To Affirm and Commend CCM Opinion 22-2980

WHEREAS, “In its relation to its members the Synod is not an ecclesiastical government exercising legislative or coercive powers, and with respect to the individual congregation’s right of self- government it is but an advisory body” (Constitution Article VII l); and

WHEREAS, “Congregations that are members of the Synod, as well as association schools, agencies, auxiliaries, and recognized service organizations shall call and be served only by (1) ordained ministers who have been admitted to their respective ministries in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth in these Bylaws and have there by become members of the Synod …” (Bylaw 2.5.2 [1]); and

WHEREAS, On May 2, 2022 the Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) issued Opinion 22-2980 (as published in the CCM report), which not only clearly articulated the relationship between a district president and a calling congregation, but also reaffirmed the previous CCM Opinion 2069 (March 2, 1997) by stating, “The opinion (2069) specifically states that a district president does not have the authority ‘to edit a vacant congregation’s call list by refusing to provide personal information on some individuals, even when that information is specifically requested by the congregation’”; therefore be it

Resolved, That the2023 Synod convention affirm this opinion as being an accurate interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; and be it further

Resolved, That the 2023 Synod convention commend this opinion to all member congregations, association schools, agencies, auxiliaries, and recognized services organizations for study and consideration during any current or future call process; and be it finally

Resolved, That when “a (calling) congregation or association school shall seek the counsel of its own district president” pursuant to Bylaw 2.5.l (a), the district president shall provide a copy of this opinion as part of his counsel according to his advisory role.