LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — July 6-13, 1989, Page 3

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5. "In the absence of the President and Vice President, the chairperson of the Board of Elders
shall conduct the Council and/or congregational meetings."
6. "They shall see that all services are conducted correctly and in a manner as to avoid needless
disturbances and to foster an attitude conducive to worship among those in attendance."
7. "They shall review individual attendance records and seek out those who have become lax
and delinquent in worship. The elder responsible for the family will make the call."
8. "They shall organize themselves so that each elder will be directly responsible to about 25-30
member families. They shall personally call on their member families at least once a year.
Elders shall make absolutely certain that their member families know who their elder is."
9. "The Board of Elders shall assist the pastor with all matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare
of the congregation and show concern for its members."
to a board or committee of a Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod congregation and then elect a woman to
that function (board or committee).
In response, the Secretary had provided a personal opinion which indicated that many of the questions
posed seem to revolve around the issue of whether distinctive functions of the pastoral office were
involved. He pointed out that the Commission on Theology would more appropriately determine that
matter. The Commission on Constitutional Matters, while not responsible for offering an opinion on that
issue, would undoubtedly recognize that a congregation has the right of self-governance. It would also
undoubtedly observe that if the functions identified in the questions are distinctive functions of the
pastoral office, congregations permitting women to carry them out would be in opposition to the position
of the Synod which they had voluntarily joined and would be jeopardizing their membership.
While there was some feeling that the phrase "jeopardizing their membership" might be misunderstood,
the Commission did support the response which had been provided, recognizing that congregations which
have joined the Synod have agreed to honor and uphold the resolutions' of the Synod. Continuous refusal
to do so could result in eventual loss of membership. The Commission requested that when informing the
pastor of the support of the opinion which had been provided, a copy of the Denver resolution relating to
the service of women in the church, a subsequent opinion of the Commission on Constitutional Matters,
and additional supporting resolutions of the Synod at later conventions be included.
151. Right to Privacy Matters (Ag. 1857) : A pastor had asked the Commission to provide an opinion
regarding the question of whether he would be allowed to have access to information contained in his
personal file about him regardless of who wrote something in it. He was requesting information regarding
the position of the Synod on this matter. In response, the Secretary had provided a personal opinion
stating that the Commission would not be able to provide him with a specific answer. The Commission is
charged with the responsibility for interpreting the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod as well as
convention resolutions. There do not appear to be any articles, bylaws, or resolutions related to the issue
raised by the pastor. If that is the case, any specific response to the questions posed would be beyond the
purview of the Commission on Constitutional Matters. As a matter of fact, the issue of roster
maintenance, supervision of pastors, etc., is the responsibility of the district presidents. It was noted that a
response to the inquiry of the pastor might better be provided by that group.
After having reviewed the response provided, the Commission concurred in it.