# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2023_S201
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS

201

from their respective category to a convention of the Synod. Bylaw
3.1.3.1 (a) specifies that each group (ordained or commissioned)
selects those who will represent it, and further specifies the manner
of selection.
Opinion: With the exception of the selection of representatives of
the foreign mission areas of the Synod, Bylaw section 3.1.4 does
not clearly and explicitly state how the representative to the conventions of the Synod is to be chosen. In the case of district boards
of directors and the Synod boards and commissions, it can logically
be assumed that the board or commission would make the selection, although this is not stated.
Given the process described in Bylaw section 3.1.3, in which case
those whom the advisory delegate is representing make the selection, it could be inferred that in Bylaw section 3.1.4 the selection
should be made by those whom the individual is representing,
which in most instances would be the boards and commissions and
district boards of directors they represent, unless otherwise specified. In applying this inference to the selection of faculty representatives of the educational institutions, since the number of representatives an institution is allowed is determined by the number of
rostered members of the faculty, it appears that the intended conclusion is that these rostered members of the faculty should be the
ones to make the selection.
However, this is clearly an inference and, since Bylaw 3.1.4.1 (a)
does not address the issue of how the advisory representative of an
educational institution is to be selected, the commission must conclude that Bylaw 3.1.4.1 (a) does not provide a definitive answer to
the question as asked.
The commission notes that the present questions reflect the reality
that the essential content of these provisions has remained static
while the makeup of Concordia college and university faculties has
changed substantially over time. This commission therefore recommends that the COH consider this matter and provide language that
clarifies—if the above inference is to be made normative—that the
representative is to be selected by those individuals being represented, which would be consistent, regarding those eligible to make
the selection, with Bylaw section 3.1.3.
Commission on Constitutional Matters

2023 Convention Workbook