# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_June 8 2009_S1
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

MINUTES
COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
Conference Call Meeting
June 8, 2009

96. Call to Order
In the absence of Chairman Albert Marcis, Secretary Raymond Hartwig called the meeting to order and
called on Wilbert Sohns for an opening prayer. Also participating in the meeting were Philip Esala and
Daniel Lorenz.
97. Review of Proposed Amendments to Michigan District Bylaws (09-2557)
The commission reviewed the two resolutions proposing changes to the Bylaws of the Michigan District
and offered the following regarding each:
Res. 2-02:

The commission advises restating the second “Whereas” paragraph to more accurately
reflect the content of Synod Bylaw 4.2.1. In addition, under Article III, paragraph 3.3, the
commission advises inserting “or parish” after “congregation” in the third line to echo the
language of the Synod’s Constitution, Art. V A.

Res. 2-03:

The commission finds no reason for comment.

The commission also gave attention to the three resolutions proposing changes to the Bylaws of the
Church Extension Fund of the Michigan District. While the commission suggests that references to the
“national CEF program” should more accurately reference the “Lutheran Church Extension Fund—
Missouri Synod,” and while the commission advises that the proposed wording under the “Membership”
section under the fourth resolve would be improved by using the Synod’s terminology for individual
members as in Synod Bylaw 1.2.1 (k), the commission also notes that Synod Bylaw 3.6.4.4 places district
church extension funds under no other limitations other than to relate to the Board for Church Extension
of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The commission therefore suggests that the bylaw changes
proposed by Resolutions 2-04, 2-05, and 2-06 would better be submitted to the Board for Church
Extension of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod for review.
Finally, in reviewing the proposed convention actions, the commission had opportunity to consider the
proposed bylaw changes in light of the entire Bylaws of the district. Noting several areas that may invite
further comment, the commission will place their review on its agenda for its next meeting.
98. Adjournment
With all business to come before the commission having been completed, the meeting was adjourned with
prayer.

Raymond L. Hartwig, Secretary