LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 9, 1990, Page 2

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In view of this decision, board of regents members elected in 1983 for a period of six years and reelected
in 1989 for a period of three years are ineligible for an additional term of service.
52. The Meaning of the Term "Accepts Without Reservation" (Ag. 1903) : The Commission had
received a request for a clarification of the term, "accepts without reservation," found in Article II of the
Constitution of the Synod. The question was stated as follows:
"Accepts without reservation" is to be understood in what way? Does this word "accepts" mean
believe? If it doesn't mean believe then what exactly does this word and phrase mean?
In response, the Commission determined that the matter should be referred to the Commission on
Theology and Church Relations. It noted that the question as asked goes to the manner in which the
convictions of an individual are to be measured. It is the conclusion of the Commission on Constitutional
Matters that this is a theological question which is outside of the purview of the Commission on
Constitutional Matters.
53. Request from Southern District Committee on Constitutions for Advice and Assistance (Ag.
1904) : The Committee on Constitutions for the Southern Districts stated that it had struggled for several
years with a constitution proposed by a congregation in Alabama. The committee had not been able to
reach satisfactory decisions on the document because of its significant difference in the type of structure
which was created from that which normally appears in constitutions of congregations of The Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod.
In responding to the request, the Commission stated that it was its opinion that the guidelines provided by
the Commission on Constitutional Matters would appear to be sufficient to allow the Southern District
Committee on Constitutions to make a decision. It further noted that the Commission on Constitutional
Matters has clearly expressed reservations in the past regarding the concentration of authority and the
placing of such authority within a small group. It has further expressed concerns in the past that the
creation of offices without specific definitions makes it extremely difficult to determine whether such
offices would be in keeping with Scripture and the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod. A specific
example in the proposed constitution would be that of the office of "Apostle." Based on the definition
which is provided, it would appear that the office being proposed or considered to be in existence would
have a function which would supercede that of the district president. No such office is identified or
envisioned in the Handbook of the Synod where the district president is identified as having responsibility
for the doctrine and life of members of the Synod within the district.
In conclusion, the Commission notes that the lack of specific questions makes it difficult, if not
impossible to respond to the request for advice and assistance. The Commission, once again, urges that
the principles identified by the Commission on Constitutional Matters and the guidelines which are
developed be followed. If this is done, some of the difficulties identified above as well as by the Southern
District Committee on Constitutions will be avoided.
54. Membership Requirements for Non-Tuition Participation in School Associations (Ag. 1905) :
The Commission had received a request regarding the requirements which a congregation was placing
upon its members whose children were enrolled in the school owned and operated by three congregations
in an association, if those children were to continue to be enrolled without monthly tuition payments. It
was stated that concern had arisen regarding the legality of the letter and its stated guidelines in view of
the association school constitution.
In response, the Commission stated that a decision on this matter is a matter for an autonomous
congregation to determine. The Synod is only an advisory body with respect to the congregation's right of