LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — June 2-3, 1970, Page 3

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188. Ruling on Proposed Denver Resolution 4-37: The Commission formally resolved to inform Pastor
Waldo Werning that in its estimation Pastor Grumm's letter of May 7 is a sufficient answer to the
questions that he had raised in his letter to the Commission (Ag. 115).
189. Texas District Bylaws: President Heckmann had informed the commission that it should ignore the
mailing of several proposed Texas District Bylaw changes which had mysteriously come from his office
(Ag. 131 and 131A).
NEW BUSINESS
190. Counselors, Franchise, etc.: Former President Seltz of Minnesota North had forwarded a letter from
emeritus Pastor Paul Affeldt making various suggestions regarding the office of Counselor and voting
rights. It was resolved to reply to the effect that those who seek changes should present overtures to a
convention through proper channels. (Ag. 98).
191. Pastoral Vote: President Heckmann had asked whether a pastor on modified service has the right to
serve as a voting delegate to a District convention. It was resolved that if the man is properly called and
installed upon authorization of the District president he may be seated as a voting delegate. However, if
he is an emeritus he can only be an advisory delegate (Ag. 116 and 138a).
192. Limited Terms for District President: President Heckmann had also inquired whether a District has
the right to limit the number of terms that a District president might serve. The Commission ruled that
since there is some lack of clarity in the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod with respect to this
question, Districts are free to make their own decisions regarding limitation of tenure. However, it was
also resolved to place this matter on the Commission's agenda for further investigation with the possibility
of recommending changes or additional bylaws to the Milwaukee convention for clarification of this issue
(Ag. 116). (But see Minutes 200 and 201!)
193. Signing Constitution: Pastor R. J. Krueger of Chicago had asked whether it was necessary for
transferred pastors and teachers to sign the Constitution of the Synod once again in their new District. The
Commission ruled in the negative (Ag. 141).
194. Dr. David Kaufmann: This gentleman informed the Commission that in view of its opinion adopted
in the last meeting (Minutes 143) he was dropping the matter (Ag. 102A).
195. Congregational Polity: The Commission agreed to hold on its docket the suggestion to revise
Guidelines (Ag. 149) as well as the question of offering a sample constitution for a Board of Directors
type of congregational polity (Ag. 154).
196. Individual Overtures to District Conventions: President Bensene of the Northwest District had asked
whether individuals might submit overtures to District conventions. The Commission ratified the
secretary's letter which held that Bylaw 1.27 applies also to Districts (Ag. 155).
197. Standing Requests: The secretary reported that he was continuing to receive additional requests for
Guidelines and for the Commission's document on Woman Suffrage (Ag. 127A).
198. English District: For information purposes the secretary reported on the basis of the English District
convention Workbook that individuals, circuit conferences, and a charity agency had submitted overtures
and that the convention had before it an overture taking exception to the assignment of SELC pastors and
congregations to geographic Districts, two overtures to reject the Commission's opinion on dissenting
groups and activities, and an overture to dissolve the English District (Ag. 160, 161, 162, 163).