LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — undated, Page 7

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Synod with other church bodies, synods, or federations, and the discontinuance of such affiliation or
association." Obviously, such authorization on the part of the Synod must be given by majority vote.
The Commission on Constitutional Matters is persuaded that the above-cited bylaw is in complete
accord with Article VIII, C of the Synod's Constitution.
III.
The validity of Resolution 3-15 is challenged on the basis of certain alleged irregularities in
parliamentary procedure. It is contended that the delegates were not made aware of all of the facts which
were involved in the adoption of the resolution.
Ample opportunity to present all divergent views was given at the open hearings held in the Hilton
ballroom in the forenoon and afternoon of Friday, July 11th. Resolution 3-15 was published in Today's
Business of Tuesday, July 15th, which was distributed in Session morning of the convention. The
resolution was read in Session T in the afternoon of Tuesday the 15th. The minority report was also read
to the convention in this session. Discussion on the floor of the convention was continued in Sessions 9
(morning) and 11 (evening) of Wednesday the 16th. In Session 11 a proper motion was made to close
debate. The motion carried. Ballots were then distributed, the delegates voted, and the ballots were
collected. The result of the vote was announced in Session 12 (Thursday morning).
Ample opportunity existed for raising any questions as to parliamentary procedure on points of
order or challenges to the rulings of the chair. The minutes of the convention record no points of order or
challenges and no instance has been cited of any refusal to honor an objection.
If, in fact, there was error in any parliamentary procedure, it is now too late to raise the question.
IV.
The validity of Resolution 3-15 is challenged on the basis of ambiguities in the resolution.
It is contended that ambiguities exist not only in the "Resolveds" but also in the "Preamble" and
"Whereases." It is significant that no amendments were offered to correct any alleged ambiguities. If, in
fact, there are any ambiguities, they are not of such significance that they would nullify the resolution.
There is nothing in the Constitution or Bylaws of the Synod which says that an ambiguity makes a
resolution unconstitutional or of no effect.
V.
The validity of Resolution 3-15 is challenged on the ground that the "Preamble°" and "Whereases"
were not adopted by the convention when the "Resolveds" were adopted.
The "Preamble" and "Whereases" give the motivation of or reasons for the resolution. The
"Preamble" states what is meant by the term "fellowship" when used in the context of relationship
between church bodies. The "Preamble" is followed by a series of "Whereases" which cite the reasons
why "fellowship," as so defined, is possible between The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and The
American Lutheran Church. During the discussions on Resolution 3-15 speakers addressed themselves
not only to the "Resolveds" but also to the '`Preamble" and "Whereases." No amendments were offered to
the "Preamble" or the "Whereases" or the "Resolveds."