# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_February 10 12 2012_S17
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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be necessary that is in accord with Synod Bylaw 4.2.2 (a), which requires properly signed
credentials for all delegates.
Bylaw 2.21, paragraphs a and b: Synod Bylaw 4.3.1 allows for nominations from the entire
clergy roster of the Synod, which suggests change also to paragraph b’s requirement for a listing
of clergymen eligible to be elected. Obviously, the consent to serve in the case of someone from
outside the district or required region must also include consent to relocate as necessary to meet
requirements for service (Synod Bylaw 4.3.3).
Bylaw 3.11: The commission recommends the addition of a reference to Synod Bylaw section
4.4 since the information provided in the district bylaw does not include everything that is in the
Synod bylaw.
Bylaw 6.01: One of the councils listed will need to be assigned the stewardship responsibility
mandated by Synod Bylaw section 4.6.
Bylaw 8.01 a: The words “and Bylaws” will need to be added after the word “Constitution.”
Bylaw 8.01 d: The word “clearance” would more accurately read “review and approval.”

102. Ohio District Bylaws Review (12-2630)
With a February 4, 2012 email, the secretary of the Ohio District submitted several proposed revisions to
the district’s Code of Regulations (Bylaws) for approval by the commission. Upon careful review of the
proposed changes as well as the existing bylaws document, the commission offered the following
recommendations to the district, requesting that the district’s Articles of Incorporation also be provided
for review.
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Article III: The first sentence describing how the district will carry out the work of the Synod
subject to applicable resolutions of the Synod should instead read “subject to the Constitution,
Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod.”
Article IV B: The second sentence will better read “…every congregation or multiplecongregation parish is entitled to two votes.” The commission is advocating regular usage of the
term “multiple-congregation” wherever the word “parish” occurs to promote understanding of
delegate representation at district conventions.
Article IV D 5: The words “and bylaws” should be inserted after “constitution.”
Article V B: This paragraph should quote Synod Bylaw 1.7.2 word for word rather than
paraphrase it, given the importance of the exact wording of the Synod’s bylaw, including the use
of the word “applicability” rather than “expediency.”
Article VI C: The process and requirements outlined in this paragraph are incorrect according to
Article XII B 15 of the Synod’s Constitution and will need to be changed accordingly.
Article VI G: This paragraph should include reference to the content of Synod Bylaw 4.2.1 (a)
which requires district conventions to be governed also by the bylaws adopted by the Synod for
its conventions.
Article VII E: The initial statement of this paragraph should include mention of “individuals” in
addition to “officers, boards, and committees” in order to cover the content of the lists that
follow.
Article VII G: The commission notes mention of the “policies of the board of directors” and
requests a copy for review (Synod Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3).
Article VII J: The district correctly reiterates the content of Synod Bylaw 1.5.1.2 in this
paragraph’s first sentence. The second sentence must be corrected to agree with Synod Bylaw
1.5.1.2 (b), as the responsibility to decide doubtful cases belongs to the President of the Synod.
Article VIII A 2: The terminology “pastors, teachers” should be changed to more properly read
“ordained and commissioned ministers.”
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