LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — August 21-22, 1974, Page 3

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4) The CCM holds that only "member congregations" (Bylaw 1.53 a) which have been received into
membership after their constitution has been approved, may participate in the election of
delegates (see Bylaws 1.01, 1.03, 1.11).
5) For the same reasons delegates cannot be selected from such a nonmember congregation.
213. Constitutionality of Three Southern District Resolutions (Ag 663): Motion made, seconded, and
carried to send prior opinions such as "Direct Calls to Uncertified Candidates" of 3/23/74, the "Ruling re
District Resolutions on Seminex" of 6/29/74, and "Opinion on New Orleans Resolutions 2-12, 3-01, and
3-09" dated May 16 and 17. Then, after rereading Southern District resolution 2-06 the CCM ruled by
common consent that the first and third "resolved" are unconstitutional. The CCM did not rule on the
second resolved because it was not certain that it really was an issue.
214. May an Ordained and Installed Seminex Graduate Vote at a Circuit Meeting and Serve as Delegate?
(Ag. 685): Motion made, seconded, and carried to reply "no" to both questions posed by Rev. A.
Obermeier of Sterling, Colorado.
215. Lutheran Bible Translators Roster Question (Ag. 615, 636, 636A): To avoid any conflict with our
previous decision, re "The Calling of Seminex Professors as Assistant Pastors of Congregations," the
Commission decided to suggest that Pastor Leland Settgast disaffiliate himself as "Assistant Pastor" of
Christ Lutheran Church, Norfolk, Nebraska, and that he simply be retained on the clergy roster of the
Synod with a c.r.m. status. Bylaw 4.37 allows for this for an indefinite time on an annually renewable
basis. It might be anticipated that the Synod may declare LBT to be a proper related agency recognized by
the Synod (4.33h). (Note for example proposed N.O. Res. 1-14, referred under the omnibus resolution).
216. Circuit Meeting by Conference Telephone Call, Cal.-Nev. District (Ag. 661, 661A): A motion was
made, seconded and carried unanimously to permit such a meeting, although irregular, assuming (1) that
both circuits are agreeable to the arrangement and (2) that the conference call will be conducted in such a
fashion as to provide for full and complete discussion and opportunity for statements and for the raising
of questions. It must be determined, however, that the rights of all parties are respected and protected.
217. May the Board of Directors Set Aside a Convention Resolution? (AR. 591, 591A & B): Motion
made, seconded and carried to write Rev. E. H. Schroeder of Long Beach, Calif. that we regret the delay
caused by correspondence, etc., but the matter comes up today on our agenda only to be noted by all
members present that the million dollars has now been authorized by the Board of Directors. The matter,
therefore, appears moot and we are closing our file.
218. Placement, Ordination, and Installation _of Saskatoon Graduate Paul Langohr (AR. 641A; 660 ,
669): After consideration it was moved, seconded, and carried to ratify the Secretary's letters. By common
consent it was decided to include in the motion a decision to answer what would be Paragraph 6 of Pastor
Obeda's letter of July 19, 1974 as follows: "Based on information available at this time this ordination, if
in fact it has taken place, is unconstitutional. We further suggest that Paul Langohr may want to follow
the suggestion previously offered -- that he come to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, for an interview, and
apparently this would resolve any difficulty."
219. How to Proceed Against District Presidents (Cal.-Nev.; Colorado) Who Violate Constitution and
Bylaws (Ag. 658, 694): The Commission concluded to write a letter to the petitioners in each case and tell
them that we are receiving varying requests, though most are aimed at the same issue, from different areas
of the country, that we are considering all of these somewhat similar requests, and that it is a difficult
matter which we currently have under study. (See also Minutes 233).