# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_September 3 4 2011_S62
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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The written decision of the Final Hearing Panel shall be issued within 30 days of the date of the completion
of the hearing.
A panel decision of any matter shall be decided by two (2) votes of the panel. In the event that a decision
cannot be reached, a new panel shall be formed immediately and the matter reheard.
Decisions shall be rendered in writing and signed by the chairman of the panel. The decision of the panel
shall state the facts determined by the panel and the basis for its decision (see Appendix B of this manual).
If agreement is reached by reconciliation or resignation during the course of a hearing prior to rendering a
decision being rendered, the panel shall nonetheless arrive at a final decision. The final decision in such
case shall set forth the terms of the agreement(s) to the extent relied upon in reaching a decision. A written
copy of the agreement shall include the basis for the resolution of the matter, signed by the accused and the
President of the Synod and approved by the panel.
The decision may be provided without return receipt signature requirements since there is no further
opportunity for appeal.

5.8 Final decision is binding on all parties
…The final decision of the Final Hearing Panel shall
(a) be binding upon the parties and not be subject to further appeal;
(b) have no precedential value;
(c) be carried out by the President of the Synod; and
(d) be publicized as deemed appropriate under the circumstances by the President of the Synod.
[2.15.8.2]
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All records of the panel shall accompany the original signed copy of the decision sent to the Secretary of
the Synod.
The Secretary of the Synod shall be responsible for transmitting all records of the case to Concordia
Historical Institute. Such records shall be sealed and shall be opened only for good cause and only after
permission has been granted by a panel of three district presidents selected by blind draw by the Secretary
of the Synod.

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