LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — April 23-24, 1970, Page 5

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(7-05) which speaks of promoting federal and state aid to schools. The Commission ruled that
congregations may refuse to act but that Districts must act in accord with resolutions of the Synod and
may not negate them, Bylaw 3.07a. (No agenda number).
143. Dstant District Membership: Teacher David A. Kaufmann of Columbus, Ohio had demanded
whether a pastor could retain membership in a given District while working for a state institution over
1,000 miles away. The Commission adopted the following reply: "On the basis of the limited information
you have supplied we can only assume that this is an administrative matter which needs to be handled on
the basis of Bylaws 3.49 and 4.27 and related bylaws which may be involved when the facts are brought
out more clearly." It was also suggested that Dr. Kaufmann might be asked whether he had consulted with
the President of the District of which the man in question is a member (Ag. 102).
144. Voting Rights of Dual Parish with Membership in Two Districts: Luessenhop reported that President
Seltz had asked about the voting rights of such a parish. The Commission approved Luessenhop's reply
that the pastor could not vote in both District conventions but only in the Minnesota South District where
he is a member. This would also require the parish to cast its one lay vote in the Minnesota South
convention, although one congregation holds membership in the Minnesota North District.
145. Seconding: Pastor David Dissen had asked for a ruling on the whole question of seconding.
However, the Denver convention had asked the Board for Missions to present guidelines on this to the
next convention. In view of this fact the Commission resolved to ask Luessenhop to study this question in
depth and to draft a statement (Ag. 108).
146. Night Ministry: Dr. Arthur Nitz continues to question in correspondence the Commission's ruling
with respect to the San Francisco night ministry, submitting additional exhibits. Luessenhop was asked to
study this matter in greater detail (Ag. 109).
147. Social Ministry, LCUSA: Executive Secretary Leslie Weber had inquired whether the Board of
Social Ministry could delegate to LCUSA the responsibility for consultation to social welfare agencies by
the church body. The Commission in its ruling called attention to the wording of 13.05 a "shall serve" and
13.05b, last point, "maintain liaison." It held that this language does not permit the delegation of
administrative responsibility to an agency of LCUSA (Ag. 103).
148. Unchangeable Articles: Kuenne will answer the request of Pastor Buntrock of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania for guidance (Ag. 104).
149. Unchangeable Paragraphs: In answer to a letter from Pastor Marc Kluender of Pleasanton,
California, the Secretary had indicated by telephone that "unanimous consent" would be a more binding
term than "unchangeable," that the Commission prefers the use of three documents (Articles of
Incorporation, Constitution, Bylaws) by congregations, and that paragraphs in the Articles of
Incorporation can be repeated also in the congregational constitution. The Commission decided to inform
Pastor Kluender of its approval of the answers given by phone (Ag. 105).
150. False Teaching, Faculty Members: The Secretary reported that President Happel of Northern Illinois
had requested a copy of the Commission's "Procedures Governing Charges of False Teaching Against
Faculty Members." (Ag. 106).
151. Lodge Practice, Atlantic District: President Preus reported that he had received complaints regarding
the document "Policy and Theology-Lodges" prepared and adopted by the Mission Committee of the
Atlantic District and subsequently approved by the District Board of Directors. He requested the
Commission to give a ruling as to whether or not that document is in harmony with the bylaws of the