is also to be asked to
consider the possibility of sharing this opinion with all District Presidents if he deems this advisable.
116. Charging a Professor with False Doctrine: Considerable time was devoted to discussing the
hypothetical question: if a pastor charges a professor with false doctrine and the president of the
institution and the board of control do not agree to the charge, does the pastor have any further recourse?
If so, what are the avenues to be pursued?
117. Fuerbringer-Ot.ten: An exchange of letters was read between Dr. Fuerbringer and Mr. Herman Otten
in which the latter requested and received a copy of the Commission's opinion:
118. Unanimous Vote for Self-Exclusion: Pastor Victor Bittner, Mondovi, Wisconsin had written asking
whether it was necessary for a congregation to require a unanimous vote for self-exclusion, as suggested
by the model constitution of the North Wisconsin District. The Commission decided that this was not
compulsory.
119. Atlantic District Board of Directors: At its 1964 convention the Atlantic District had decided that its
Board of Directors should consist of 15 voting members and 9 advisory members. In May, 1967, the
Board of Directors decided that the Board should consist of only the 19 elected voting and advisory
members, with 5 advisory members excluded. Both President R.. Ressmeyer and Pastor Louis Meyer had
asked for a reaction of the Commission. The Commission resolved that in its opinion the action taken by
the Board of Directors substantially changes the action of the District convention and that a Board of
Directors does not have the authority to do so.