LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 5, 1988, Page 5

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In view of the fact that it is the responsibility of the Synod to declare pulpit and altar fellowship,
participation in services such as those identified, would be contrary to the conditions for membership as
stated in the Synod's Constitution.
95. Early Transfer of Congregations (Ag. 1834) : Peace Lutheran Church, Windsor, Ontario, had
requested that they be allowed to transfer their membership from the Ontario District to the English
District prior to January 1, 1989, when the new Lutheran Church--Canada would become functional. It
was their desire that such transfer would be made in May, 1988, when the Lutheran Church--Canada
came into existence through its founding convention.
In response, the Commission stated that an enabling resolution adopted by the Synod at its 1986
convention would allow for transfer of congregations between districts without official synodical action.
Such transfers as well as other matters would be subject to arrangements made by the responsible officials
of Lutheran Church--Canada and The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. Determination of the possibility
of transfer of congregations in Canada from one district to another prior to January 1, 1989 are subject to
agreements reached between the responsible entities and cannot be determined by the Commission on
Constitutional Matters.
96. Commission on Appeals Correspondence : Chairman Schnelz shared correspondence which had
been carried out between himself and the chairman of the Commission on Appeals dealing with certain
issues in which both groups had been involved. It was suggested that it might be advantageous for the
Commission or their representatives to meet jointly to discuss mutual concerns, including possible
desirable refinements to the Bylaws, particularly in those sections dealing with adjudication and appeals.
97. Future Meetings : The Commission established May 6-7, 1988 and possibly September 9-10, 1988
as future meeting dates.
98. District Constitution Committees Survey : A survey conducted among chairmen of District
Constitution Committees indicated that 20 favored holding a meeting of District Constitution Committee
Chairmen while 11 did not favor such a meeting. Twelve indicated that if a meeting were held, it should
be national in scope while 10 favored regional meeting. Four had no preference while five provided no
response to the question. All 31 responses favored the distribution of a bulletin containing decisions
which pertain to congregations on either a quarterly or semiannual basis. Such bulletin could contain legal
points, opinions, or decisions of other synodical commissions that would affect congregational
documents. A desire to receive both the rulings on synodical resolutions and the rulings of the CCM on
other matters was favored.
Chairman Schnelz will draft a letter to District Constitutional Committee Chairmen relative to this matter.
99. Adjournment : Having completed the business before it, the meeting of the Commission was
adjourned.
Walter L. Rosin, Secretary

Minutes of the Commission on Constitutional Matters - May 6, 1988
100. Opening Prayer : At the request of Chairman Schnelz, Dr. Richard Schlecht led the members in a
prayer asking for God's guidance and blessing upon the work of the Commission and its deliberations.