LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — July 2-10, 1981, Page 11

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Secretary had attempted a partial reply which was also sent subsequently to the North Dakota District
which had inquired along the same line. The Commission resolved to approve the recommendations that
were listed and to carry this item on the agenda with the possibility of listing additional matters that need
to be mentioned, such as the holding of Circuit convocations.
255. Roster of Special Ministries (Ag. 1530): Resolution 5-09, creating a roster of special ministries,
including the parish assistant program developed by Ann Arbor, had been giving some difficulty. The
director of the Ann Arbor program had indicated to a congregation in Michigan that this now meant that
its parish assistant was a minister of religion, should be carried as such on the Concordia Benefit Plan
lists, and could receive a tax free housing allowance. This had been disputed by the people at 500 and
legal counsel Phil Draheim. It was pointed out that it was too late for the next Annual to have one list
putting together all of the special ministries such as directors of Christian education, deaconesses, etc.,
and furthermore that it was much more usable to continue to have separate lists of all these individuals
trained or qualified otherwise to do special ministry. The Commission concluded, especially upon the
advice of those members who had participated. in the floor committee discussions, that the intent of that
resolution was not at all as construed by the director of the Ann Arbor program, that "minister of religion"
status was not to be conferred as a result of that resolution, that the word "listing" would undoubtedly be
less confusing to use than the word "roster," and that it would be more advisable and more utilitarian to
continue to list all of these special ministries separately in the Annual, instead of combining them into one
list. Concern had been expressed in the floor committee that colleges might proliferate special programs
of their own unless great care would be exercised.
256. Teenage Voting Membership (Ag. 1536): Pastor E. A. Reuscher of Sanford, Florida had asked
whether it was permissible to extend voting privileges to confirmed youth though they were still
teenagers. The Secretary had sent him the opinion adopted many years ago to the effect that there is
nothing in the Constitution and Bylaws which would prohibit that, if the congregation actually felt that
this age was sufficient for adult participation in the work of the church and in the decision-making
process, and if the state laws would permit corporations to extend voting rights to persons of that age. In
any event congregations should consult legal counsel for an answer. The Commission decided to ratify
this reply, but suggested that the Secretary send an additional letter stating that the Commission expresses
great concern regarding contractual relationships, property rights, employment contracts, and so forth, and
that it would be advisable for any congregation to demand a written opinion from legal counsel in their
state that this would be permissible.
257. Doctrinal Reviewers (Ag. 1538) : On the day of the meeting the Commission received a request from
Pastor Raymond A. Mueller of St. Louis, member of the Board of Parish Education, expressing concerns
about boards and staff suggesting names of doctrinal reviewers to the President. After considering the
concerns that had been expressed, the Commission came to the following conclusion. The pertinent
bylaws are not restrictive. Any individual or group may offer suggestions to the President for persons who
may be considered as doctrinal reviewers. The bylaws do state very clearly that boards themselves also
have the right to suggest names; otherwise some might conclude that boards would not be permitted to do
so. It is assumed that the President of the Synod will act judiciously, but he must be free to exercise his
constitutional responsibility as the guardian of the Synod's doctrine.
258. San Leandro Letter of Inquiry (Ag. 1472 A), Letter of CCM to Floor Committee 5 Concerning New
Corporations (Ag. 1504A), Walter J. Reuter Complaint Regarding "Expediency" (Ag. 1535): These letters
were merely noted since no action was necessary.
259. Thanks: The chairman read a letter of thanks from Dr. J.A.0. Preus which had been addressed to the
Commission on Constitutional Matters.