# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_July 10 11 2009_S1 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) MINUTES COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel, St. Louis July 10–11, 2009 99. Call to Order Chairman Albert Marcis called the meeting to order with all members present. Wilbert Sohns provided an opening devotion reminding of the urgency of Christ’s mission. 100. Matters Pending During the course of the meeting, the following agenda items were retained for inclusion on the agenda of the August 29-30 meeting of the commission: • 08-2517 – Handbook for Doctrinal Reviewers: The commission anticipates additional documentation from the Commission on Doctrinal Review. • 08-2523 – CHI Policy Manual: The commission noted that it has not received a copy of CHI’s Bylaws and will conduct a review of the agency’s policies upon their receipt. • 08-2526 – Concordia Plans Services Policy Review: The commission reviewed Concordia Plans Services’ Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (see below). The policy material recently received will be reviewed at the commission’s next meeting. • 08-2536 – Oklahoma District Bylaws Review: The commission asked the Secretary to call the district’s attention to its need to continue work on its Bylaws following its recent convention. • 08-2542 – Binding Force Resolutions Question: It was noted that, while invited, no additional information has been received from the Council of Presidents or the President’s Office regarding the issues raised. A member of the commission was asked to provide a draft response for discussion at the next meeting. • 09-2544 – Article VI and Heterodox Congregations: These questions will remain on the commission’s agenda until input is received from the Commission on Theology and Church Relations upon its study and preparation of “Guidelines for Inter-Christian Relationships.” The Secretary was asked to inform the district president who submitted the request for an opinion of the process being used to provide a response. • 09-2549 – North Dakota District Bylaw Amendments: The commission will review bylaw changes made by the North Dakota District at its 2009 convention upon their receipt from the district. The Secretary will again request copies of bylaw-related convention actions. • 09-2552 – Concordia Ann Arbor Bylaws: The Secretary was asked to respond to legal counsel for the school, informing him that the commission will be pleased to respond to the questions he has raised but that they must be submitted by one of the individuals or agencies listed in Bylaw 3.9.2.2. • 09-2559 – Concordia Publishing House Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws Review: A recently received document will be reviewed by the commission at its next meeting. Additional policy materials will be requested from CPH prior to the meeting.