# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_January 23 24 2010_S8
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

also call its own witnesses to testify and review any records/documentary evidence that is
related to the dispute in order to seek the truth, and thus render its final decision?
(c) Should not the procedures/rules as found in the SOPM section 4.1 (Nov 2008) be
revised to conform to the stated intent of Bylaw 1.10.18.1 (a)?
Opinion: The questioner is correct that the Standard Operating Procedures Manual could more clearly
reflect the provision of Bylaw 1.10.18.1 (a) that allows an Appeal Panel to obtain testimony directly from
members of the Synod, officers of congregations, or officers of any organization owned and controlled by
the Synod, such to be included in a proper understanding of the words of the bylaw, “any documentary
evidence that was received and reviewed.” On the rare occasion (given the 30-day requirement) that an
Appeal Panel is not able to arrive at its decision regarding the granting of a reconsideration of the earlier
panel’s decision without additional testimony or records, Bylaw 1.10.18.1 (a) does grant that opportunity.
This lack of clarity in the Standard Operating Procedures Manual will be taken into consideration when
the manual is next reviewed by the commission (Bylaw 1.18.18.1 (j)).
140. Reconsideration of CCM Opinion 99-2157 (09-2373)
Omnibus Res. A of the 2007 convention referred Overture 8-44 “To Request CCM Reconsideration of
Opinion 99-2157 re Art. VII” to the Commission on Constitutional Matters (2007 Proceedings, p. 169;
2007 Convention Workbook, p. 275). After discussion, the commission agreed to postpone further
consideration until its next meeting.
141. Other Business
The commission discussed its presentation to the Board of Directors when it meets with the board on
February 26, 2010, in St. Louis. The commission also finalized plans for the remainder of its meeting
after the session with the Board of Directors, when it will meet until noon of February 28. Looking ahead,
the commission finalized plans for its participation in floor committee meetings, May 21–24, 2010, and
discussed its participation in the July Synod convention in Houston.
142. Adjournment
With all business on the agenda having been addressed, the meeting was closed with prayer and words of
benediction.

Raymond L. Hartwig, Secretary

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