LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — March 3-4, 1978, Page 4

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23. Dallas Resolution Re Mixed Weddings (Ag. 1245, 1245A, 1245B): In answer to a request of Rev.
Robert F. Meyer of Wahiawa, Hawaii, the Secretary had forwarded the previous ruling of the
Commission on the Dallas resolution regarding mixed weddings. Although the pastor was dissatisfied
with this, the Commission resolved to ratify the correspondence and to indicate that no further comment
was necessary. In this connection the Secretary also shared a copy of a letter written by President Niedner
of the Nebraska District to a pastor, indicating his basic disagreement with the Dallas resolution (1245B).
24. Bauerkemper Questions (Ag. 1247): Secretary Bauerkemper of Texas had raised questions regarding
the signing of the Constitution and the eligibility of applicant congregations to be involved in the election
of Circuit Counselors. The Secretary replied to these questions and also enclosed several copies of rulings
of the CCM. The Commission ratified this action.
25. North Dakota Bylaws (Ag. 1262): The Abdon firm had worked with the North Dakota District in
restructuring the District. The proposals were adopted at the recent District convention with the provision,
however, that any changes indicated by the CCM would need to be made. Since this was somewhat of a
pilot project in view of the fact that other Districts are considering engaging the Abdon firm to implement
that firm's philosophy of management, the Commission spent considerable time reviewing this although
copies of the proposed Constitution and Bylaws of the District had not been made available until quite
recently. Carl Eberhard and the Secretary, however, had made extensive studies of the documents in
advance. The Commission spent considerable time drafting a rather detailed, though incomplete,
document of analysis, ruling, and recommendations. The document is attached to the minutes. In addition
to specific objections and suggestions the Commission took the position that it was unwise for Districts to
undertake extensive restructuring before the Synod acts upon the recommendations of the Task Force on
Constitution, Bylaws, and Structure, that the Constitution of the Synod should be the Constitution of each
District, that a District of 100 congregations hardly requires the elaborate over-organization outlined in
the documents.
26. Task Force Thanks (Ag. 1192G): The Commission noted the letter of thanks from the Task Force for
the recent joint meeting.
27. Binding Nature of Bylaws (Ag. 1263, 1263A): In answer to an inquiry from Rev. Leslie A. Weerts of
Luxemburg, Wisconsin, the Secretary had stated that the Bylaws are in a very real sense part of the
Constitution itself and therefore also binding upon the Districts. He had also shared with Pastor Weerts a
list of rulings made prior to the placement of Seminex graduates in the North Wisconsin District, rulings
which had been well publicized. The Commission ratified both replies of the Secretary.
28. Counselor in Vacancy Situation (Ag. 1269): Counselor M. H. Lehnhardt of New Orleans had asked
whether it was permissible to bypass the Counselor in the calling process for a vacant congregation. A
District executive secretary, who is on the clergy roster of the Synod, had volunteered his services as the
adviser in the calling process and the District president had approved this, apparently with the permission
of the congregation. The Secretary had stated that if this was done with the approval of the congregation
then, even though the Counselor is the usual person to advise in a vacancy situation, it could hardly be
challenged, since advising a calling congregation is primarily the District President's responsibility. This
reply was ratified.
29. Guidelines for Election of Synodical Convention Delegates (Ag 1273): The Commission approved the
revisions in these guidelines usually shared by the Secretary of the Synod with District secretaries for the
use of Counselors in their Districts. These revisions had been made necessary by the fact that the Dallas
convention had amended the Bylaws regarding the procedures.
30. English District Bylaws (Ag. 653): It was agreed to hold this item on the agenda.