LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — June 4, 1982, Page 6

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64. A Good Word (Ag. 1588): The Commission noted the fine letter of appreciation which had been sent
by Don Prevallet, retiring chairman of the Commission.
65. Guidelines for Delegate Elections (Ag. 1599): The Commission approved the guidelines which had
been developed by the Secretary for the guidance of Circuit Counselors in the election of convention
delegates.
66. Ohio District Bylaws (Ag. 236) : This item is to be held on the docket, but the new District President
is to be told of our earlier communication suggesting that their bylaws be put into proper form for our
review.
67. English District Bylaws (Ag. 653): Carl Eberhard agreed to evaluate these for the next meeting of the
Commission.
68. The chairman closed the meeting with a prayer and a blessing.
Herbert Mueller, Secretary

Opinion re Necessity of Including a Constitutional Article
Limiting the Offices Women May Hold

The Commission on Constitutional Matters adopted the following opinion:
1. While it might be advisable for a congregation to include in its constitution and bylaws a paragraph
limiting the offices which women may hold, the Commission concludes that such inclusion cannot be
made mandatory.
2. 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)."
3. 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 ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
Herbert Mueller, Secretary

Opinion re Personnel of Commissions on Adjudication