# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2016_S232
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

The Commission on Handbook proposes that the following definitions inserted into the definitions sections of the dispute resolution
and expulsion processes in the Handbook of the Synod be adopted
by the 2016 convention of the Synod.
Therefore be it
Resolved, That the following new paragraphs be inserted into
Bylaws 1.10.4 and 2.14.2, as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
1.10.4

In order to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstanding, it is critical that terms be carefully
defined:

2.14.2

…
(p) Standard Operating Procedures Manual: A
comprehensive procedures manual developed
by the Commission on Constitutional Matters
in consultation with the Secretary of the Synod
and the Council of Presidents to ensure uniformity and consistency in the implementation of
this bylaw section.
…
The definitions of terms used in this bylaw are as follows:

…
(p) Standard Operating Procedures Manual:
A comprehensive procedures manual developed
by the Commission on Constitutional Matters in
consultation with the Secretary of the Synod and
with the concurrence of the Council of Presidents
to ensure uniformity and consistency in the implementation of this bylaw section.
…
Action: Adopted (7)
(With no objection raised to immediately voting on the resolution, Res. 12-09 was adopted as presented [Yes: 1,010; No: 27].)

To Establish a Procedure Based on Article
XI A 2 for Removal from Office of Officers
of the Synod or a District (other than the
Synod or a District President)
RESOLUTION 12-11
Whereas, In recent conventions, the Synod has adopted
procedures for the removal from office of members of boards and
commissions (pursuant to Bylaw 1.5.7) and Synod reconcilers;
and
Whereas, For a variety of reasons, an officer of the Synod or a
district may be unable or unwilling to fulfill the duties of office; and
Whereas, There is no procedure in the current bylaws for
removal from office of an officer of the Synod or a district; and
232

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U P O N T H I S R O C K • Resolutions

Whereas, The Constitution of the Synod Article XI A 2 states,
“The Synod at all times has the right to call its officers to account
and, if circumstances require it, to remove them from office in
accordance with Christian procedure”; therefore be it
Resolved, That the following bylaw be adopted and placed into
the Handbook of the Synod:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
Removal of Officers of the Synod or District from Office
1.5.8

1.5.8.1

Officers of the Synod and a district shall discharge
the duties of office in good faith. The following are
considered cause for removal from office of an officer of the Synod or a district pursuant to this Bylaw,
but not from membership in the Synod:
1. Incapacity
2. Breach of fiduciary responsibilities to the
Synod or a district
3. Neglect or refusal to perform duties of office
4. Conviction of a felony
Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, the procedure for removal of an officer of the Synod or a
district from office shall be as follows:
(a) Action for removal of an officer of a district
other than a district president shall require written notice to each member of that district’s board
of directors at least 30 days prior to a special meeting of the board called for that purpose. A copy
of such notice shall be sent to the President and
the Secretary of the Synod and to the ecclesiastical supervisor, if applicable.
(b) Other than in the prior subsection (a), action
for removal of an officer of the Synod other than
the President of the Synod shall require written
notice to each member of the Synod’s Board of
Directors at least 30 days prior to a special meeting of the board called for that purpose. A copy
of such notice shall be sent to the President and
the Secretary of the Synod and to the ecclesiastical supervisor, if applicable.
(c) The special meeting provided for herein shall
be held no later than 60 days after the provision of
the written notice, unless extended by the mutual
agreement of the parties.
(d) Removal from office of an officer of a district,
other than a district president, shall be effected by
a vote in favor of removal by at least three-fourths
of all current members of the district board of
directors (excluding the officer in question if a
member of the board); and
(e) Removal from office of an officer of the Synod,
other than the Synod President, shall be effected
by a vote in favor of the recommendation of
removal by at least three-fourths of all current

“12. Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution”