Is Synod Violating Its Handbook To Keep Oesch on LCMS Roster?

By: Rev. Jack Cascione

The Executive Director of the Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI) has been without a call for the past five years; has no intention of seeking a call in the LCMS; and yet, he remains on the LCMS clergy roster.

During the same time, many other clergy candidates have been removed from the LCMS clergy roster according to the LCMS Constitution, but not Dr. Norbert Oesch.

Doctor Norbert Oesch writes about his own status on the LCMS Clergy roster as follows on 02/03/03:

"Rev. Cascione is wrong (Not unusual in my experience. For example my call to the Pastoral Leadership Institute came from the Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.  The task force of pastors who helped shape the concept did in fact use the term 'call' in a document to me, but they erred in doing so.  I accepted the call from the district only.)  I am still on the roster of the LCMS.  I am on CRM-eligible for a call, but not waiting for one since I am committed to the ministry of the Pastoral Leadership Institute.  We checked with the department responsible for keeping the roster and they apologized to my assistant for the error. Updated information on me should be available to you from the office of the president of the PSW District."

Three points in Doctor Norbert Oesch's statement above show that he should not be on the LCMS Call roster:

1. He has not had a call since he resigned his call to St. John's Lutheran Church in Orange, California in February of 1998, now more than five years ago.

2. The Synod's Commission on Constitutional Matters ruled that the Pacific Southwest District's call to Norbert Oesch was not a valid call in the LCMS.

3. By his own statement above, according to Bylaw 2.17b, Dr. Norbert Osech has no plans to take a call away from PLI and is therefore not eligible for any of the duties specified in Bylaw 2.15.

Bylaw 2.17b states as follows:
"A candidate" member is one who is eligible to perform the duties of any of the offices of ministry specified in Bylaw 2.l5 but who is not currently an active member or an emeritus member.  A candidate may be continued on the roster for a period not to exceed four years by act of the President of the District through which the person holds membership. . . ."

March 18 , 2003