LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — July 25-26, 1980, Page 1

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of incorporation "Proper in every respect" he had responded calling attention especially to three
deficiencies: that it is not the function of the District but of the Synod to properly train pastors and
teachers, that membership is held in the Synod rather than the District, and that the articles of
incorporation under state law require a named agent. He had also suggested that perhaps much of thematerial should be placed into the bylaws rather than the Articles of Incorporation*, and that a suggested meeting with their committee would not be particularly useful. The Commission ratified this reply. It then
went on to discuss the problem in which the District now finds itself with several different instruments
before it. It was finally resolved to write a letter to President Kollmann, with copies to Pastor Hischke and
Kurowski, stating that we had reviewed the history at length and that there seems to be a question as to
which articles of incorporation and bylaws are prevailing in the District at the present time. He is to be
asked to send a precise and correct copy of the articles of incorporation and bylaws under which the
District is operating at this time as soon as possible, as well as a copy of the convention Proceedings
detailing exactly which bylaw amendments and changes had been approved by the convention.
Furthermore, the Commission would appreciate for review a statement from the District's attorney, based
on Illinois law, as to which articles of incorporation and bylaws are governing the District at this time.
112. Directory: The suggestion was made that members of the Commission be supplied with the names,
addresses, and telephone numbers of the members of the Commission.
113. Model Congregational Constitution (Ag. 293, 298, 1446, A): It was agreed that a review of
Guidelines be a major item on the agenda at the next meeting, together with the possibility of proposing
one or two additional models for congregations to follow in developing their constitutions.
The meeting adjourned with a prayer by Carl Eberhard.
COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
Herbert Mueller, Secretary
July 25-26, 1980

Opinion re Separate Incorporation of
District Church Extension Funds
After creating the Lutheran Church Extension Fund-Missouri Synod through the adoption of Resolution
4-01A, the 1979 convention of the Synod immediately proceeded to adopt Resolution 4-02, "To Assure
Voluntary Nature of District Participation in the Lutheran Church Extension Fund-Missouri Synod," to
wit "That the Synod assure Districts that District entry into the Lutheran Church Extension Fund-Missouri
Synod shall be voluntary and only on the basis of the decision of the individual District."
The Commission is aware of Bylaw 8.61 which provides that Districts shall administer their church
extension programs "in conformity with policies established by the Synod's Board for Church Extension
and in accordance with District regulations."
However, in view of Resolution 4-02 it cannot be argued that any policy of the Synod's Church Extension
Board can require Districts to participate in the newly created Lutheran Church Extension Fund-Missouri
Synod. Participation must continue to be on a voluntary basis and the decision to participate lies solely
with the District,