LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — July 6-13, 1979, Page 1

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193. River Forest Faculty Question (Ag. 1332): After considerable discussion it was decided that a new
draft would be prepared overnight.
Sunday
194. New Hymnal: In answer to a request from Committee #3 the Commission concluded that the
exposure which the materials in the new hymnal had already received seemed sufficient to meet the
requirements of the Bylaws.
195. Missionary Representation: The Commission approved the proposed bylaw revisions regarding
representation from the various mission areas as tentatively approved by Committee #1.
196. Amending Bylaw 16.03 a: In answer to a request from Committee #1 the Commission approved the
proposal to change this bylaw to read: "When a church body applies for formal recognition of altar and
pulpit fellowship with the Synod . . " References to daughter churches will be changed from "sister" to
"partner" in the Bylaws at the request of those churches.
197. River Forest Faculty (Ag. 1332): This matter was again discussed on the basis of a new draft
prepared by Freise without any conclusion being reached.
Monday
198. River Forest Faculty (Ag. 1332): Monday noon the Commission finally resolved: "While the issue
does indeed have constitutional aspects, the CCM concluded that it is principally a legal matter." The
secretary will speak to Dr. Zimmermann and suggest that he consult with legal counsel and that he may
want to withdraw the request. If this is not his wish, then the opinion will be shared with him.
Herbert Mueller, Secretary

Minutes of the Commission on Constitutional Matters
July 6-13, 1979
Friday
The Commission met at regular intervals during the synodical convention.
199. Emeritus as "Parish Pastor" (Ag. 1371): The Committee for Convention Nominations in selecting
candidates for the Board of Parish Education asked whether an emeritus who is still continuing to serve as
associate pastor would be eligible for nomination to the Board of Parish Education as a "parish pastor."
The Commission adopted the following reply:
1.

To be a "parish pastor" in the constitutional sense, an individual must have a call.

2.

If he has retired, his call has been relinquished, even though he may enter into a contract
arrangement for part-time pastoral service.

3.

The Commission on Constitutional Matters has ruled in the past that a clergyman cannot be both
a called pastor and an emeritus at one and the same time.