LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — October 24-25, 1980, Page 3

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was still eligible for the colloquy program. The Commission adopted the following ruling: 1. Under
Bylaw 4.01 such an individual is not eligible to serve as the pastor of a member congregation and the
District President should be advised to take appropriate action. 2. The Commission also holds that the call
is improper because the first placement of every candidate is to be made through the Board of
Assignments and not through a direct call. 3. Finally, the Commission concludes that the individual at the
moment is not eligible for continuation in the colloquy program but must reapply and demonstrate his
eligibility, also as to attitude and conduct, for the colloquy process, and be subject to reevaluation by the
Colloquy Board.
122. Elimination of Lodge Paragraph from Congregational Constitution (Ag. 1465, A, B, C) :The
Commission had been asked by a board of a congregation in Clearwater, Florida whether the elimination
of the so-called lodge paragraph from the congregation's constitution as proposed would be acceptable.
The Commission also had on hand other correspondence especially from District President Lloyd
Behnken indicating that he was dealing with the situation. After considerable discussion it was resolved
to write to President Behnken stating that the Commission is pleased to hear that he is dealing with the
situation, hopes that he will be able to resolve the matter according to the clear and long-standing policies
of the Synod as enunciated especially in Bylaw 14.03, and will look forward to hearing from him a report
of a happy resolution of the problem. A carbon copy is to be sent to Mr. Paul Meyers, chairman of the
congregation's committee which had raised the question.
123. Sommermeyer Memorial (Ag. 1468): The Commission took note of the death of George
Sommermeyer who had served on the Commission for eight years. Klotz, Prevallet, and Mueller attended
a Memorial Service at Resurrection, Sappington on Friday evening. It was suggested that the Secretary
send a formal letter of condolence to his widow, Gertrude Sommermeyer.
124. Abdon (Ag. 1466): The Fort Wayne Board of Control had raised questions regarding the validity of
Don Abdon's call and of the activity of his corporation, Parish Leadership Seminars, Ind. After some
discussion the Commission resolved upon the following position:
Since Parish Leadership Seminars, Inc. is not a program of the Synod or recognized by the
Synod, the Commission on Constitutional Matters concludes that this corporation is a legal entity
over which the Commission has no jurisdiction as such.
As for the synodical roster status of the clergymen involved in that organization, the Commission
holds that this is the direct responsibility of the District President.
125. Access to Adjudication Process, New England (Ag. 1424, C, D) : In the wake of the Commission's
recent ruling, Mr. Robert Burgess had requested the Commission to rule that since he is a person holding
a position with the District, he did indeed have access to the adjudication procedures of Chapter V of the
Bylaws. The Commission ruled that in this matter of a grievance against his pastor the petitioner is not
functioning as an officer of the Synod. It was also decided to express sympathy to him and to indicate that
it would appear that there are problems that must be dealt with according to the approaches that were
outlined in the previously adopted opinion. A carbon copy will be sent to the District President. In this
connection the Commission decided to hold Exhibit 1424C for any future development in this matter.
126. Responses from Southern District (Ag. 938, A-D), Colorado District (Ag. 1185 B-D), North Dakota
District (Ag. 1262, A): No further word had been received from these three Districts. The Commission
directed the Secretary to ask each of these Districts for a response as to which action had been taken in
each District to meet the concerns of the Commission.