# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_September 3 4 2011_S45
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

III. Flow Chart for Bylaw Section 2.15
1. Consultation with District or Synod President (2.15.3)
1.1 Member consults with district president or Synod President; receives manual
1.2 District/Synod president helps determine correct process to follow
1.3 District/Synod president may seek advice or ask for opinion
1.4 Accuser must meet face-to-face with the accused
1.5 Committee may assist in reconciliation efforts
1.6 Accuser brings matter to Synod President; receives manual

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2. Commencing Action (2.15.4 – 2.15.5)
2.1 President of Synod becomes/is made aware of allegations
2.2 President of Synod investigates (60 days)
2.3 President of Synod may appoint a small investigative committee
2.4 President of Synod may appoint committee for reconciliation
2.5 President of Synod may form Referral Panel
2.6 Decision not to proceed terminates the matter
2.7 Decision to proceed commences suspension

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3. Commencing Formal Proceedings (2.15.6)
3.1 President of Synod provides notification of suspended status
3.2 President of Synod provides statement with facts to the accused
3.3 President of Synod provides notification of right to request hearing
3.4 Failure of accused to request hearing results in expulsion (15 days)
3.5 Request for hearing commences panel process

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4. Hearing Panel (2.15.7)
4.1 President of Synod provides statement and memorandum
4.2 Secretary of Synod forms panel and selects hearing facilitator (30 days)
4.3 Statement and memorandum provided to the panel
4.4 Hearing facilitator selects date and location for hearing (45 days)
4.5 Panel conducts hearing according to guidelines
4.6 Panel issues written decision (30 days)
4.7 If not appealed, the decision of the panel is final
4.8 Accused or President of Synod may request a final hearing.

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5. Final Hearing Panel (2.15.8)
5.1 Request for a final hearing (15 days)
5.2 Opinion from CCM/CTCR may be requested by Synod President
5.3 Secretary of Synod forms Final Hearing Panel and selects hearing facilitator (30 days)
5.4 Hearing Panel chairman provides materials to Final Hearing Panel
5.5 Final Hearing Panel follows same procedure as Hearing Panel (45 days)
5.6 Panel conducts hearing according to guidelines
5.7 Panel issues written decision (30 days)
5.8 Final decision is binding on all parties

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