LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — June 28-29, 1974, Page 10

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The Commission also decided to indicate to the District President that it might be assumed that members
of the Synod generally are deeply interested in such a night ministry and therefore the Commission
expresses the hope that the District will carry on such a ministry of its own.
190. Bylaw for Withdrawal of Member Congregations (Ag. 417): It was decided to remind legal counsel
Draheim that this matter had been referred to him for a reaction some time ago.
191. Kansas District on "A Statement" (Ag. 618): The Kansas District convention had adopted a
resolution on A Statement and had addressed it to the CCM. The Secretary had replied that since that
convention the CCM had issued a ruling on the question. The Commission ratified that reply.
192. Douglas Thunder Complaint (Ag. 620): In answer to a complaint that the CCM was prejudiced the
Secretary had written a letter to Douglas C. Thunder taking issue with this position and pointing out
certain important factors. The Commission ratified this reply.
193. Campus Ministry Correspondence (Ag. 621): Rev. Wm. P. Grunow of San Leandro, California had
indicated some dissatisfaction with the recent opinion of the Commission on campus ministry. The
Commission ratified the answer of explanation written by the Secretary.
194. Delegate Who has Accepted a Call (Ag. 622): The Secretary had written to Rev. B. W. Johnson,
chairman of the Handbook committee of the Minnesota South District, that the Commission had ruled
that if a man has accepted a call and has been transferred to another District and only the formality of an
installation still remains, the pastor can no longer represent the congregation which he is leaving but can
be seated as a voting delegate at the convention of the District to which he has been called. The
Commission ratified this reply transmitting an earlier ruling. However, it went on to request the Secretary
to draft a proposed bylaw which would address itself specifically to this matter.
195. Westwood, New Jerse Resolution, Rev. Norman G Brinkmann (Ag. 623): The Commission ratified
the Secretary's reply to a resolution of this congregation with respect to the Commission's involvement in
interpreting the bylaws of the Synod in this present time of turmoil. He had pointed out that the
Commission, even though it must deal with law, strives to apply bylaws in an evangelical way for
evangelical purposes.
196. Oklahoma District Convention Resolution (Ag 628): The Oklahoma District convention had adopted
a resolution to petition the CCM to refute the challenges to the constitutionality of N.O. Resolutions 2-12
and 3-01 raised by the Rev. R. E. Hoffmann. The Commission gave formal approval to the following
reply which the Secretary had sent under date of June 10:
"1.

We are somewhat puzzled by the statements in the sixth whereas of Resolution 12-1.
However, we would state that the Rev. R. E. Hoffmann did address two voluminous
documents to the Commission together with requests for rulings. We gave him answers to his
questions but in the process also replied to one of his requests that it was not the general
policy of the Commission to analyze in detail briefs submitted to it.

2.

Since your convention was held the CCM has issued its major ruling on Resolutions 2-12, 301, and 3-09. A careful reading of that ruling will demonstrate the. reasoning of the
Commission over against that advanced by Rev. R. E. Hoffmann. In all probability therefore
the Commission would consider that ruling to be a sufficient answer to the request of your
District convention.