Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026Committee 10Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution
To Allow Parties to Delay Hearing to Await Commission Opinion
- Committee
- 10. Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution
- Submitted by(2)
- Circuit 3 (Baltimore East)circuitSoutheastern Districtdistrict
- Workbook page
- 511
Preamble Bylaw 1.10.18.1 (h) states: “If any part of the dispute involves a specific question of doctrine or doctrinal application, each party shall have the right to an opinion from the Commission on Theology and Church Relations. If it involves questions of constitution or bylaw interpretation, each party shall have the right to an interpretation from the Commission on Constitutional Matters. The request for an opinion must be made through the Dispute Resolution Panel or Review Panel, which shall determine the wording of the question(s).”
WHEREAS, The dispute resolution reconciler is not required to forward the request for the opinion without modification; and
WHEREAS, Arequested opinion may not arrive before the dispute resolution hearing; and
WHEREAS, The question, “Can a laywoman on her own authority command a clergyman not to write a letter?” was the core issue in the complaint; the letter truthfully reported the action of the leadership to the congregation; and the dispute resolution reconciler ruled the accusation valid grounds for discipline; therefore be it
Resolved, That a party may postpone a hearing until the requested opinion is received.