LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 8-9, 1980, Page 1

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Minutes of the Commission on Constitutional Matters - February 8-9, 1980
1. The meeting opened with a prayer by Herbert Mueller, with Carl Eberhard in the chair. The following
were present: Carl Eberhard, John Klotz, Donald Prevallet, Gene Schnelz, Herbert Mueller, and Edwin
Weber, advisory. The chair welcomed the new member, Judge Schnelz, and also Dr. Weber in his
capacity as vice-presidential advisory member.
2. Orientation: Mueller gave the customary orientation. He reviewed the Handbook assignment given to
the CCM, as reflected especially in Bylaw 2.107. He also pointed out that it is traditional to avoid any
domination of the Commission on the part of the administration, that confidentiality on the part of all
those also doing secretarial work is very important, and that the ordinary procedure of the Commission
has been to continue study and discussion until there is agreement within the Commission in order to
avoid deep dissent.
3. Mrs. Eberhard (Ag. 1407): The Secretary took formal note of the fact that the wife of our vicechairman, Carl Eberhard, had been called to her eternal rest just recently. Christian condolences and
expressions of Christian hope and confidence were given.
4. Colorado Campus Ministry Document (Ag. 1400): The Colorado District Missions Commission and
the District Board of Directors had asked the Commission to evaluate this document. The Commission
invited campus counselor Ed Schmidt of the Synod in for a fruitful discussion of the matter. In executive
session the Commission then adopted the following formal reaction:
1. The Commission holds that the document and its proposals are not compatible with the
synodical policy as set forth in Anaheim Resolution 2-06, which specifically applies. Attention is
called especially to the whereas which incorporates the policy which the resolution itself
approved.
2. The Commission holds that "worshiping communities" cannot be distinguished from
"congregations." The Synod invites congregations into membership; it does not "recognize"
congregations or other organizations in the sense of investing them with privileges and
prerogatives set forth in the paragraphs under the title "Recognition" in the Colorado document
(e.g., voice at the District conventions).
3. The Lutheran Campus Ministry of Colorado is not a recognized agency of the Synod.
However, recognition can be given to the LCMC by the District as an administrative unit but not
in the sense of "recognition" as that word is defined in Point 2 above. See also Points 5 and 6 of
Anaheim Resolution 2-06.
4. In general, the Commission calls attention to the rather indefinite nature of the document. For
instance, in the first paragraph under "Conclusion," what is meant by "all of the expressions of
ministry?" In a sense the document seems to raise more questions and objections than it provides
solutions compatible with synodical policies.
5. Southern Illinois District Bylaws (Ag. 625, A,B,C,D, especially 625 E) : The Commission spent
considerable time weighing whether to continue with the review of these proposed Bylaws or in the light
of the floor committee's resolution, which recommends adoption without incorporating the
recommendations adopted by the CCM at its December, 1979 meeting, to take other action. Eventually
the Commission instructed the Secretary to reply along the following lines: