LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — December 12-13, 1975, Page 4

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The Secretary had given the traditional reply that this was not possible. The Commission ratified this
response.
520. Seminex Woman Vicar (AQ. 902): President Carl A. Heckmann had placed some rather confusing
questions to the Secretary regarding this matter. The Secretary had replied, listing the latest resolutions
regarding women in the church and also the interpretation of the CCM on page 244 of the Milwaukee
convention Workbook. He reported that in personal conversation President Heckmann had stated that this
was not his concern but that he wanted to know about the theological aspects. The Secretary had then
advised him that such questions ought to be taken to the CTCR. The Commission formally agreed with
this approach of the Secretary.
521. Congregational Constitutions (Ag. 904): Mr. Roland Kuring, secretary of the Michigan District
Constitution Committee, had written stating that his District Board of Directors had given his committee a
large assignment with eleven specifics and had inquired whether the CCM could be of any help to him in
these matters. The Secretary had replied to the effect that several of the questions or directives were
difficult to understand but had also answered some of the specific questions in the following way:
1.

A constitution should include articles on name, confession, purpose, membership, membership
requirements, pastoral office, amendments, and preferably also on dissolution or division.

2.

Bylaws grow out of the constitution and explicate it more thoroughly. Bylaws should be
amended more easily than the articles of the constitution.

4.

Advance magazine over the years has carried articles on alternate types of structures.

6.

The example listed of woman suffrage is a valid one. Reference could be made to the CCM
guidelines on page 244 of the Milwaukee convention Workbook.

7.

The requirements: proper article on confession. See also Bylaw 1.11 c.

8.

Requirements for incorporation vary from state to state.

9.

It is good to refer to unchangeable articles although it should be understood that strictly
speaking any article can be changed. But the terminology signals what the congregation feels
should not be changed except through a high degree of agreement.

10.

Here again Advance might be helpful (differing constitutions for smaller and larger parishes).

The Commission approved this reply.
522. Ralph Gehrke Letter (Ag. 905): Dr. Ralph Gehrke of Tacoma, Washington had written a somewhat
bitter letter to the CCM, charging that it was showing favoritism to those who were his accusers. The
Secretary had drafted a reply assuring him that the two opinions printed recently in the Lutheran Witness
have no reference to his case but referred to the handling of the Tietjen case by Oscar Gerken. He also
reminded Dr. Gehrke that as a member of the Synod he could personally ask for opinions and rulings
which he felt he needed. The Commission approved this reply.
523. Fort Wayne "Program" (Ag. 909): Professor Curtis H. Peters of the Fort Wayne faculty had asked for
a ruling on the meaning of "program" in Resolution 6-08A, specifically, whether "program" includes
basic curriculum, course offerings, and graduation requirements. The Commission resolved upon the
following reply: