LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — April 29, 1983, Page 1

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Article V, A states: "All organized congregations that have joined the Synod hold voting
membership."
From this it is plain that the "voting members" of Article XII, 15 are not the voting delegates to
the previous convention, but rather the member congregations of the Synod within the boundaries
of that particular District. It is the congregation which holds the franchise. The delegates are not
voting members, but rather voting delegates.
It is therefore necessary for the District to poll the member congregations of the District. As soon
as a majority of those congregations have given their consent, the District may proceed to call a
special convention.
146. Role and Function of CTCR (Ag. 1606, A,B,C,D): After discussing further the questions which had
been raised by Pastor Louis Launhardt of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and which had been explored in
depth especially in the previous meeting with both Pastor Launhardt and Rev. Jerald Joersz of the CTCR
staff, the Commission adopted the following opinion:
The bylaws on the role of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations are quite clear. The
Commission is to issue studies for the guidance of the synodical membership. Its proposals may
be challenged
If any proposal of the Commission is to become the official position of the Synod, a detailed
procedure, outlined in Bylaw 1.03, is to be followed. Until the Synod has taken action, a proposal
of the Commission is of an advisory nature for study and guidance and not binding on the
membership of the Synod. It should also be noted that those who dissent should proceed by
following the proper avenues as set forth in Bylaws 1.03 and 1.19 e.
The Commission on Constitutional Matters finds that the Commission on Theology and Church
Relations itself has attempted to make this clear, but its proposals continue to be regarded by
many as setting forth the official position of the Synod, which is an erroneous conclusion.
This opinion is to be transmitted to Pastor Launhardt. A copy also be sent to President Bohlmann,
together with a covering letter calling attention to the fact that there seems to be a growing
misunderstanding in the Synod of the role of the CTCR., and suggesting that this opinion might well be
shared with the District presidents, counselors, and others-who are in responsible leadership positions of
the Synod.
The Commission agreed that this is an opinion which definitely should be printed in The Lutheran
Witness.
147. Doctorate: The Commission members took happy note of the fact that Kermit Brashear will be
awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by our Seward Concordia!
148. North Dakota District Bylaws (Ag. 1262,A,B,C); Southern California District Bylaws (Ag. 1591,AE); South Dakota District Bylaws (Ag. 1568, A): No further information has been received
149. Guidelines for District Constitution Committees (Ag. 1593, 1638,A, 1446): This item will be held on
the agenda in view of the Commission's work on model constitutions. It was agreed that the Commission
would work on this during the days of the convention.