# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2016_S225
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

And be it further
Resolved, That, because unforeseen circumstances can make adherence to time allowances in the above processes impossible at
times, the following paragraphs in the definitions bylaws governing the dispute resolution and suspension/expulsion processes be
added to allow exceptions when necessary:
1.10.4 … (p) Shall: Retains its compulsory meaning
in this bylaw section. Its use, however, in connection
with time frame expectations may require exceptions
at times upon good cause shown, to be allowed by the
administrator of the process.
(pq) …

2.14.2 … (s) Shall: Retains its compulsory meaning
in this bylaw section. Its use, however, in connection
with time frame expectations may require exceptions
at times upon good cause shown, to be allowed by the
administrator of the process.
(st) …

And be it further
Resolved, That to provide incentive for adhering to the time frames embedded in these bylaws, the following new definition paragraphs be added to Bylaws 1.10.4 and 2.14.2:
1.10.4 … (r) Time Frame: Period of time allowed
for carrying out a bylaw requirement, to be
monitored by the administrator of the process,
incidents of purposeful non-compliance to
be reported to the President of the Synod.

2.14.2 … (w) Time Frame: Period of time allowed
for carrying out a bylaw requirement, to be monitored
by the administrator of the process, incidents of
purposeful non-compliance to be reported to the
President of the Synod.

And be it finally
Resolved, That Bylaw 1.5.3.2 be amended and a new Bylaw
3.9.5.2.3 be added to authorize the executive committee of the
Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) to function on behalf of the commission and respond to dispute resolution
and suspension/expulsion process requests for opinions:
1.5.3.2

All mission boards, commissions, and governing
boards may make use of executive committees to act
in times of emergency between plenary meetings, and
to act on delegated assignments, and to act as specified elsewhere in these Bylaws.

3.9.5.2.3

The executive committee of the commission shall,
within 30 days, provide opinions on theological matters in response to questions presented by
ecclesiastical supervisors or panels as described in
the dispute resolution and suspension/expulsion
processes of the Synod (Bylaw sections 1.10 and
2.14–2.17). Because these opinions are in response
to a specific situation, they shall carry no precedential authority beyond that particular matter.

Action: Adopted (5)
(After discussion, a motion to end debate was carried, and Res.
12-04A was adopted as presented [Yes: 648; No: 386].)

To Expand Composition of Hearing Panels
(2.14, 2.15, 2.17)
RESOLUTION 12-05A
Report R65 (CW, pp. 303–305)
Whereas, Given the extremely important matters that are
decided by these panels (removals from membership in the Synod),
the Task Force on Dispute Resolution advocates that their composition be reconsidered to broaden representation on such panels; and
Whereas, These panels must make objective decisions after
hearing testimony and evaluating evidence, efforts should be made
to obtain the service of those with aptitude, training, and/or experience in such areas (i.e., trained reconcilers); and
Whereas, A decision regarding expulsion from membership is
of great significance to the church and her rostered workers; therefore be it
Resolved, That the composition of the Hearing Panels be
expanded as follows for Bylaw 2.14.2, to be reflected in changes
also to Bylaws 2.14.7.2, 2.15.7.2, 2.17.7.2:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
Definition of Terms
2.14.2
The definitions of terms used in this bylaw are as follows:
…
(h) Final Hearing Panel: Two district presidents,
and a two lay reconcilers, and one ordained reconciler, assisted by a hearing facilitator, who, when
the decision of the Hearing Panel is appealed, shall
be selected according to these bylaws to give a final
hearing.

“12. Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution”

U P O N T H I S R O C K • Resolutions

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