# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2023_S385
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION
and for area congregations to learn more about the Synod and be
supported by their fellow Missouri Synod Lutherans; therefore be it
Resolved, That Synod conventions not be scheduled in session
on Sundays before 2:00 p.m.; and be it further
Resolved, That convention delegates be encouraged to visit The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations in the region of
the convention.

385

timeframes which may be necessary for the delay of the regular
meeting of Synod; and be it finally
Resolved, That the CCM and COH be directed to propose bylaws
which provide a procedure for the delay of district conventions
including consideration of the effect such delay would have on the
Synod as a whole.
St. John
Holbrook, NY

English District
Ov. 9-29

Ov. 9-28

To Establish Procedures for Delay
of Meetings of Synod
WHEREAS, The “delegate convention of the Synod is the
legislative assembly…” (Bylaw 1.4.1); and
WHEREAS, The “Synod convenes every three years for its regular
meeting” (Constitution Article VII A 1); and
WHEREAS, In extraordinary circumstances such conventions may
be impossible or imprudent; and
WHEREAS, In such cases there is no specific provision in the
Constitution of the Synod for delay; and
WHEREAS, In such cases necessity will force the officers of
Synod to seek remedies which were not intended to be used in these
circumstances; and
WHEREAS, This situation will invariably create confusion and
conflict within Synod; and
WHEREAS, In other cases of “urgent necessity” a special meeting
of the Synod may be convened (Const. Art. VIII B); and
WHEREAS, Circumstances may also cause necessary delay to the
conventions of districts of the Synod which affect the whole Synod;
and
WHEREAS, A very high standard of agreement among the officers
of Synod should be established to delay the meeting of the
legislative assembly of the Synod or districts thereof; therefore be
it
Resolved, That Constitution Article VIII A be amended as
follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING

Article VIII Synodical Meetings
A. Time and Legality of Meetings
1. …
2. …
3. In extreme cases which prevent the effectual meeting of Synod
according the schedule set above, a delay in meeting may be
enacted according to the bylaws of Synod. At the least, such a
delay must be initiated by the President of Synod with unanimous
approval of the vice-presidents of Synod, three-fourths approval
of the Board of Directors, and three-fourths approval of the
presidents of the districts of Synod. After such approvals have
been obtained, the approval of the congregations of Synod shall
be sought according to the bylaws.

and be it further
Resolved, That the Commission on Constitutional Matters
(CCM) and Commission on Handbook (COH) be directed to
propose bylaws for approval of the convention of Synod which take
into consideration the publication of notices and the various

To Provide for Elections
if Conventions Cannot Be Held
WHEREAS, COVID-19 has demonstrated that it may not always
be possible to hold conventions; and
WHEREAS, In his letter addressing congregations about the vote
to extend the 2019–2022 triennium President Harrison noted, “Our
Synod’s Commission on Constitution Matters recently noted that if
a district cannot meet, elected officers and the like will remain in
office until the next year a district convention is to be held. For such
districts, this would, in effect, result in a six-year term for elected
officials (unless a special session would be held to accomplish the
delayed elections)”; and
WHEREAS, The congregations of the Synod voted by over 90
percent to extend the triennium to ensure conventions took place;
and
WHEREAS, It is conceivable that some future event could arise
that would prevent conventions from happening or delay them more
than a year; therefore be it
Resolved, That Bylaw 4.7.6 be added as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
4.7 District Nominations, Elections, and Appointments
…
4.7.6
In the event that a district cannot hold a convention during
a given triennium or it must be delayed for more than one year from
the end of the regular convention cycle, electronic or other distance
voting shall take place for all elected positions under the following
procedures:
(a) All procedures outlined in Bylaw 4.7.3 shall be followed and
applied to the election of the district president and vice-presidents
except as noted in this bylaw.
(b) No additional candidates may be nominated after the regular
nominations window is closed. All candidates running
uncontested shall be deemed elected without a vote.
(c) The circuit visitors selected by their circuits in accordance
with Bylaw 5.2 shall be deemed ratified without a vote.

and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod convention give thanks to God for the
entire Council of Presidents, the Secretary of Synod, the
Commission on Constitutional Matters, and all who worked
diligently and faithfully to ensure conventions were held and
elections took place rather than permitting themselves to retain
office without an election.
Holy Trinity
Walnut, IL

2023 Convention Workbook