LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — July 6-13, 1989, Page 2

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communicant membership should, however, not be victimized. That person should now be dealt with as
an exceptional case under 10.03 d, I and 2, though in reality these apply only to those found to be
members of fraternal organizations after having become members of congregations.
The Commission is further of the opinion that since the person referred to by the inquiring pastor was
received by action of the congregation, under 10.03 e, the congregation is to be admonished regarding its
action. As 10.03 e states,
The Synod instructs its officials to exercise vigilant care and urges all pastors and congregations
to carry out these provisions and faithfully eradicate all compromise or negation of the Gospel
through members, identification with objectionable organizations. It shall be the duty of every
member, pastor, and especially officials of the Synod to admonish those pastors and
congregations that fail to offer counter testimony and take decisive action in matters pertaining to
this subject. Refusal to heed brotherly admonition shall lead to suspension and eventual expulsion
from the Synod. [Emphasis added]
149. District Policy Manual (Ag. 1855) : The President of the Kansas District had forwarded a copy of
guidelines for legal procedures which was a part of the district's 1974 Handbook. He was inquiring
whether such a statement was necessary or should be stated in a different manner in light of the current
environment.
In response, the Secretary had indicated that the Commission deals with the interpretation of the
Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod as well as resolutions of the Synod and with the bylaws of districts.
District bylaws and policies and procedures flowing from them could not be in conflict with those of the
Synod. Consequently, whether or not the identified policy was included in the policy and procedure
manual of the district is immaterial. The district is bound to the policy as stated in the Policy Manual of
the Synod at the national level. In view of this, it would be best to include it so that the responsible district
officers and boards would be aware of it and have ready access to it. The Secretary had also provided a
slight revision of the policy which had been adopted by the Board of Directors of the Synod in 1977. It
was suggested that this revised policy be substituted for that which was presently being included in the
district Handbook.
The Commission endorsed the response which the Secretary had provided.
150. Eligible Congregation Positions for Women (Ag. 1856) : A pastor from Boulder, Colorado, had
forwarded an inquiry to the Commission on Constitutional Matters, asking whether a congregation might
assign such responsibilities as
1. "They shall study and fully understand the purpose and importance of church discipline and
carry out church discipline diligently, carefully, and prayerfully in accordance with the Word
of God. They shall admonish the negligent and such as have erred and fallen that they may be
restored to the faith."
2. "The office of elder is next to that of pastor and they shall assist the pastor in Holy
Communion, special services, etc.”,
3. "They shall be especially concerned with the adequate and thorough instruction of adults and
youth for confirmation and church membership."
4. "In the absence of a pastor, the elders shall see that all services are carried on as normally as
possible."