# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_May 11 13 2012_S17
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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Bylaw 1.055, paragraph a: Because districts do not have their own constitutions and only
Bylaws, this paragraph should read: “a. perform the usual duties outlined in the district Bylaws,
receiving….”
[WJS2]Bylaw 1.057, paragraph a: According to Synod Bylaw 4.3.1, this bylaw must be changed to
read: “The district secretary shall be elected from the clergy roster of the Synod according to
established district procedure.
Bylaws 1.077, 11.043, 12.001: The commission notes the mention and existence of a district
“personnel manual” and, in keeping with its responsibilities (Synod Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3), requests a
copy for review.
Bylaw 2.005, paragraph a: As this paragraph is replaced with the process provided by Synod
Bylaw section 5.2, it will also need to reflect the requirement of Synod Bylaws 4.3.1 and 4.3.3
that nominations may be made from the entire clergy roster of the Synod, provided those
nominated consent to relocate as necessary if elected.
Bylaw 4.005, paragraph b: For the sake of consistency with terminology used by the Synod, this
paragraph would better read: “Overtures for programs, requiring….” The same would apply in
paragraph c: “Late overtures will not be accepted unless….” See also the mention of
“memorials” in the title and wording of Bylaw 4.043, which would better read: “Late
overtures....”
Bylaw 4.031, paragraph d: Circuit counselors should also be included with the president and
vice-presidents as those for whom the Nominations Committee is not responsible: “d. The
Nominations Committee shall send to all delegates a list of all nominees for offices other than
those of president, vice-presidents, and circuit counselors, with information….”
Bylaw 5.001, paragraph b: For the sake of consistency, the paragraph will better read: “b. All
ordained and commissioned ministers on the district roster….”
Bylaw 5.001, paragraph d: For the sake of consistency, item 3 would better read: “3. District
Ordained Ministers’ Conference. In addition, items 4 and 5 are not “official district conferences”
and warrant a separate listing like that in the Synod’s Handbook, p. 198: “Other District
Meetings.”
Bylaw 6.003: The existing wording “voting delegates present” is different from how the voting
for elections ordinarily takes place in the Synod, where “a majority of votes cast at the district
convention” is required.
Bylaw 8.005, paragraph f: The first sentence of this bylaw is more restrictive than Synod Bylaw
5.1.2 and should be deleted.
Bylaw 8.013, paragraph h: The commission notes the mention of a Texas District Church
Extension Fund “policy manual” and, in keeping with its responsibilities (Synod Bylaw
3.9.2.2.3), requests a copy for review.
Bylaw 15.001, paragraph (1) (d): This statement will more accurately read: “(d) submitted to the
Synod’s Commission on Constitutional Matters for approval prior to the presentation to the
convention;….” Similarly, the final sentence of paragraph (2) will also more accurately read:
“Such amendments shall be drafted by the secretary of the district, approved by the board of
directors, and reviewed and approved by the Commission on Constitutional Matters of the
Synod.”

139. CUS Prior Approval of University Theological Faculty (12-2643)
With a May 2, 2012 email, the interim Executive Director of Concordia University System requested an
opinion regarding bylaws related to the prior approval of theology faculty members for the Synod’s
colleges and universities in light of an apparent discrepancy in the 2010 Handbook of the Synod. In
keeping with the provision of Bylaw 3.9.2.2 (b) requiring notification of “an officer or agency of the
Synod if a request for an opinion involves an activity of that officer or agency,” also allowing the officer
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