LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — June 28-29, 1974, Page 6

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assistants" by the congregations or agencies of the Synod without the consent and approval of the faculty
of the appropriate synodical educational institution?" The Commission ruled:
According to Bylaw 6.163, b such students or graduates cannot be engaged as pastoral assistants.
Exceptions would require the consent of both the District President and the synodically recognized
faculty.
It was suggested that the Secretary discuss this matter further with President Bohlmann and if he has no
objection to share the Commission's ruling with Southeastern District President Charles Mueller who had
apparently originated the concept.
171. Participation in Seminex Ordination (Ag 640): President Herman C. Scherer of the Missouri District
had inquired: "If a congregation allows its church to be used for the ordination of a Seminex graduate, not
properly certified, is it violating the bylaws of the Synod and should the congregation be placed under
discipline?" The Commission replied in the affirmative since the congregation in joining the Synod had
made a commitment to abide by the bylaws also with reference to the training, certification, and
ordination of candidates. It also decided that the question of discipline needs to be left to the pastoral
determination of the District President. He further inquired: "What type of discipline may be used in the
case of a pastor who participates in such an ordination service?" The Commission concluded the
following: If after evangelical counsel has been administered it becomes apparent that there is no
intention to abide by the commitments made to uphold the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the
Synod, the individual may become guilty of offensive conduct to be dealt with under Article XIII, 1.
However, in coming to these conclusions the Commission desired to have it stated to Dr. Scherer that
these determinations had to be made quite hurriedly and that the Commission would reserve to itself the
right to expand on the opinion at a future time if it should become necessary.
172. Votin for Two Delegates Ag. 642): Rev. Clemens E. Harms of Sioux Falls, South Dakota had asked
whether the "shall" of Bylaw 1.51 really made it necessary for every voter at a circuit meeting to write in
the names of two possible delegates. The Commission had previously approved the guidelines for circuit
meetings which had indicated by implication that to compel a voter to write in two names when in
conscience he could support only one would be in conflict with the democratic principle. The Secretary
had called attention to this in his reply to Rev. Clemens Harms. The Commission ratified this reply but
also suggested that Prevallet might wish to attempt a rewrite of the bylaw which could be proposed by the
Commission to the next convention for clarification.
173. Florida-Georgia District Resolution re Calling of Seminex Graduates (Ag. 644): In answer to a
request for a ruling from Rev. M. W. Bergmann of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the Commission decided to
send him a copy of the opinion adopted in this meeting with reference to a similar resolution passed by
the Atlantic District convention. The Commission resolved to address the District President on this matter
on the assumption that he will declare the resolution now null and void. Appropriate carbon copies are to
be sent to both the president and Pastor Bergmann.
174. Florida-Georgia District Resolution re Student Aid for Seminex (Ag. 645): Pastor Bergmann had
also asked for a ruling on a convention resolution with respect to this subject. As in the case of the
Eastern District matter, the Commission decided to hold this question in abeyance to receive an opinion
first from legal counsel.
175. Bruns on Seminex Placement (Ag. 647): President Arlen Bruns of the subcommittee on placements
of the Council of Presidents had addressed a letter to the synodical Secretary with a suggestion regarding
the temporary placement of Seminex graduates as pastoral assistants without call and ordination. Since
the letter had not been addressed to the Commission as such, the Commission tacitly agreed that the