# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2010_S248
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

248

Synod Structure and Governance

Whereas, In this document the task force states that it “is very
interested in what the people of the LCMS have to say” concerning
a number of issues listed under a section titled “Items for Further
Attention”; and
Whereas, An item listed in this section is “Expanding responsibility for the certification of pastoral candidates to include district
presidents and congregations being served by such candidates”; and
Whereas, Bylaw section 2.7 adequately defines eligibility for
individual membership in the Synod, including the certification of
pastoral candidates by the appropriate seminary faculty or colloquy
committee; and
Whereas, Expanding the pastoral certification process to include
district presidents and congregations being served by such candidates
has the unwanted potential of adding inconsistency and uncertainties
to the certification process; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Minnesota North District respectfully request
that the BRTFSSG not do further research or consider the possibility
of expanding responsibility for the certification of pastoral candidates
to include district presidents and congregations being served by such
candidates; and be it further
Resolved, That the Minnesota North District convention memorialize the 2010 LCMS convention to reject any proposal to change
the certification process for pastoral candidates as it is currently specified in Bylaw section 2.7.
Minnesota North District
8-80

To Amend Bylaws 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 re Amendments
to Bylaws
Whereas, The Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and
Governance (BRTFSSG) has provided its report to the Synod and
has proposed bylaw changes to carry out its recommendations; and
Whereas, In its report the task force recommends changes to
the responsibilities of the Commission on Constitutional Matters
(CCM) and the current Commission on Structure (COS, renamed
“Commission on Handbook,” COH), proposing to move the content
of current Bylaw 3.9.2.2.1 to proposed Bylaw 3.9.4.2; and
Whereas, This proposed change places the primary responsibility for managing and revising the Synod’s Handbook upon the COH
after consultation with the CCM; and
Whereas, Current Bylaws 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 do not reflect this
responsibility advocated for the COH; and
Whereas, The bylaw changes advocated by the BRTFSSG do not
include changes to current Bylaws 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 consistent with the
recommendation in its report; therefore be it

Resolved, That Bylaws 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 be amended as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
7.1.1 Amendments may be made by conventions of the Synod.
(a) They shall be presented in writing to a convention of the Synod.
(b) They shall be specified as bylaw amendments and considered by a
convention floor committee.
(c) They shall be examined by the Commission on Handbook and the
Commission on Constitutional Matters prior to presentation to the
convention to determine that they are not in conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod.
(d) They shall be adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
delegates present and voting.
7.1.2 In exceptional circumstances and upon the express direction of
a convention of the Synod, amendments may be made by a two-thirds
majority of the Board of Directors.
(a) Such amendments to the Bylaws shall be necessary to implement
resolutions adopted by a convention of the Synod.
(b) Such amendments shall be drafted by the Secretary of the Synod and
shall be reviewed by the Commission on Handbook and the Commission on Constitutional Matters.

Commission on Structure
8-81

To Retain CAO and CCM Representative on
Commission on Handbook
Whereas, The Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and
Governance (BRTFSSG) has provided its report to the Synod and
has proposed bylaw changes to carry out its recommendations; and
Whereas, Recommendation #18 advocates changing the name of
the Commission on Structure to the Commission on Handbook; and
Whereas, The BRTFSSG recommendation reduces the number
of members on the commission from eight (8) to six (6)—no longer
including either the Chief Administrative Officer of the Synod or a
voting member of the Commission on Constitutional Matters; and
Whereas, The recent Commission on Structure has found the presence of these two current members to be of tremendous resource and
assistance in carrying out the work of the commission and would be
lacking such resource without their presence; therefore be it
Resolved, That the membership positions of the Chief
Administrative Officer and a voting member of the Commission on
Constitutional Matters be retained on the Commission on Handbook;
and be it finally
Resolved, that these two membership positions be reflected in the
BRTFSSG-proposed Bylaw 3.9.4.1
Commission on Structure

2010 Convention Workbook

2010 Convention.indb 248

4/15/10 2:40 PM