LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — March 9-10, 1990, Page 9

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It is clear from a reading of Chapter VIII that it is the function of a Commission on Adjudication and, to a
limited degree, the Commission on Appeals (8.51,h)5 to act as a fact finding body and apply the official
doctrinal positions of the Synod on theological questions and the constitution and bylaws on
administrative matters. Further, when all efforts at reconciliation have failed, they shall adjudicate the
matter and shall render a decision which, in order to promote finality, is final and binding only on the
parties to that particular case. Decisions of Commissions on Adjudication and the Commission on
Appeals have no precedential force or value. In reaching their decisions they are bound to the publicized
doctrinal position of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and to the common and ordinary
understanding of its Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions as authoritatively construed. As to doubtful
matters, they may, and in prudence should, seek the opinions of the Commission on Constitutional
Matters and the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, and when requested by either party it is
mandatory that such opinions be sought.

CONCLUSION
In summary, the Synod has recognized three basic groups responsible for decisions involving
controversial matters:
1. Theological function.
2. Questions of interpretation of Resolutions of the Synod, its Constitution and Bylaws.
3. Factual disputes between parties who are not reconcilable.
Each Commission as set forth above has its individual responsibilities and may not infringe upon those of
another.

ENDNOTES
1

Interpret the Synod's Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions upon the written request of a
member (congregation, ordained or commissioned minister), official, board, commission,
or agency of the Synod. Such a request may be accompanied by a request for an
appearance before the commission. An opinion rendered by the commission shall be
binding on the question decided unless and until it is overruled by a synodical
convention.

2

The commission shall provide guidance to the Synod in matters of theology and church
relations, specifically:
1. in bringing matters of theology and church relations through special studies and
documents to the membership of the Synod and to conferences;
2. in addressing itself to and evaluating the existing fellowship relations for the purpose
of mutual admonition and encouragement;
3. in referring theological issues and questions to the proper individuals or groups of
individuals for additional study;
4. in suggesting and outlining studies of contemporary issues, including also current
social issues, as they affect the church and as the church may affect such social issues.
5. in fostering and providing for ongoing theological education through institutes,
seminars, and other means;
6. in obtaining and studying theological treatises, conference papers, and similar
documents and studies.