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

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12. While .all of the foregoing needs to be said, nevertheless it must be acknowledged that many,
including the President of the Synod, have stated that they have honest doubts as to the real import and
meaning of certain statements of Resolution 5-02A. Therefore, the Commission on Constitutional Matters
at this time issues the following ruling of clarification, with the understanding that it becomes effective as
of this date:
a) "Consenting to" or any other type of reaction on the part of the District president to the
ordination of unendorsed candidates short of that required in the Constitution and Bylaws is
indeed a breach of the Constitution and Bylaws and also of Anaheim Resolution 5-02A.
b) Outright ordination or authorization for ordination of unendorsed candidates, whether prior to
or subsequent to the date of this ruling, is a breach of the Constitution and Bylaws and has
been held to be such by the Synod in Anaheim Resolution 5-02A.
c) The actions of the synodical President in declaring the office of four District presidents
vacated under the provisions of Resolution 5-02A was proper. He is also obligated to take
similar action with respect to other District presidents if there should be any further violation
of the stated will of the Synod in this matter as indicated in a) and b) above, even though he
can no longer act under Resolution 5-02A.
13. In conclusion, the Commission on Constitutional Matters states its conviction that the mutual
recognition of their respective pastoral ministries on the part of all congregations of the Synod -- and
therefore the necessity of mutually agreed upon standards and procedures for training, endorsement, and
ordination that will be observed by all -- is a requirement for the continued existence of the Synod. Unless
this truth is reaffirmed and carried out, especially by the responsible officers of the Synod and of its
Districts, the Synod except for a special measure of God's abounding compassion may come to a tragic
end of its history of divine grace and blessing.
THE COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
Herbert Mueller, Secretary
June 12, 1976
Opinion Re Seventh Resolve of Anaheim Resolution 5-02A
Several questions have been addressed to the Commission on Constitutional Matters regarding the
interpretation of the seventh resolve of Anaheim Resolution 5-02A. In answer the Commission has
adopted the following statement:
I
A.

The Commission holds that the Synod, like any other organization, has the fundamental right to
protect its constitutional integrity and to require compliance with its Articles of Incorporation,
Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions. The Synod has stated that Districts are free to adopt
additional bylaws, but only as long as they are pot in conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws
of the Synod. This must be interpreted to mean also: as long as they are not in conflict with the
intent and purpose of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod. Note also Bylaw 3.07 a, the last
sentence: "Resolutions of the Synod are binding on the Districts."