Official Handbook Source Text
Handbook page 152
Source: LCMS Handbook 2023, page 152.
This page reproduces text from the 2023 LCMS Handbook for study and navigation. Readers should verify procedural, legal, parliamentary, or governance questions against the official LCMS Handbook and appropriate LCMS authorities.
(f) Vacancies that occur in the positions that were filled by appointment shall be filled by the same appointing body.
(g) In the case of vacancies that occur in positions that were filled by election of a national convention of the Synod, the appointing body shall be the Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, which shall follow the nominating procedures for filling vacancies in board and commission positions elected by the Synod as outlined in the Bylaws of the Synod.
3.9.5.2 The Commission on Theology and Church Relations shall assist the
President of the Synod at his request in discharging his constitutional responsibilities for maintaining doctrinal unity within the Synod.
3.9.5.2.1 The Commission on Theology and Church Relations shall provide guidance
to the Synod in matters of theology and church relations.
(a) It shall bring matters of theology and church relations through special studies and documents to the membership of the Synod and to conferences.
(b) It shall refer theological issues and questions to the proper individuals or groups of individuals for additional study.
(c) It shall suggest and provide studies of contemporary issues, including also current social issues, as they affect the church and as the church may affect such social issues.
(d) It shall foster and provide for ongoing theological education through institutes, seminars, and other means.
(e) It shall obtain and study theological treatises, conference papers, and similar documents and studies.
3.9.5.2.2 The Commission on Theology and Church Relations shall assist the
President of the Synod at his request in discharging his constitutional responsibilities for maintaining doctrinal integrity as he relates to other church bodies.
(a) It shall address itself to and evaluate existing fellowship relations for the purpose of mutual admonition and encouragement.
(b) It shall address itself to potential fellowship and/or partner church relations as follows:
(1) Formal recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship between the Synod and another church body shall be proposed at a convention of the Synod only after the approval of the commission.
(2) Formal recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship between the Synod and a small, formative, emerging confessional Lutheran church body (identified as such by the President of the Synod as chief ecumenical officer) may be declared by the Synod President only after the approval of the commission and consultation with the Praesidium. Such recognition shall be subject to the endorsement of the subsequent Synod convention.
(3) Formal recognition of a mission of the Synod as a self-governing partner church shall be proposed at a convention of the Synod by the Board for International Mission after the approval of the commission.
