LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1975, Page 256

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256 CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS

1. The officers of the Synod must assume only such rights as have
been expressly conferred upon them by the Synod, and in everything
pertaining to their rights and the performance of their duties they
are responsible to the Synod.

2. The Synod at all times has the right to call its officers to account
and, if circumstances require it, to remove them from office in ac-
cordance with Christian procedure: and

WHEREAS, The Presidents named were pleaded with not to
violate the Constitution and Bylaws prior to their actions, and
since that time have been dealt with in Christian love by the
President of the Synod as well as by individuals and congrega-
tions, but to no avail: therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention ask the Presidents
named to repent of their actions and to make whatever amends
can be made: and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod remove the Presidents from office
who do not comply with the former resolve, said action to take
place one month from date of passage of this resolution unless
repentance is made and the assurance of amends forthcoming.

St. John's Lutheran Church
Ellisville, Mo.

Kenneth Smith, President
Eugene Rusert, Chairman
Paul V. Schnelle, Pastor

5-133A

To Remove District Presidents
from Office

WHEREAS, Article VII of the Articles of Incorporation of The
Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod states: “This corporation
shall have and make such Bylaws as may be necessary to ac-
complish its purpose” (Synodical Handbook. p. 13): and

WHEREAS, Bylaw 1.09 a prescribes: “‘The Constitution, By-
laws, and all other rules and regulations of the Synod apply to
all members of the Synod, i.e., to all congregations, pastors,
professors, and teachers” (Handbook, p. 28): and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod has stated
in its Articles of Incorporation, Article II, that one of “the
objects of this corporation shall be”:

c. To assist and advise congregations, pastors, and teachers affiliated

with The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod and to exercise super-

vision over such pastors and teachers as to doctrine, practice, and
performance of their official duties (Handbook, p. 11); and

WHEREAS, The Synod has adopted certain measures and
procedures to facilitate such supervision:

1. One of its objects is: ‘‘To establish, build, conduct, and
maintain theological seminaries, colleges, academies, schools,
and other institutions of learning.” (Handbook. Art. II, p. 11)

2. It has adopted rules and regulations governing eligibility
for entry into the pastoral ministry:

a. Bylaw 4.09 a: ‘‘The Council of Presidents, acting as the
Board of Assignments, shall regularly assign to the grad-
uates and available supply students, interns, and vicars
of the Synod’s educational institutions . . . the calls and
appointments for pastors . .. which congregations, quali-
fied associations, and synodical and District boards have
sent.” (Handbook. p. 98)

b. Bylaw 4.15 a: ‘A candidate for the office of the pastoral
ministry in The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod may
be ordained when the following prerequisites have been
met: 1. He shall have completed the prescribed courses
of study and have received a diploma from one of the
Synod’s seminaries. .. . 2. He shall have received en-
dorsement by the proper faculty .. . and in every respect
have been declared qualified by [it] for the office of the
ministry of Word and sacrament in the church. 5. He shall
have received and accepted a call extended through the
proper channels to assume full-time work in the church”
(Handbook, pp. 98--99): and

WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.41 states: “Each District President by

virtue of his office represents the Synod in his respective terri-
tory,” and Bylaw 4.17 states: ‘The District .. . President shall be
responsible for the ordination of candidates for the ministry...

within his District’ (Handbook, pp. 88, 99): and

WHEREAS, A number of District Presidents have officially
approved or have tolerated the ordination of men who have not
fulfilled the qualifications for ordination to the pastoral ministry
of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod: and

WHEREAS, These District Presidents have made no move to
right this wrong but rather have adamantly defended their
action, thus displaying a defiant disregard for one of the funda-
mental objects for which the Synod was formed and have
thereby set themselves above the Synod: and

WHEREAS, Bylaw 2.29 b prescribes that the President of the
Synod ‘‘shall exercise executive power when the affairs of the
Synod demand it and when he has been expressly invested with
such power for such specific purpose” (Handbook, p. 49): and

WHEREAS, Article III of the Articles of Incorporation pro-
vide: “The power of the corporation shall be lodged with the
accredited clergy and lay delegates of the congregations in
actual membership with The Lutheran Church-— Missouri
Synod” therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod declare the following Districts to
be in violation of the Handbook: Atlantic, Rudolph Ressmeyer:
California and Nevada, Paul E. Jacobs; Eastern, Herman
Frincke: English, Harold Hecht: Florida-Georgia, L. Lloyd
Behnken: Oklahoma, H. Brockhoff: and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod declare all District offices of such
Districts vacant: and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod place said Districts in trusteeship
under the management of the Synod’s Board of Directors, who
shall, with the advice and consent of the synodical President,
appoint all acting District officers who shall hold office until the
next regular convention of the Synod.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
Youngstown, Ohio

Charles Shemenske, President
Arthur Schiefelbein, Secretary

Identical or similar:

5-133B
St. Thomas, Rocky River, Ohio

(This overture differs from 5-133A as follows:

1. The eighth whereas is omitted:

2. The first resolved lists: Colorado, Waldemar Meyer:
Kansas, Arlen Bruus: New England, Robert Riedel: New
Jersey, Walter Zeile: Atlantic, R. Ressmeyer: California
and Nevada, Paul Jacobs; Eastern, Herman Frincke:
English, Harold Hecht: Southern Illinois, Herman Neun-
aber:

3. The final resolved reads: “. . . the Synod’s Board of Direc-
tors, who shall appoint District Presidents to fill the re-
maining presidential terms of the above-mentioned
Districts.

Phillip B. Giessler

5-134
To Deal with President Riedel

WHEREAS, New England District President Robert J. Riedel,
acting in full knowledge of the Synod’s policy, did contrary to
the Bylaws authorize the ordination and installation of Thomas
Colley on July 21, 1974, as pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran
Church, Claremont, N.H.; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Colley was not properly certified for the
pastoral ministry in The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod:
therefore be it

Resolved, That President Robert J. Riedel be urged to pub-
licly apologize to the Synod and declare his intention to follow
the Synod’s Bylaws: and be it further

Resolved, That if President Riedel does not change his posi-
tion by Oct. 15, 1975, he be declared removed from office and
from the ministry of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod.

Christ Lutheran Church
Troy, N.H.

Edwin G. Mattson, President
Kenneth Luopa, Secretary
Douglas May, Pastor