# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2023_S218
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

10. ECCLESIASTICAL SUPERVISION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Synod and workers available from colloquy
programs as “first calls” those calls that have
been duly extended to fill active member
positions as identified in Bylaw 2.11.1 for
ordained and commissioned ministers if
positions for which candidates are qualified are
available.

of the called worker for the duration of the period of the
call.
Action: Adopted (4)

Upon immediate closure of debate, as suggested by the chair, the
resolution was adopted [Yes: 926; No: 40].

(a) The placement officers of the respective
institutions shall be consulted before
assignments are made.

To Provide Application of Standards
of Accountability to Members of Synod

(b) The president of the district in which a
candidate is to be placed shall be consulted, and
his concurrence shall be an essential part of the
final recommendation to the Board of
Assignments.

RESOLUTION 10-03A
Overture 10-08 (CW, 405)
WHEREAS, The district president has the responsibility of
ecclesiastical supervision for his district; and

and

WHEREAS, There is confusion as to the application of the
standards to which the district presidents hold members of
the Synod within their duties as ecclesiastical supervisors; and

WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.10.1.3 states:
The Council of Presidents shall serve as the
Board of Assignments of the Synod. It shall
assign first calls to candidates for the offices of
ordained and commissioned ministers. The
Council of Presidents may in its policies delegate
authority for interim placement (between its
regular meetings) to a committee of its own
members or the chairman of that committee.

WHEREAS, There is a perceived lack of transparency with
the Council of Presidents (COP) and the members of the Synod
they supervise; and
WHEREAS, It is God-pleasing for Christians to foster and
grow trust among the fellowship; therefore be it
Resolved, That the COP keep the Synod members of their
districts informed of applications of standards to which
members could be held accountable; and be it further
Resolved, That those portions of the COP Manual that are
not marked “confidential” documents be made available by
the COP; and be it further
Resolved, That the COP work to develop consistent
application of standards to which members of the Synod are
held; and be it finally
Resolved, That the COP work to alleviate confusion and
become more transparent by providing a summary of COP
meeting notes of relevant information to aid Synod members
and foster trust.
Action: Adopted (4)

Upon immediate closure of debate, as suggested by the chair, the
resolution was adopted by voice vote.

To Direct Revision of Council of Presidents
Policy regarding Placement

and
WHEREAS, The Council of Presidents (COP), acting as the
Board of Assignments of the Synod, has a crucial role in the
initial placement of candidates in our Synod, and such role
should be carried out with the prayerful deliberation and
discussion of the entire body; and
WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.10.1.3 currently allows the
responsibility of interim placement of candidates to rest in the
hands of one man alone, or to the placement committee of the
COP; and
WHEREAS, It is desirable that whenever possible the
plenary COP approve assignments; therefore be it
Resolved, That the COP revise its policy so that placement
between regularly scheduled COP meetings can be handled in
a way more fully representative of the whole COP (for
example, using electronic means) in recognition of the charge
given in Bylaw 2.9.1.
Action: Adopted (4)

Upon immediate closure of debate, as suggested by the chair, the
resolution was adopted by voice vote.

RESOLUTION 10-04A
Overture 10-09 (CW, 405–6)
WHEREAS, Bylaw 2.9.1 states:
The Council of Presidents, acting as the Board of
Assignments, shall regularly assign to qualified
graduates of educational institutions of the
218 | PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2023 (68TH) LCMS CONVENTION

Resolutions