LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — April 29, 1983, Page 2

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150. Canada Partner Church Process (Ag. 1613) : The Commission studied Overture 5-17 from the
Lutheran Church--Canada, setting forth procedures for permitting that body to become and to be
recognized as a self-governing partner church in Canada. The Commission saw especially two difficulties
in the proposed process and came to the following conclusions:
1. It is not proper to speak of "releasing" the Canadian Districts; the procedure that is to be
followed is that of dissolution.
2. Canadian congregations which decline to join the new Canadian church will be regarded as
independent and called upon to decide their own future. Whether some of them can continue
to be members of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod with their District membership in a
United States District might not only be impractical but also problematical under Canadian
law.
151. Review of Foundation Bylaws (Ag. 1616, A) : The Commission is obligated to review the governing
instruments of the "other synodical entities" listed in the Handbook. The missing sheet for the Foundation
Bylaws had now been supplied. The Commission came to the conclusion that the instruments were
acceptable with the provision, however, that Article III, which is prone to misunderstanding, could well
be reworded to read: “. . . all of whom shall be trustees, elected [appointed?] or ex-officio, . . .” It was
also noted that on a previous occasion the suggestion had been made that terms of office ought to be for
three years to coincide with the general synodical regulations regarding appointed boards and
commissions. Since the Board of Trustees is not elected by a synodical or District convention, it is for
constitutional purposes regarded as an appointed board.
152. Membership of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (Ag. 1544, A,B,C) :The Commission noted that
the Board of Directors of the LCEF in Overture 4-50 is proposing a paragraph for the Handbook, setting
forth its membership. Since this is still very complicated, Schnelz will inquire especially about fractional
voting and simplifying the formula.
153. California-Nevada-Hawaii District Bylaws Addition (Ag. 1580, A,B): Since this matter now seems
to have been completed, it was removed from the docket.
154. Structure of Department of Stewardship and Financial Support (Ag. 1583, A,B,C) : This item will
be held on the agenda for further input.
155. Membership of Boulder, Colorado Campus Congregation (Ag. 1603, A,B): This item will also be
held for further input.
156. Northwest District's Ruling Re Women Officers (Ag. 1623, A): The Commission took note of the
further correspondence and decided to remove the item from the agenda,
157. Worker-Priests (Ag. 1644-1639): The Kendallville Circuit of the Indiana District had submitted a
rather confusing document, suggesting that Synod's Commission should do some type of rectifying in the
Handbook regarding the inclusion of ordained pastors who are not called but serving congregations as
worker-priests. It was finally decided to inform the Circuit that any changes in the Handbook must be
submitted as recommendations to the 1986 convention.
158. Lutheran Book of Worship (Ag. 1645-1640): Pastor A. Maleske of Grand Rapids, Michigan had
stated that several congregations in his area are using the Lutheran Book of Worship as their official
hymnal and asked whether this is a violation of Article VI of our Synod's Constitution. The Commission
decided to reply as follows: