LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 8−9, 1974, Page 7

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30. Faculty Retirements (Ag. 504): Under date of January 15 Rev. Richard E. Hoffmann of St. Louis had
submitted a 19 page brief challenging the recent retirement actions of the Board of Control of Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis, and asking the Commission for a ruling. The Commission ruled, that regardless of
past history: "The present Bylaw 6.82e makes it very plain that the initiative belongs to the Board of
Control to retire or to transfer to modified service faculty members at the age of 65."
31. Eligibility of Dr. John Gergely to Serve on Commission of Theology and Church Relations (Ag. 497):
Teacher David A. Kaufmann of Gainesville, Florida had protested the membership of Dr. John Gergely
on the CTCR because of Gergely's theological position especially with reference to creation. The
Commission on Constitutional Matters took note of the fact that Dr. John Gergely's views were well
known, that he had been placed on the CTCR through election by the Council of Presidents, and that
these men certainly should have been well acquainted with the issues. In answering Teacher David A.
Kaufmann the Commission decided to rule that as long as a person is a member in good standing of a
member congregation he is eligible under the terms of Article X, B, 3 and the pertinent bylaws to serve on
a board or commission of the Synod.
32. Roster Questions (Ag. 478): Stating that the English District Board of Directors had directed a
communication to the Council of Presidents in regard to roster matters, President W.E. Griesse, chairman
of the Council of Presidents, had asked for guidance in regard to four items which he listed in his letter of
September 17:
"1.

The definition of the word 'missionaries.' Will you please define the scope of this term?

2.

The status of the worker-priest needs to be clarified.

3.

The propriety of issuing status calls is also a matter of concern to the District president as he
addresses the clergy roster for his District.

4.

What is the understanding of the CCM in regard to calls previously issued, but which do not
fit the categories of clergymen listed among those who are considered eligible for the roster?"

The Commission adopted the following answers to the above requests:
1.

We believe that the term "missionary" is sufficiently defined by the use of the terms "called
or appointed" and "by the Synod or by one of its Districts." The word "missionary" has also
very strong traditional connotations revolving especially around a ministry of Word and
Sacrament.

2.

The Commission agrees. It was understood when the bylaw was developed and offered that
in the course of time after experimentation and experience the Synod would in all probability
expand its list of recognized ministries in Bylaw 4.33. The worker-priest may well prove to
be one of these.

3.

Under the new bylaw adopted in New Orleans simple status calls would no longer be proper.

4.

Since a change in roster status does not in itself alter his performance of his position or harm
the securing of a livelihood, there is no need for a grandfather clause device. Such a person
can be continued indefinitely on the roster as a "candidate" if he meets the requirements of
Bylaw 4.37, which presumably he would if he has been filling a genuine church related
position.