LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — August 17, 1984, Page 4

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It would appear precipitous to enter into this discussion while the preliminary CTCR document
on the role of women in the church is presently being circulated.
The Commission has considered the correspondence regarding the role of women in the
congregation. It is unable, however, to furnish an opinion or ruling as the Commission is not
presented with a specific issue to address. What the Commission has been invited to do, in effect,
is to articulate policy for the Synod on the subject, a task which exceeds the Commission's
authority. That policy is at the moment expressed in the 1969 resolution and the 1971 CCM
report (subsequently ratified by the 1973 convention). These statements addressed functional,
rather than nominal distinctions in the roles women may perform in the congregation.
It does not appear that the suggestions given preserve that focus. However, unless and until the
Commission is presented with a specific question, it declines further comment. If, indeed, the
Synod's position with regard to this subject is to be reconsidered, the appropriate forum is the
synodical convention.
67. Wyoming District Bylaws (Ag. 1657): Retain on agenda for report in December.
68. Review of Office of Secretary (Ag. 1671): The Commission has received a report that the
Commission on Structure is considering restructuring of the Commission on Constitutional Matters. The
Commission on Constitutional Matters made no suggestion because it considers none necessary. If, in
fact, restructuring is being considered, the Commission on Structure is requested to consult the
Commission on Constitutional Matters before making final recommendations.
69. Southern California Bylaws (Ag. 1591, A-E): Retain on agenda. No report,
70. English District Bylaws (Ag. 653): Retain on agenda
71. Standing Committee on Architecture (Ag. 1700): At the present time, the Lutheran Church Extension
Fund operates under a Constitution and Bylaws which allow for four-year terms for its directors. The
Handbook of the Synod defines terms of standing committees as three years. The Standing Committee on
Architecture is a standing committee of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. It has been suggested that
the Lutheran Church Extension Fund be exempted from the three-year standing committee term
requirement of the bylaws, and that terms be stated as two or four-year terms. The Commission
recommends that the Lutheran Church Extension Fund present an overture to the next convention,
exempting the Standing Committee on Architecture from the bylaws governing terms of standing
committees.
72. Clergy Eligible for Positions in Congregations (Ag. 1705): A question had been raised regarding the
eligibility of a pastor, who is a member of a congregation but not serving in a pastoral function in that
congregation, for membership on boards or offices of the congregation. The Commission ratified the
reply which stated that while it may not be wise or desirable to declare such a person eligible, if such
eligibility is not forbidden by the Constitution or Bylaws of the congregation, nomination and possible
election is permissible. If a congregation wishes to restrict certain positions to the laity, it should probably
declare that as its position and incorporate it into its official documents.
73. Boulder, Colorado (1603, A,B): It was reported that the congregation in Boulder, Colorado, has
removed the objectionable section from its Constitution and has forwarded its Constitution to the
appropriate District Committee for review. The item is to be removed from the agenda.
74. Definition of Terms in Handbook (Ag. 1705): A pastor had suggested that job descriptions for various
church worker positions be included in the Handbook. The Commission ratified the reply of the