LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — January 22-23, 1970, Page 3

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70. Procedure for Reinstatement: It was resolved to refer to the Council of Presidents a recommendation
that more specific procedures be developed (for incorporation in the Bylaws) for the reinstatement of
pastors and teachers (Min. 7; Ag. 23).
71. Questions Related to the Question of a Congregation's Right to Negate Resolutions of the Synod: It
was decided to drop this item from the agenda since apparently this falls within the domain of the special
inter-synodical committee (LCSM-ALC) and to inform President Niedner to this effect (Min.29; Ag. 24).
72. Constitutions of Military Congregations: Guam, Thailand, etc.: It was resolved to turn these
documents over to the CTCR to determine whether such relationships are proper at our present stage of
fellowship and non-fellowship. If such congregational relationships are deemed proper, then our
commission will look at these constitutions from a constitutional standpoint. It was also decided to notify
Dr. William Kohn to this effect (Min. 35; Ag. 26 and 56).
73. "Nominate" or "Name" to Standing Committees of LCUSA? The question of whether this change
(from "name" to "nominate") should be made in Bylaw 16.01 b was postponed to the next meeting (Min.
36; Ag. 27).
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74. Economies: The secretary reported that all divisions of the Synod were being asked to exercise strict
economy in view of the financial stringency (Ag. 28) .
75. Full-Time Secretary: It was resolved to transmit to the Board of Directors the opinion formally
adopted by the Commission on Constitutional Matters as set forth in the minutes of the October meeting
(Ag. 29).
76. Constitutionality, Woman Suffrage Resolution (2-17): In answer to a request from Reverend Elmer
Steenbock of Bottineau, North Dakota, the Commission ruled that having examined Resolution 2-17 from
a constitutional standpoint it finds nothing unconstitutional in it.
77. Guidance to Congregations in Woman Suffrage: After extended discussion during the two day
meeting the Commission adopted a statement giving guidance to congregations in woman suffrage. The
statement is attached to these minutes. It was decided that this document should be transmitted to 1)
President Preus who may want to share it with the District Presidents; 2) all who have asked for guidance
or for a ruling; 3) the Lutheran Witness Reporter for publication. (1967-69 Min. 124, 146, 169, 170, 171,
197, 221; Ag. 14, 46, 47, 48, 49, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86).
78. Black Lutheran Churchmen: The Commission took note of a letter from the Executive Director
concerning this organization.
79. Next Meetings: These were set for April 9-10 and June 3-4.
80. Conscientious Objection, Resolution 2-28: In answer to a request for a ruling from President Preus,
the Commission ruled that it found nothing unconstitutional in Denver Resolution 2-38 (Ag. 30).
81. Revision of Constitution in Light of Mission Affirmations, Resolution 1-15A: President Preus had
also requested a constitutional ruling on Denver Resolution 1-15A (Ag. 31). The Commission decided
upon the following three-fold reply: