LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — June 11-12, 1976, Page 4

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Vancouver and from District President George Rode, came to the conclusion that it had no objection to
such a federation of a Missouri Synod congregation and an ELCC congregation since both church bodies
are in fellowship.
63. Woman Vicar, Texas (Ag. 969, 969A): Rev. Simcak, Jr. of Houston, Texas had asked: "Is it
permissible for a congregation of the Synod to employ the services of a female vicar? In such a case is not
the District president bound to at least suspend the congregation involved?" The Commission resolved
upon the following reply:
1.

Since the Synod does not accept women pastors it would be inconsistent for a congregation
to engage a woman vicar.

2.

It is the responsibility of the District president to exercise individual judgment under what
circumstances and when to move toward expulsion and prior suspension.

64. Roster Question (AQ. 974, 974A): William Barge in behalf of the Department of Personnel and
Statistics raised several questions regarding roster status. The questions and the replies resolved upon by
the Commission are as follows:
"1.

Is it proper for a District president to authorize the installation of an individual as an assistant
pastor in a congregation, if he earns his living in an occupation not recognized as a church
vocation?"
Answer: The real question is whether he has been called and is legitimately rendering
pastoral service in the parish. Full-time service is not necessarily a requirement (Bylaw
4.33a).

"2.

Is such a person, who earns his living in an occupation not recognized as a church vocation,
and in addition serves as an assistant pastor in a congregation, eligible to be enrolled on the
clergy roster as an active pastor, or should he be assigned candidate status and be subject to
annual review according to the requirements of Bylaw 4.37?"
Answer: If the individual meets the requirements set forth in #1 he is eligible to be enrolled
as an active pastor.

"3.

Does a part-time position as an assistant pastor in a congregation make an individual eligible
for placement on or retention on the roster, when he gains his livelihood in an occupation not
recognized as a church vocation?"
Answer:

See answer to #1.

65. English District Board of Directors' Resolution Re District Atticles of Incorporation (Ag. 978): The
Commission's attention was called to a report that a proposal would be made to the English District
convention to reincorporate as a separate Synod.
66. Seminex Colloquy Proposal (Ag. 980): The correspondence of Dr. Preus with 29 members of the
graduating class of Concordia Seminary regarding the proposal that Seminex colloquy candidates be
excused from a full year of residence at a synodical seminary was called to the attention of the
Commission for information purposes.