# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1969_S233
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS 233

Resolved, That in borderline and special problem
cases the rule of charity and deference to the experience
and wisdom of the brethren dealing directly with the
respective situation be exercised.

SIERRA NEVADA PASTORAL CONFERENCE
Cauir. AND NEV. DIsTRICT
Don O. HERMAN, Secretary

(3-18)

To Revise System of Electing Delegates
to Synodical Conventions

Whereas, Handbook Section 1.53 provides for the
election of delegates to the synodical conventions by
mere pluralities (example: An electoral circuit of 10
congregations may find itself selecting a delegate who
has received only 10 out of a total of 40 votes cast, if
there were five others who received an average of six
nominating votes each. No provision is made for more
than one ballot): and

Wuereas, Such procedure violates the right of a ma-
jority to work its will in a fair and democratic way: and

Wuereas. Other difficulties have appeared in connec-
tion with the election of delegates: therefore be it

Resolved, That Section 1.53 of the Handbook be re-
vised as follows:

PRESENT WORDING

Each electoral circuit shall meet at the call of the Coun-
selor(s) to elect its delegates not later than 9 months prior
to the opening day of the convention. The election shall be
by written ballot. The privilege of voting shall be exercised
by one pastor and one layman from each member congre-
gation of the circuit. Each qualified pastor and layman shall
have the privilege of listing two pastors. The pastor receiving
the highest number of votes shall serve as the pastoral dele-
gate, the pastor with the next highest as the alternate. The
same procedure shall then be followed in determining which
congregations are to supply the lay delegate and alternate,
except that those congregations supplying the pastoral dele-
gate and alternate shall be eliminated from consideration.

(Remainder of paragraph as is)

PROPOSED WORDING

a. Each electoral circuit shall meet at the call of the
Counselor(s) to elect its delegates not later than 9 months
prior to the opening day of the convention. Such election
may take place, with District approval, at the District con-
vention. The election shall be by written ballot. The privi-
lege of voting shall be exercised by one pastor and one lay-
man from each member parish of the circuit. Each qualified
pastor and layman shall have the privilege of nominating
one pastor. Balloting shall follow until a pastor receives the
majority of votes cast. and said pastor shall serve as the
pastoral delegate: an alternate pastor shall then be elected
in the same way. The same procedure shall be followed in
determining which congregations are to supply the lay dele-
gate and alternate, except that those congregations supplying
the pastoral delegate and alternate shall be eliminated from
consideration. ... (Remainder of paragraph as is)

b. In exceptional situations, where distance and eco-
nomics prevent full participation by all congregations en-
titled to vote, the District Board of Directors may make
special provisions for divided meetings of the electoral circuit
and for special balloting procedures.

FaitH LUTHERAN CHURCH
Ukiah, Calif.
EDWIN Soun, Pastor

CHARLES BELL, Secretary

(5-14)

To Have District Presidents and Counselors
Determine Method of Electing Delegates

Wuereas, A strict interpretation of paragraph 1.53
of the synodical Handbook on “Election of Delegates”
to the conventions of the Synod creates both a hardship
and unnecessary expense in time, effort, and finances;
and

WHEREAS, It is the custom and proper practice both
in political elections, as well as in the casting of ballots
in stockholder elections, to vote by absentee ballot as
well as by proxies where deemed desirable; and

WuereEas, The interpretation of the Synod’s rules and
regulations ought to be both flexible as well as adaptable
to changing times and varied circumstances, so that
both the modern media of instant communication by
telephone or telegraph, as well as the widespread range
of the Synod’s territory be envisioned and taken into
consideration both in the formation of rules as well as
in the application of their intent and purpose: therefore
be it

Resolved, That the paragraph on “Election of Dele-
gates” to the synodical convention (1.53 of the Hand-
book) be revised so that a meeting of the electoral cir-
cuit is neither demanded nor required for the election
of delegates: that such an election can be held by mail
or by telephone or telegram: and be it further

Resolved, That congregations who for valid and to
them adequate reasons are not able to attend a called
meeting of an electoral circuit may cast their ballots
by mail or telegram; and be it finally

Resolved, That the decision as to the method chosen
for the election of convention delegates be left to the
Circuit Counselor(s) involved in consultation with the

President of their District. First LuTHERAN CHURCH

Porterville, Calif.
ELwoop PuHi.uips, President
Bos Coney, Secretary

(5-15)
To Change Procedure for Election
of Delegates to Synodical Conventions

Wuereas, The present procedures in the synodical
Handbook for electing pastoral and lay delegates to the
synodical convention require that representatives from
all congregations within an electoral circuit meet to-
gether for balloting: and

WuHerEAS, The congregations in many of the electoral
circuits are separated from one another by great dis-
tances, therefore requiring the expenditure of consid-
erable time and money to meet the strict application
of the present balloting procedures; and

Whereas, In the interest of good stewardship these
funds and efforts could be more profitably used for
other Kingdom-building efforts; therefore be it

Resolved, By the Southern Nevada Circuit of the