LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — June 4, 1982, Page 3

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Nevertheless, both applicant congregations and member congregations need to remember that
they are obligated to "honor and uphold the resolutions of the Synod" (Bylaw 119e), including
Denver Resolution 2-17 and 1981 Resolution 3-11. It should be noted that Resolution 3-11 which
calls upon the CTCR to complete its study on women's role in the church has as its final
paragraph the words: "Resolved, That while awaiting this study all congregations of the Synod
continue to be guided by Denver Resolution 2-17, as interpreted by the Commission on
Constitutional Matters (Milwaukee, 1971, Workbook p. 244)."
It should also be noted that when congregations disagree with a position of the Synod there are
prescribed procedures which are to be followed in any effort to have the Synod change its
position.
The Commission also, in reviewing the constitution, felt that perhaps of greater concern was the
membership provision of the congregation as set forth in Constitution Article IV and Bylaw Article VI
and decided to express its concern to Pastor Stuenkel with the statement that the Commission felt that this
is a problem which should be pursued by the District Committee on Congregational Constitutions. For
that reason President. Phipps was to receive not only a carbon copy of the letter addressed to. Pastor
Stuenkel, which would make reference to this fact, but that President Phipps should also receive a special
covering letter, encouraging him to pursue the question of membership, reminding him that the Synod has
traditionally spoken of congregation members and of guests who hold membership in other
congregations. The concept of "associate member" is hardly acceptable. The Commission, however, feels
that perhaps a separate paragraph should be inserted in the constitution, stating very clearly the
congregation's desire to reach out and to be of service to the entire campus community within strictures of
church polity.
43. Women Officers in Congregations (Ag. 1604): Rev. Theodore Delaney, of the Constitution
Committee of the C-N-H District had asked essentially the same question. The Commission resolved to
give him essentially the same reply that had been sent to Pastor Stuenkel.
44. North Dakota Bylaws (Ag. 1262); Southern California Bylaws (Ag. 1591); Colorado Bylaws (Ag.
1185; Kansas Bylaws (Ag. 1414, A-G); South Dakota Bylaws (Ag. 1568); Nebraska Bylaws (Ag. 1572);
Calif ornia-Nevada-Hawaii Byl s (Ag. 1580, A,B); Southern Bylaws (AR. 938, A-H) : The Secretary was
asked to write to all of these Districts, asking for a report on the action which the convention has taken
with reference to the CCM recommendations and also requesting a copy eventually of the updated bylaws
of each District.
45. Canadian Seminary Location (Ag. 1569, A): Pastor Howard Ulmer of the Manitoba-Saskatchewan
District had challenged the right of The Lutheran Church--Canada to make such a decision. The
Commission had asked him in a previous meeting for additional information. No reply has been received
to date.
46. Mid-South District Bylaws (Ag. 1584): The Commission approved the proposed changes in the MidSouth District Bylaws.
-47. Atonement, Florissant, Complaint (Ag. 1592): The congregation had addressed a letter to the Board
of Directors of the Synod, asking that Board to investigate the actions of the CCM in the case involving
the congregation's dual membership. The congregation claimed that the CCM had improperly injected
itself into the case and had also violated the bylaws in publishing its opinion in The Lutheran Witness.
After consultation with some members of the Commission, the Secretary had answered Dr. Bohlmann's
request for information with a detailed letter. The Commission at this time formally ratified that letter,
attached to the Minutes.