LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — September 30, 1998, Page 2

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ones that led to the declaration of altar and pulpit fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church
of Ingria in Russia at the 1998 convention of the Synod?"
In answer to your question the Commission calls your attention to synodical Bylaw 13.03, a,
a. When a church body applies for formal recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship with the
Synod, such recognition shall be proposed at a synodical convention only after the approval of
the Commission on Theology and Church Relations.
Compare also Resolution 3-01 of the 1998 convention, "To Declare Altar and Pulpit Fellowship with
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia," noting in particular the following paragraphs:
WHEREAS, Doctrinal discussions between official representatives of the LCMS and the
ELCIR have revealed that complete agreement between our two churches in doctrine and
practice exists; and...
WHEREAS, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations has reviewed the charter of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria, and in accordance with Bylaw 13.03 a has
recommended that The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod declare itself to be in altar and
pulpit fellowship with this church body; ...
Note that the procedure provided in the Bylaw was faithfully followed in the reception of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia into fellowship. The answer to your first question, therefore, is "yes."
You also asked a second question regarding fellowship with other church bodies:
2. "Does the word 'other' in the phrase, 'other Christian church bodies' (Art. 111, 1) indicate that The
Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod considers itself a 'Christian church body'? If so, does this Article
require the Synod also to work through its official structure toward fellowship with other Christian church
bodies (ecumenical activities and endeavors) or does this objective leave the Synod free to isolate itself
from other Christian church bodies?"
The Commission affirms that the phrase, "other Christian church bodies," in Article 111, 1, of the
Constitution of the Synod does assume that the Synod is a Christian church body. Furthermore, the phrase,
.... work through its official structure toward fellowship with other Christian church bodies ...,” indicates
that there must be a continuing effort toward fellowship with other Christian church bodies, such efforts to
proceed through the Synod's official structure. Bylaw 3.101, A, 5, as it will read in the 1998 Handbook,
elaborates upon the intended "official structure," stating that the President shall
5. be the chief ecumenical officer of the Synod. He or his representative shall represent the
Synod in official contacts with other church bodies.
In addition, Bylaw 3.925 speaks of the functions of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations.
The following sections are pertinent:
a. The commission shall assist the President at his request in discharging his
constitutional responsibilities, specifically
2. in dealing with other church bodies;
3. in initiating and pursuing fellowship discussions with other church bodies.
b. The commission shall provide guidance to the Synod in matters of theology and
church relations, specifically: