LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — August 21-22, 1974, Page 5

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out that he had received it only by way oC a copy. The Commission resolved nevertheless to respond by
forwarding to the secretary of the District a copy of the Commission's ruling on the New Orleans
resolutions in question, to point out that the District is an arm of the Synod and has no authority to declare
synodical resolutions null and void, and further to point out that the English District resolution according
to a recent ruling of the CCM is itself null and void.
226. Rev. Joeckel's Letter Regarding New Orleans Overtures (Ag.-675): It was resolved to ratify the reply
of Secretary Mueller to Pastor Joeckel dated August 9, 1974.
227. Is the Resolution of the Red Wing, Minnesota Congregation a Matter of Doctrine and Conscience?
(Ag. 668): It was resolved to suggest to the congregation that the question of whether this was a doctrinal
resolution is a matter of determination by the CTCR, not by the CCM. It was also resolved to point out
that Article VI, c of the congregation's Constitution which states that all matters of doctrine and conscience shall be decided by unanimous vote does not agree with Article VIII, c of the synodical
Constitution. Secretary Mueller was asked to direct their attention to Dr. Pieper's statement on the purpose
of voting on a doctrinal issue and to the CCM's ruling on Denver Resolution 3-15 (1971 Workbook, page
242, Appendix A, II), which also contains Dr. Pieper's statement. He was also asked to point out that it
would appear to the Commission that this is a policy matter which would seem to require only a majority
vote.
228. Dr. Mueller's Proposed Statement "Constitutional Comments on the Present Controversy Within the
Synod" (Ag. 682): The proposed statement was discussed and there was general agreement with what was
presented there. Feeling was expressed that the entire document should be adopted. Minor changes were
proposed on page 5 regarding "textbooks." Dr. Mueller was asked to submit the statement to Pastor
Nafzger of the CTCR for his evaluation and to send out revised copies for consideration and hopefully for
adoption at the October meeting of the Commission.
229. English District Bylaws (Ag. 653): It was resolved to ask all members of the Commission to review
these bylaws carefully prior to the October meeting with a view to taking action on them in the October
meeting. It was pointed out that they have not been officially submitted to the Commission; nevertheless,
it is the Commission's responsibility to review such bylaws.
230. Must a Call be Unanimous? (Mason City, I11.; Ag. 690): It was resolved to write Pastor Kirchner
that the Commission believes the procedure outlined at the bottom of the page as an expansion of the
second "or" is satisfactory and constitutional. It is the Commission's judgment that if at the time the slate
of candidates is submitted for adoption "all voters are agreed that any one of these candidates be
acceptable to the members as pastor," there is no need for even a two-thirds majority, that a simple
majority is adequate.
231. Investitures, Commissionings, Appointments, etc. (Ag. 691): It was resolved to adopt the statement
with the deletion of the last sentence: "A rose, etc." It was further resolved to publish this opinion in the
next issue of the Lutheran Witness.
232. Grace, River Forest Call to Prof. Groh (Ag. 692): It was resolved to ratify Secretary Mueller's
response to Mr. Saar.
233. Action Against District Presidents Ordaining Seminex Graduates (Ag. 694 & 698): It was resolved
to write the two pastors, telling them that we have this matter under consideration, that we recognize its
importance, and that we hope to have a reply for them after our October meeting. (See also Minutes 219).