# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_February 17 2004_S3
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

249. Examination of Reports and Overtures
The Commission discussed its responsibilities for examining “all reports and overtures to the Synod
asking for amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod or which in any manner affect the
Constitution and Bylaws, to determine their agreement in content and language with the Constitution and
Bylaws of the Synod” (Bylaw 3.905 a). It was agreed that the Commission will wait until the Convention
Workbook is published to fulfill this responsibility. The Commission also discussed its plans for being
present during floor committee meetings and during the convention.
250. Initial Proposal of Blue Ribbon Task Force on Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute
Resolution
The Commission received very recently an initial draft report from the Blue Ribbon Task Force on
Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution. Due to time constraints, the Commission was not able
to provide an appropriate response by the deadline established by the Task Force. The Commission
agreed to assure the Task Force that it will provide counsel in due time, particularly at the time of floor
committee meetings.
251. Other Business
Upon learning that a pastor who submitted a series of questions regarding restriction and suspension was
himself involved in the dispute resolution process, the Commission instructed its secretary to write to the
pastor to return the questions and to ask him to work through the Dispute Resolution Panel as required by
Bylaw 8.21 i, should he continue to wish to ask these questions.
252. Adjournment
After announcements and with no further business to be conducted during the conference call, the
meeting was adjourned with words of benediction by Albert Marcis.

Raymond L. Hartwig, Secretary

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