LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — September 19-20, 1975, Page 4

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repealed by the Synod itself in convention. Over against a District the Synod is not merely
advisory. (See a statement made by President Oliver Harms in 1968 to the Council of
Presidents and subsequently endorsed by the Commission on Constitutional Matters as well as
a 1966 opinion of the Commission on Constitutional Matters regarding the relationship
between Districts and the Synod.)
4.

Perhaps it should be added that unless a special session of a District convention is called in
accordance with the constitutional requirements, it is questionable whether synodical or
District funds can be used for this purpose.

477. May a Counselor Continue to Serve as Counselor After His Retirement (Ag 863): President Karl
Barth of the South Wisconsin District had raised this question. The Commission ruled that a counselor
loses his position as counselor when he retires from the pastoral office of a congregation in the circuit.
478. Inquiries Regarding ELIM (Ag. 484C, 535, 535A, 539, 553, 772, 484D): The Commission decided
to send a letter (484D) prepared by the secretary to those who over the last few years had raised questions
regarding ELIM. The letter in effect called attention to the resolutions of the Anaheim convention
regarding ELIM (3-06 and 12-01) and also called attention to the following opinions rendered by the
Commission itself:
Opinion on Dissenting Groups (1969; reissued Nov. 1-2, 1973)
Opinion on New Orleans Resolution 3-09 (February 8-9, 1974)
Opinion on New Orleans Resolutions 2-12, 3-Ol, 3-09 (May 17, 1974)
An Analysis of Assertions in Present Controversy (Oct. 11, 1974)
Opinion on Membership in ELIM (May 31, 1975, quoted in Anaheim Res. 12-01)
479. May a Candidate (Pastoral or Teacher) be a Communicant Member of an ALC Congregation While
Awaiting Another Call? (Ag. 834, 840, 840A): President Heckmann of the Texas District had asked this
with reference to a teacher and President Henry Simon with reference to a pastor. The Commission ruled
as follows:
On the assumption (1) that the individual has resigned only from his position and not from the
pastoral or teaching ministry of the Synod, (2) that it is not possible or feasible for him to continue
membership in an LCMS congregation, and (3) that he will continue to hold himself eligible for
membership in an LCMS congregation, the Commission on Constitutional Matters holds that a
pastoral or teacher candidate may hold membership in an ALC congregation while awaiting
another call, inasmuch as the LCMS and the ALC are in fellowship. Such an individual remains,
however, under the ecclesiastical supervision of the LCMS. (See Bylaw 4.37) .
480. Woman Suffrage, Big Rapids, Michigan (Ag. 836, 836A): While a copy of the congregation's
Constitution has now been received, it is still not clear just why the Michigan District Committee on
Constitutions had objected. Was it perhaps because the congregation's Constitution did not specifically
exclude women from the chairmanship of the congregation? It was finally resolved to write to the
Michigan District committee for specific information. Rev. Dorn is to receive a carbon copy of this
communication.
481. Youth Ambassador, Oklahoma District (Ag. 828, 828A): No further information has been received
in answer to the CCM's request. It was therefore resolved to hold this item on the agenda.
482. Draheim on Seminex Calls (Ag. 865): The secretary shared with the members of the Commission the
prepared statement which legal counsel Philip Draheim had read to the convention regarding the right of