# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2010_S153
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

ECCLESIAL MATTERS
of the Synod (Art . III), which are the objectives of the members
themselves . Thus, while congregations of the Synod are selfgoverning (Art . VII), they, and also individual members, commit themselves as members of the Synod to act in accordance
with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod under which
they have agreed to live and work together and which the congregations alone have the authority to adopt or amend through
conventions .

Action: Adopted (12)
(Res . 7-07A was adopted as presented, after brief discussion
[Yes: 731; No: 306] .)

To Study Time Limitations for Initiating
Dispute Resolution Process
RESOLUTION 7-08
Overture 7-17 (CW, p. 217)
Whereas, The Synod has established a process to resolve
disputes, disagreements, or offenses which arise among members of the body of Christ (Bylaw 1 .10) in a God-pleasing
manner (Matt . 5:23–24); and

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Whereas, The process developed by the Synod admonishes that disputes, disagreements, or offenses “should be
resolved promptly” (Bylaw 1 .10 .1); and
Whereas, The present process does not require either side
in a dispute to initiate the formal process of dispute resolution
within a specific time frame, thus possibly placing the potential respondent in a position of never knowing if the dispute
has been resolved or if action may be taken at some undetermined date in the future; and
Whereas, Delays in resolving disputes can inflict harm
upon individuals and organizations; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Synod be directed to
study this issue in consultation with the Council of Presidents
and report to the next convention of the Synod, making any
recommendations which would address this situation and
improve the dispute resolution process .
Action: Adopted (12)
(Res . 7-08 was adopted as presented, after brief discussion
[Yes: 997; No: 40] .)

2010 Convention Proceedings