LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — June 28-29, 1974, Page 5

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167. Roster Status of Missionary of Lutheran Bible Translators, Inc. (Ag. 615 & 636): Rev. Leland
Settgast had asked after correspondence with President Niedner of the Nebraska District what his roster
status was since he had accepted a call from a congregation to serve as a missionary of Lutheran Bible
Translators, Inc. By common consent it was decided to hold this question in abeyance in order to receive
more precise information regarding the relationship of the organization to the Synod.
168. Seminex Vicarage (Ag. 631): Vice-President Robert Preus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis had
asked whether Seminex students who refused to vicar under the terms set forth by the Council of
Presidents could be credited with their vicarage toward their graduation. Since this letter had also been
addressed to President J.A.0. Preus the Secretary had answered that perhaps President Preus might wish
to respond and that if any further action is necessary the request could be called to the attention of the
CCM. The Commission ratified this reply and decided to hold the matter in abeyance to await
developments.
169. Atlantic District Resolution re Placement of Seminex Graduates (Ag 632): Rev. Elwood Mather, Jr.
of Brooklyn, New York had requested a ruling on the constitutionality of a resolution of the Atlantic
District to place Seminex graduates in ministry. Since other Districts had been reported as passing similar
resolutions regarding this problem, the Commission adopted the following opinion:
The attention of the Commission on Constitutional Matters has been called to the fact that several
Districts have adopted resolutions with reference to Seminex, and the placement and ordination of
its graduates. The Commission has been asked to rule on such resolutions.
The Commission hereby reiterates and enlarges upon its previous rulings, namely, to the effect
that:
1.

Seminary graduates must be certified by one of the two recognized theological faculties of
the Synod (Bylaw 4.15);

2.

Districts may call only such qualified candidates. In joining the Synod congregations also
willingly agree to call and to be served only by pastors who have been admitted to the
ministerium of the Synod in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth in the
synodical Handbook- (Bylaw 4.01);

3.

Districts do not have the right to recognize Seminex or any other agency as a theological
institution of the Synod qualified to train pastors for its congregations. The Synod has
reserved this right to itself (Bylaw 3.07 e);

4.

District Presidents may authorize the installation and ordination only of those candidates who
have been properly declared qualified according to the bylaws of the Synod (Article XII, 9, c;
Bylaw 4.15);

5.

All resolutions of Districts which provide for District action which is in conflict with the
above are unconstitutional and therefore null and void (Article XII, 2; Bylaw 3.07). Districts
and District Presidents are obligated to carry out the resolutions of the Synod (Article XII, 9,
a; Bylaw 3.07, a).

170. Temporary Placement of Seminex Personnel (Ag. 639): Dr. Ralph Bohlmann had asked for an
opinion on the following question: "In view of the stipulations of Bylaw 6.163 (particularly section b, first
sentence), is it permissible for students or graduates of a "Seminary in Exile" to be engaged as "pastoral