LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — December 9, 1983, Page 2

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document, the Commission ratified the opinion provided Pastor DeLaney by the Secretary, concluding
that the proposed ministry is improper and that the Commission ruling of May, 1974, applies to the
situation.
207. Interpretation of Res. 6-07, 1983 (Ag. 1679,A): Dr. Ralph Bohlmann had addressed a number of
questions to the Commission regarding the transfer of pastors from other Lutheran churches, as well as
the transfer of pastors from partner churches. The first question related to the application of new transfer
guidelines adopted by the convention. The Commission ruled:
a. That the newly adopted guidelines do indeed abrogate the policy previously followed.
b. The newly adopted guidelines cannot be applied ex post facto and do not apply to those
whose transfer was in process prior to the 1983 convention, but must be applied prospectively
to all applications received subsequent to the adoption of the guidelines by the 1983
convention.
With regard to the transfer of pastors from partner churches, the Commission found that:
a. Resolution 6-07 does not apply to pastors transferring from partner churches.
b. A partner church is an affiliated church under Bylaw 5.87,
c. Applications for transfers of pastors from partner churches for membership in the LCMS
must be referred to the Colloquy Standing Committee for Pastors.
d. Should proper application be made, the Colloquy Committee may exercise its discretion in
carrying out its responsibilities in the matter and may waive specific requirements.
208.
Interpretation of "Liaison Person" (Ag. 1681): The 1983 convention in establishing a separate
Commission on Worship also provided for a "liaison person" between that group and the Board for Parish
Services. Dr. Victor Constien had requested an interpretation of the term. The Commission found that a
"liaison person" is one who serves as a resource from his/her board to the recipient board or commission
and serves the function of maintaining communication between that board or commission and the one in
which he/she holds membership.
209. North Dakota Bylaws (Ag. 1262,A-C): The Secretary is to contact the District President, requesting
a response to concerns previously expressed by the Commission. The request should contain an inquiry as
to when a response can be expected.
210. Wyoming District Bylaws (Ag. 1657): The Constitution and Bylaws of the Wyoming District are to
be distributed for consideration at the next meeting.
211. Southern California Bylaws (Ag. 1591,A-E): No response has been received relative to the
Commission's concerns since February, 1983.
212. Women Officers (Ag. 1666): In reply to requests received regarding women officers in
congregations, attention is to be called to the fact that in the proposed Guidelines for the Constitution and
Bylaws of a congregation reference is made to the official position of the Synod and the finding of the
Commission that it should be included in congregational constitutions.