LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — July 21-22, 1972, Page 5

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2.

In view of the first ruling and in view of the fact that the District President did not
withhold the document from the Placement Committee it is the opinion of the
Commission that the second question is academic and does not require an answer.

162. A Congregation and Its Suspended Pastor (Ag. 339): Faith Congregation of Green Bay had asked
through its chairman, Mr. Gerald Newman, for an official ruling on three questions:
1.

Does a congregation have the right to withdraw a pastor's call before the results of the
Appeal Board are made known?

2.

Can the District officials discuss the matters with our congregation and recommend
removal of the pastor before the results of the Appeal Board are made known?

3.

Can a congregation have a non-synodical pastor such as is the case at New Haven,
Missouri?

The Commission came to the following conclusion on each question:
1.

Exercising its judgment, a congregation may indeed take such an action for good and
valid reasons.

2.

Yes (see last sentence of Bylaw 5.15).

3.

No (see Bylaw 4.01).

163. Adjournment followed with a praye by Sommermeyer and the Lord's Prayer in unison.

Herbert Mueller, Secretary

MINUTES OF MEETING OF COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
September 22-23, 1972, St. Louis, Mo.
164. Krieger opened the meeting with prayer. Prevallet was absent the first day but otherwise all regular
and advisory members were present. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as submitted.
165. Budget, etc.: The chairman reported that we are still within the current budget. However, it was
resolved to send a letter to the Board of Directors expressing our dissatisfaction over the fact that the
budget for the current year had been reduced from $6,000 to $5,500 although the Commission will make
an effort to live within it. The Commission also expressed the hope that this reduced figure will not form
the basis for determining the 1973 budget figure. Furthermore, the production of the Handbook will need
to be taken into consideration. The chairman agreed to write this letter. At this time the suggestions were
also offered to give the Commission a table near the podium at the New Orleans convention and to
provide luggage lockers. The Commission took note of the formal letter asking all boards and
commissions to reduce the number of meetings in order to effect savings. The Commission was of the
opinion that it could not do so.
166. Election of Lay Delegates (Ag. 358): Reverend Richard W. Schick of San Pablo, California had
asked whether the California-Nevada District convention resolution suggesting that congregations
mention by name laymen who would be available for election as delegates to synodical conventions was