LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 30, 1998, Page 4

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and in providing "a united defense against schism, sectarianism (Romans 16:17), and heresy" (Article III, 1)
which have their source in false confessions of faith. The plain language of Article III, 1, is a simple
reflection of the common faith and confession of the Christian church which throughout history has been
threatened with schism, sectarianism, and heresy.
The provisions of Article III, 1, therefore bind the members of the Synod to a standard of faith and
confession. They also bind the Synod to maintain these standards as it carries out its mission in the world.
Its members are to "provide a united defense" against schism, sectarianism, and heresy whether these arise
from within or without, always on the basis of the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.
The concept of unity is articulated again in Bylaw 2.39, a: "The Constitution, Bylaws, and all other
regulations of the Synod apply to all congregational and individual members of the Synod." Bylaw 2.39, b,
further provides, "The Synod expects every member congregation to respect its resolutions and to consider
them of binding force if they are in accordance with the Word of God…." When dissent of a doctrinal
nature arises, Bylaw 2.39, c, provides a procedure that is intended to bring about doctrinal unity and to
prevent the ills that are warned of in Article III, 1, "schism, sectarianism (Romans 16:17), and heresy."
Article VI, 2, requires members of the Synod to renounce unionism and syncretism of every sort including
"b. Taking part in services and sacramental rites of heterodox congregations or of congregations of mixed
confession." Does Article VI either in 2, b, or elsewhere forbid the participation of pastors of other churches
or confessions in the services and sacramental rites of a congregation of the Synod? Does the Constitution
or Bylaws allow for any circumstance or situation in which such participation might be permitted?
The Commission responds that Article VI sets forth the conditions required of congregations and
individuals to obtain and continue to hold membership in the Synod. To respond to the question, the
Commission deems it necessary to review the provisions of Article VI, paragraphs 1 and 2. Paragraph 1
states that a member of the Synod must accept the confessional basis of Article II of the Synod's
Constitution. Paragraph 2 builds on paragraph 1 and requires a member of the Synod to renounce unionism
and syncretism of every description.
The last two words of paragraph 2 are: "such as." These words indicate that what follows in the
subparagraphs of paragraph 2 are examples of that which is prohibited in the opening sentence of paragraph
2. The subparagraphs are not, therefore, an all-inclusive listing but only examples of prohibited activities.
Subparagraph b prohibits an individual member of the Synod from taking part in the services and
sacramental rites of heterodox congregations or of congregations of mixed confession. The example in
subparagraph b does not address directly the question asked of the Commission, namely: "Does Article VI,
b, forbid participation of ministers of heterodox congregations or congregations of mixed confession from
participating in the services of sacramental rites of a congregation that is a member of the Synod?"
However, this is the other side of the coin of that which is prohibited in subparagraph b. It is equally
unionism and syncretism whether an individual member of the Synod participates in the services or
sacramental rites of a heterodox congregation or a congregation of mixed confession or whether a minister
of a heterodox congregation or a congregation of mixed confession participates in the services or
sacramental rites of a congregation that is a member of the Synod. The principle remains the same. It is
contrary to the condition of membership set forth in Article VI, 2. Neither the remainder of the Constitution
nor the Bylaws of the Synod provide any exception to this principle.
In addition, Resolution 2-16 of the 1965 convention of the Synod, "To Hold No Joint Worship Services
Where Pulpit and Altar Fellowship Has Not Been Established, etc.", does not distinguish between joint
services hosted by heterodox congregations and those hosted by congregations of the Synod. It prohibits all
joint worship services with those with whom the Synod has not established pulpit and altar fellowship: