To Declare Commission on Constitutional Matters Unconstitutional and Void All Its Opinions

Official Workbook overture source text

9-52 
To Declare Commission on Constitutional Matters 
Unconstitutional and Void All Its Opinions 
WHEREAS, The C onstitution of the Synod controls and 
supersedes bylaws and all other rules and regulations of the Synod 
(Const. Art. XIV); and 
WHEREAS, The  constitution has limited Synod governance to 
executive (Const. Art. X, XI) and oversight powers (Const. Art. IV, 
XIV), specifically excluding any judicial power; and 
WHEREAS, The congregations of the Synod have reserved all 
grants of all other powers, including the judicial power; and 
WHEREAS, The Commission on Constitutional Matters  (CCM) 
has no constitutional grant of power; and 
WHEREAS, The CCM was created by the Synod in convention in 
1923 by convention resolution; and 
WHEREAS, The Synod in convention exceeded its oversight  
powers when it created the CCM by granting it judicial powers; and 
WHEREAS, Congregations have limited the Synod in 
convention’s oversight powers, specifically , “The Synod in 
convention may adopt bylaws that are consistent with and do not 
contradict the Constitution of the Synod” (Const. Art. XIV); and 
WHEREAS, The CCM exists to exercise judicial functions, being 
the interpretation of the Synod’s governing documents ( Bylaw 
sections 3.9.2, 3.9.2.2) and through the publication of opinions; and 
WHEREAS, The CCM acts in a judicial manner through its 
interpretations and reviews and the publication of its opinions; and 
WHEREAS, The Synod in convention has exceeded its limited 
powers under Const. Art. XIV, as the CCM role , by exercising 
judicial powers , is not consistent with and contradicts the 
Constitution of the Synod; and 
WHEREAS, “In relation to its members t he Synod is not an 
ecclesiastical government exercising legislative or coercive 
powers” (Const. Art. VII); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the CCM is unconstitutional; and be it further 
Resolved, That Bylaw sections 3.9.2–2.9.2.2.3 shall be stricken; 
and be it further 
Resolved, That a ll additional references to the CCM in the  
Synod’s governing documents shall be likewise stricken; and be it 
finally 
Resolved, That all opinions, and any other pronouncements, of 
the CCM be stricken and void. 
Huntington Woods 
Huntington Woods, MI 
2026 Convention Workbook
495STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION