# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_September 3 4 2011_S33
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Table of Contents
I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR BYLAW SECTION 2.15 .................................................3

II. GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR BYLAW SECTION 2.15 .......................................7
A. Purpose of General Regulations ...................................................................... 7
B. Process Administrator ..................................................................................... 7
C. Definitions of Terms ....................................................................................... 7
D. Parties to the Matter ........................................................................................ 8
E. Filing a Complaint ........................................................................................... 8
F. Required Consultation ..................................................................................... 8
G. Investigations................................................................................................... 9
H. Provision of Notices ........................................................................................ 9
I. Evangelical Care .............................................................................................. 9
J. Advisors .......................................................................................................... 9
K. Attendance at Hearings ................................................................................... 9
L. Witnesses and Evidence .................................................................................. 9
M. Burden of Proof ............................................................................................. 10
N. Expenses ........................................................................................................ 10
O. Blind Draws ................................................................................................... 10
P. Disqualifications of Ecclesiastical Supervisors or Panel Members ............... 11
Q. Confidentiality ............................................................................................... 11
R. Communication with and Deportment of Panel Members ............................ 12
S. Exclusion from Liability ............................................................................... 12
T. Involvement of Insurers................................................................................. 12
U. Involvement of a Party’s Congregation......................................................... 12
V. Continuation of Support ................................................................................ 12
W. Right to Object .............................................................................................. 12
X. Consequences of Violations .......................................................................... 13
Y. Retention of Records ..................................................................................... 13
Z. Distribution of Manual .................................................................................. 13
AA. Interpretation and Application of SOPM Provisions ..................................... 13
BB. Exceptions to Time Limits ............................................................................ 13

III. FLOW CHART FOR BYLAW SECTION 2.15 ......................................................14
IV. FLOW CHART DETAIL FOR BYLAW SECTION 2.15 ........................................15
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Consultation with District or Synod President .............................................. 15
Commencing an Action ................................................................................. 17
Commencing Formal Proceedings ................................................................ 21
Hearing Panel ................................................................................................ 23
5. Final Hearing Panel ................................................................................28

APPENDIX A DECISION OF HEARING PANEL ........................................................32
APPENDIX B DECISION OF FINAL HEARING PANEL .............................................34

[Note: All Part IV quotations from the 2010 Handbook and are in bold face type.]
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