LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 8-9, 1980, Page 6

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conventions; one year synodical, one year District, and the third year devoted either to Circuit activities or
to general activities such as evangelism rallies, etc. The Task Force has begun work on the problem of
interim authority or responsibility. Since the present responsibilities of the Board of Directors are largely
those of coordination, there is the thought that perhaps above all the title of the Board should be changed
to indicate its coordinating responsibilities rather than responsibilities usually associated with a Board of
Directors. The Secretary reported that to his disappointment the Task Force seems not to be making much
headway but that there is a marked determination to lead it down many different byways.
28. St. Catharine's Seminary Bylaws (Ag. 1375): This item will be held on the agenda to await further
developments in our Canadian situation.
29. Canadians Serving on Ann Arbor Board of Control (Ag. 1411): The Secretary shared with the
Commission correspondence between Rev. Leo Kostizen, a Canadian citizen, and the Nominating
Committee of the Synod, pertaining to the suggestion that this pastor might be nominated for the Board of
Control of Ann Arbor. The Commission assumed that Secretary W. L. Krueger's opinion was correct
since it assumes that the Nominating Committee has thoroughly checked both the charter of the Ann
Arbor college and the laws of the State of Michigan. The Secretary was asked to suggest that this action
be taken if it has not already been taken.
30. Questions Concerning the Calling of Teachers (Ag. 1413): Rev. Thomas A. Fischer, pastor of Trinity
Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa had addressed four questions to the Commission. The questions and
the answers resolved upon by the Commission are as follows:
1. Does Synod consider all female teachers who have graduated from a synodical school as
"called"? Male teachers?
Answer: This depends on the actions of the congregation.
2. Can a congregation of Synod consider the above persons as "called,.,?
Answer: Yes, if the congregation itself has really called them,
3. May they consider them as "called" even if our own Constitution requires that a "call" be
extended only by the congregation with a call list, call committee, etc. and we have engaged
these people only by action of our Board of Education?
Answer: No, since the Constitution of the congregation requires action on the part of the voters of
the congregation.
4. If a male teacher is "called" only by the Board of Education, can he be considered a "minister
of the Gospel" for IRS housing purposes?
Answer: This question must be answered by the IRS..
31. RNS Release on "Hierarchical" Affidavit (Ag. 1394, D): The Commission noted that this news release
had been shared with the members of the Commission following the previous meeting.
32. Colorado District Bylaws (Ag. 1185, E) : President Phipps, in answering other questions, had asked
what the proper procedure is for adopting and implementing bylaws. The Secretary had replied that
proposed bylaws really should be submitted to the Cork. mission prior to their adoption by a District
convention. The Commission ratified this reply.