# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_February 10 12 2012_S14
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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Overtures 01, 02, and 05: The commission recommends that the page number references to the
Synod’s Constitution and Bylaws be deleted, as these are not required and will change from time
to time.
Overture 04: The commission notes a typographical error in the final sentence of the new
wording for Bylaw 2.52 (the letter “n” standing alone in the text).
Overture 06: The commission notes a typographical error in the list of references for the duties of
the president of the district—the second reference to the Synod’s Constitution should read “XII”
and not “Xii.”
Overture 06: Regarding the changes proposed to district Bylaw 3.66, which governs removal of
district officers, while the new content of the bylaw may be appropriate, references to Synod
Bylaw 1.5.7 should be removed since the Synod bylaw governs the removal of board and
commission members, not officers.
Overture 07: The commission notes the references to district policies in Bylaw 5.10, paragraphs
a and c, and requests a copy of the policies for review under Synod Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3.
Overture 07: Under the changes proposed to district Bylaw 7.00, a reference to Synod Bylaw
4.1.1.2 (b) should be added to the references already provided.

99. Northwest District Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws Review (12-2626)
With a January 13, 2012 email, the commission received the Northwest District’s Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws from the district secretary for approval prior to convention action. After careful
review, the commission offered the following recommendations regarding the Articles of Incorporation.
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Article II a: The terminology “pastors and teachers” should be updated to “ministers of
religion—ordained, and ministers of religion—commissioned” (Synod Constitution, Art. V).
The commission advises the addition of an Article VII to govern amendments to the Articles of
Incorporation, such article to include language requiring conformity to the Constitution and
Bylaws of the Synod and a requirement for approval of proposed amendments by the
Commission on Constitutional Matters prior to their submission to a district convention.

The commission also offered the following recommendations for changes to be incorporated into the
district’s Bylaws.
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Bylaw 2.3.2: To properly reflect Synod Bylaw 4.1.1.2, the word “directly” should be replaced
with “primarily.”
Bylaw 2.3.3: The reference to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod should also include
mention of the resolutions of the Synod.
Bylaw 2.3.4: This bylaw must also require review and prior approval of the Commission on
Constitutional Matters (Synod Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3 [a]).
Bylaw 3.1.2: In addition to mention of “each congregation,” the words “or multiple-congregation
parish” must be added when addressing delegate representation at district conventions. The
commission is promoting the use of these words to foster better understanding of the Synod’s
delegate representation requirements.
Bylaw 3.3.3: Synod Bylaw 4.3.1 calls for vice-presidential nominations and elections from the
clergy roster of the entire Synod, with the understanding that consent to serve if elected must
include willingness to relocate as necessary. The language of the Synod bylaw will need to be
incorporated into this district bylaw.
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