LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — March 17-18, 1989, Page 1

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136. Future Meetings and Adjournment : The following meeting dates were established for the
Commission: March 17-18, beginning at 6:00 p.m., May 19-22-Floor Committee meetings, July 7-14Synodical Convention including brief meeting of Commission on Constitutional Matters. September 2930Commission meeting.
Since the Commission had completed its business at this time, the chairman called for adjournment and
requested Judge Groh to lead the members in a closing prayer.
Walter L. Rosin, Secretary

Minutes of the Commission on Constitutional Matters - March 17-18, 1989
137. Review of Lutheran Witness Article : Chairman Schnelz had prepared an article for publication in
the Lutheran Witness dealing with the purpose and function of the Commission on Constitutional Matters
as well as other issues such as its membership, relation to other commissions, publication of opinions, and
necessity for objectivity. Members of the Commission provided suggestions for minor revisions in the
article.
138. Relation of Commission on Appeals and Commission on Constitutional Matters to Each Other
: Judge Groh had prepared a document dealing with the relationship between the Commission on
Constitutional Matters and the Commission on Appeals as a result of a meeting which had been held
between the two groups several months earlier. Among other things, the document dealt with the matter
of each group keeping the other apprised of issues coming before it which might have implications for the
other group. Judge Schnelz had forwarded the document to the chairman of the Commission on Appeals
but had not yet received a response to the manner in which the issues were addressed.
139 Iowa District West Model Constitution (Ag. 1850, Min. 126) : The Rev. Frederick Kemper,
chairman of the Iowa District West Constitution Committee had previously forwarded a proposed model
constitution for sharing with congregations in the Iowa West District and had asked the Commission on
Constitutional Matters to comment on it. Dr. Roland Hopmann had provided a careful analysis and
critique of the document and his observations had been forwarded to Pastor Kemper for review. Pastor
Kemper, in turn, had responded, indicating those areas where the suggestions of the Commission had
been adopted and those areas which, in his opinion, should be retained as originally proposed. The
Secretary had responded to Pastor Kemper noting that the review by the Commission had apparently been
helpful and that the critique had apparently provided an opportunity for the committee to evaluate its
proposal once again. The Secretary also stated that the Commission was aware that there is a great deal of
latitude allowed and that much of what it suggests only reflects its best judgment and cannot be required.
It was also noted that the Commission still believes that the guidelines which it prepared and which are
available from Concordia Publishing House serve as a good and sufficient model for congregations. The
Commission also has agreed that it does not have the authority or responsibility for authorizing the
printing and distribution of any documents such as the proposed model constitution and that its only
responsibility is to make certain that the district committee is not proposing anything contrary to the
Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod or that its recommended congregational practice does not conflict
with the confessional position of the Synod.
On the basis of the correspondence and observations, the Commission determined to consider this matter
closed.