LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — May 2-3, 1980, Page 3

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was felt that the observance of Christian decency in interpersonal relationships would govern. The
Commission was confident that all parties on the faculty of a Christian institution would respect the
implications of the eighth commandment and deal with one another in the love which Christ Himself
engenders. It therefore was reluctant to give specific approval to a detailed statement which might not
cover all exigencies after all.
52. Ohio District Church Extension Fund (Ag. 1433): After considerable discussion it was resolved to
reply that the request had first been received by the members when they convened here on May 2 and that
more time was needed for a thorough consideration. On the surface it would seem that the District should
be permitted to do what the Synod itself has done to protect Church Extension assets, but other aspects
such as the relationship of a District to the Synod and recent actions of the Synod must be taken into
consideration. The Commission therefore hopes to arrive at a conclusion at its July meeting, and in the
meantime is requesting further input from the Synod's legal counsel and Church Extension Board. It was
also suggested that Phil Draheim be asked to submit at an early date a written rationale for any position
which he might set forth.
53. Southern District Bylaw Response (Ag. 938, A,B,C,D); Colorado District Bylaw Response (Ag. 1185,
B,C,D); North Dakota District Bylaw Response (Ag. 1262A): No response had been received as yet from
these three Districts.
54 Task Force Report (Ag. 1266A): Mueller reported that six of the eight meetings of the Task Force
have been devoted largely to a detailed and tiring study of the functions of the Synod and that this is to be
followed by a similar study of the functions of the Districts and Circuits.
55. St. Catharines' Bylaws (Ag. 1375): The Commission was reminded that the convention had instructed
it to submit proposed Bylaws for our seminary at St. Catharines.
56. Central Illinois Campuses (Ag. 1416): The Commission took note of correspondence between
President Arthur Kuehnert and Secretary Mueller.
57. Unanimous Vote for Reception Into Membership (Ag. 1418): The Commission also took note of this
correspondence now going on between the Northwest District Committee on Congregational
Constitutions and the CTCR.
58. Wedding Ceremonies by Lay Ministers (Ag. 1423): President Mennicke had asked the Commission to
reconsider the ruling regarding the question of lay ministers performing wedding ceremonies. Noting that
there are strong opinions on both sides, the Commission nevertheless decided to reiterate its opinion of
June 9, 1978:
Since one of the purposes of the Synod is: "The endeavor to bring about the largest possible
uniformity in church practice, church customs, and, in general, in congregational affairs"
(Constitution Article 111, 5); and since state laws differ widely as to who is eligible to perform
marriages; and since in our circles the performance of a wedding ceremony under the auspices of
the church has traditionally been regarded as an act to be performed by an ordained clergyman;
therefore the Commission on Constitutional Matters is of the opinion that weddings performed
under the auspices of the church should continue to be performed by ordained clergymen and not
by licensed lay ministers of the Synod.
59. Questions Re Adjudication-New England (Ag. 1424) : Rev. Richard W. Manns, chairman of the New
England District Board of Adjudication, had submitted five questions to the Commission (the answers
adopted by the Commission are attached to the minutes in a separate document):