LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — October 30-31, 1969, Page 6

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Adjournment followed.
Herbert Mueller Secretary

AN OPINION REGARDING DISSENTING GROUPS
AND ACTIVITIES WITHIN .THE SYNOD
From several quarters the Commission on Constitutional Matters has received inquiries which
may be summarized in the following constitutional questions:
Is it permissible under the Constitution of the Synod, without the consent of the Synod, to call
into being organizations whose purposes 'are to express dissent to the resolutions of the Synod or whose
purposes might ostensibly be in keeping with the purposes and functions of the Synod but might in reality
arrogate responsibilities which the Synod has reserved to itself?. By the same. token, is it permissible for
existing organizations to engage in such. activities?
The Commission on Constitutional Matters holds that such actions subvert the Constitution of the
Synod.
The very nature and purpose of a synodical fellowship need to be restated once again. A synod is
a "walking together.". The choice of the word "synod," derived from the Greek, is significant because it
emphasizes the idea of unity. For good reason our church body has chosen chosen.for itself the name:
"The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod:" We are congregations, pastors, and teachers who have decided
to join hands and to walk together.
The Preamble of the Constitution has the sub-heading: "Reason for the Forming of a Synodical
Union." Union was the major concern in effecting the organization of the Synod. The concepts of
fellowship, togetherness, brotherhood, and "walking together" express the basic. purpose of the Synod's
existence.
The reasons, given in the Preamble for forming the union are "1. The example of the apostolic
church, Acts:15: 1-31," and-"2.. Our Lord's will that the diversities of. gifts should be for the common
profit, 1. Cor. 12:-.4-31." Once again the emphasis falls upon the idea of unity.
In Article III, Objects, the fundamental thrust of the Synod is not only. clearly stated but is. given
preeminence. The first purpose of the Synod is listed as: "The conservation and promotion of the unity of
the true faith (Eph. 4:.3-6; 1. Cor. 1: 10) and a united defense against schism and sectarianism (Rom.
16:17)." The Scripture references include the admonitions to preserve the unity of the Sprit in the bond of
peace, to avoid all divisions, and to beware of division makers.
Objects 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 continue with this theme. All of these imply the quest for oneness, its
preservation and extension.
Objects 7 and 8 need special emphasis in view of the questions which have been raised regarding
the formation and. continuation of. groups which attempt to carry out the purposes which the Synod
reserves for itself:
"7.1 The supervision of the ministers and teachers of Synod with regard to the performance of
their official duties;