# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1981_S50 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 50 TASK FORCE K. Adjudication Procedures The attention of Task Force II has been called to the fact that present Chapter V of the Bylaws regarding Adjudication and Appeals has presented many problems and complications through the years. Although this was not part of the assign- ment given to the Task Force, it nevertheless recommends: That the convention provide for the appointment by the synodical President of a five-person committee, includ- ing one each from the Board of Appeals and from the Commission on Constitutional Matters, to present to the next convention a complete rewrite of Chapter V of the Bylaws and pertinent paragraphs of Chapter VI. L. Ongoing Study Since 1956, with only aslight interruption, there has been a special committee or task force at work under assignment by conventions. Realizing that bylaws of an organization should not be equated with the laws of the Medes and Persians but should be a living, breathing thing, and that changes ought to be suggested as new opportunities present themselves for proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, Task Force II recommends: That a standing Commission on Structure be called into being, that it consist of five members appointed by the President, two clergymen, one teacher, and two lay- persons, and that this commission be asked to present brief bylaws governing its work to the next convention as well as any other suggestions regarding modifications in the Constitution, Bylaws, or structure of the Synod. M. Handbook Revision Task Force II has concluded that not only many Bylaws need to be revised if the foregoing recommendations are adopted, but also that the outline of the Handbook itself should be revised. It therefore recommends revisions in the Handbook as attached. In those instances in which no revisions are contemplated in the language, reference is simply made in parentheses to the existing Bylaw. The proposed Bylaw numbers as well as the present Bylaw numbers are listed side by side for handy reference also in those instances in which Bylaws are not printed in detail. Every Bylaw is referenced in the following at least by its number and title. Any present Bylaws that may not have a counterpart in the proposed Bylaws are those which are no longer necessary because of the changes which the convention has adopted by adopting the foregoing sections of the report of the Task Force. N. Additional Recommendations Regarding Implementation To implement further the proposals of the Task Force, it finally recommends: 1. That atransition team, consisting of the President, First Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Admini- strative Officer of the Board of Directors, be authorized to make necessary adjustments and take care of any unforseen problems regarding temporary deployment of staff and any other implementing decisions not provided for in the Handbook or by this convention until the new boards, commissions, and standing committees are operative; 2. That the elected boards will take office on the fourth Sunday in September and the appointed support services boards, commissions, and standing committees as soon thereafter as possible; 3. That until the new units are operational the exist- ing units will continue in their responsibilities; 4. That those under employment contract will be retained on the Synod payroll for the duration of their contract with the possibility, however, of areassignment of responsibilities. Conclusion The members of Task Force I] have spent many days in meeting and many days at home on the assignments given by the Synod. Task Force II is grateful to the thousands of members of the Synod who rendered assistance in many different ways. Itis our earnest prayer that our good Lord may use these proposals for furthering the saving message of His grace as we in the Synod together seek to bring it to the world which is lost in sin but which He has redeemed with His own holy, precious blood. His we are and Him we serve! Kermit Brashear II, Secretary Proposed Constitution and Bylaw Amendments In the event that the preceding recommendations are adopted by the convention, the Task Force proposes con- stitutional and Bylaw amendments as follows: A. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS 1. General and District Conventions WHEREAS, The Synod in convention has decided to introduce a three-year cycle of conventions, the first year for the general conventions of the Synod, the second year for the Circuit gatherings, and the third year for District conventions; there- fore be it Resolved, That the following constitutional amendments be approved: PRESENT WORDING Article VIII Synodical Meetings A. Time and Legality of Meetings 1. The Synod convenes every two years for its regular meeting. Article XII Districts of the Synod and Their Regulation 13. The regular sessions of the Districts are held in those years in which no regular session of the Synod is held. Only the Synod has the right to make an exception to this rule.* PROPOSED WORDING Article VIII Synodical Meetings A. Time and Legality of Meetings 1. The Synod convenes every three years for its regular meeting. Article XII Districts of the Synod and Their Regulation 13. The regular sessions of the Districts are held in the year immediately preceding the general con- vention of the Synod. Only the Synod has the right to make an exception to this rule.*