LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — May 28-31, 1977, Page 3

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Social Service is not really by reason of his call but by reason of the District's relationship to that
particular agency. The Secretary had suggested that this might be made a little more clear in official
documents. The Commission ratified this reply.
296. Housing Allowance for Resigned College President (Ag 1197, A): Former President W. Th. Janzow
of Concordia, Seward, had asked for a clarification of Bylaw 6.82 d, which states "former presidents shall
also retain the synodical housing and retirement provisions for professors and administrators." He asked
whether the board's housing allowance designated for the office of the president would qualify as the
housing allowance referred to. The Secretary had answered to the effect that he hoped that Dr. Arthur
Ahlschwede would be able to clarify the matter. The Commission was in possession of a letter which Dr.
Ahlschwede then wrote under date of May 4 to Professor Janzow, apparently explaining the matter. The
Commission decided to ratify the Secretary's response and to regard the Ahlschwede letter as the answer
to President Janzow's question.
297. "Opinion" and "Ruling" with Reference to President Ellermann's Policy Re Calls (Ag. 1027B and
1117A): Pastor M. H. Lehnhardt of New Orleans had asked whether there was any distinction between
these two words. The Secretary had replied that both are equally binding also on District presidents and
that it was of interest to note that Bylaw 2.107e uses the word "opinion" in speaking of the binding nature
of decisions of the CCM. It had been alleged that President Ellermann had claimed that since this was
merely an opinion and not a ruling the decision of the CCM was not binding on him. The Commission
ratified the Secretary's reply.
298. Dual Membership of Missionaries (Ag. 1164, 1190): The Secretary reported that the Board for
Missions was beginning to give more specific attention to this problem. The Commission decided to
remove the item from the agenda for the time being.
299._ Danville Separation Article (Ag. 1181 A,B): Immanuel congregation of Danville, Illinois, had
asked for a reaction concerning its proposed new constitution article on "separation." Legal counsel Phil
Draheim had suggested the addition of the words in the first introductory paragraph, " . . of the
congregation, which shall determine the issue of separation by a vote." The Commission after studying
the matter decided to reply along the following lines: "There are many different possibilities for
separation arrangements. In the procedures being considered by your congregation there does not seem to
be any apparent conflict with the Constitution of the Synod."
300. Lodge Membership (Ag. 1198): Rev. Eugene Juergensen of Hiawatha, Kansas, had asked about
unchangeable articles and also about the necessity of including a lodge paragraph in congregational
constitutions. The Secretary had replied, giving the usual information regarding unchangeable articles and
how they are to be regarded, and had also stated that only recently the Commission had resolved once
again to recommend inclusion in congregational constitutions of a paragraph on lodge membership such
as that given in the model constitution published years ago in the booklet "Guidelines." He also pointed
out that it is assumed that all congregations will abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod,
including Bylaws 14.01 and 14.03. The Commission ratified this reply.
301. Hinrichs' Requests (Ag. 1142X, 1178, X): The Commission ratified the action of the Secretary's
office through Pearl Houghton in complying with the request of Acting President Vance Hinrichs of
Concordia, Seward, for copies of the opinions regarding the eligibility of Mr. Ralph Skov as a member of
the Seward Board of Control and the provision concerning Seward County resident representation on the
Board of Control.