LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — March 27, 1993, Page 9

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The Commission on Constitutional Matters concludes that publications which have not been doctrinally
reviewed through the doctrinal review process established by the Synod should not be advertised in
official periodicals or, if they are, a specific statement, prominently located and clearly visible, should
accompany each such advertisement stating that the publication(s) being advertised has not received
doctrinal review by the Synod.
34. Issues for Future Discussion : During the course of the meeting, several issues emerged as concerns
which the Commission may need to deal with sometime in the future. Included among them were
1.

A review of Article XIII of the Constitution is needed. The question which we need to examine is
that of whether there are any provisions in the Constitution or Bylaws regarding the interest of
congregations in property of the Synod when they have not been expelled but have withdrawn
voluntarily.

1.

Questions regarding what should or should not be included in constitutions and bylaws of
congregations.

1.

The service of women as reconcilers - This matter has been forwarded to the Commission on
Theology and Church Relations for comment and reaction. (Ag. 1958)

35. Future Meeting : The next meeting of the Commission on Constitutional Matters is scheduled for
October 16, 1993. It is assumed that items which may arrive prior to that time can be dealt with by means of
conference calls.
36. Adjournment : Since all matters coming before the Commission had been dealt with at this time, the
meeting was adjourned with prayer led by Dr. Richard Schlecht.
Walter L. Rosin, Secretary

Minutes of the Commission on Constitutional Matters
May 24, 1993 Conference Call
37. Opening Prayer : With all members of the Commission present for the conference can, Chairman Groh
asked Dr. Richard Schlecht to lead the members of the Commission in an opening prayer.
38. Blamelessness of Life (Ag. 1953,B; Min. 20) : In a previous matter, the Commission on Constitutional
Matters had dealt briefly with the question of "blamelessness of life" as it appears in the Constitution of the
Synod. At that time, the question arose as to whether the divorce of a pastor was related to the question of
"blamelessness of life," and, in fact, since all are sinful and none are therefore "blameless" a pastor could be
removed from the roster of the church for such cause.
In the present matter before the Commission, the Commission on Appeals had forwarded a request for an
opinion received from the district president and a pastor involved in the suspension of that pastor by the
district president. After thorough discussion of the request as received, the Commission decided to respond
as follows:
This matter arose prior to the 1992 convention of the Synod and thus the following opinion is rendered
under the provisions of the 1989 Handbook of the Synod.