# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_front and back matter_S7
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Referral Panel
2.16.5 In the determination whether or not to initiate formal proceedings, the chairman of the Council of
Presidents may form a Referral Panel consisting of three district presidents.
(a) This panel shall be formed by blind draw and shall not include any district president that is
a party to the matter or the accuser district president.
(b) The blind draw shall be administered by the chairman of the Council of Presidents and
audited by witnesses.
2.16.5.1 After reviewing the accusation and the results of the investigation, the Referral Panel shall
determine its recommendation whether or not to initiate formal proceedings.
2.16.5.2 If the chairman of the Council of Presidents fails to act within 60 days after receipt of the formal
written complaint or accusation, the district president who is the accuser may present a formal
written request to the chairman of the Council of Presidents for the forming of a Referral Panel,
which request the chairman must grant. If the provisions of Bylaw 2.16.4 have not been carried
out, the Referral Panel shall carry out these provisions in the process of determining its
recommendation within 60 days whether or not to initiate formal proceedings.
2.16.5.3.1Whether made by the chairman of the Council of Presidents or the Referral Panel, iIn the
recommendation whether or not to initiate formal proceedings, the chairman of the Council of
Presidents shall bring the matter to the Council of Presidents for hearing the recommendation, for
discussion, and for vote.
(a)–(c)
no change
Commencing Formal Proceedings
2.16.6–2.16.6.1

no change

Hearing Panel
2.16.7–2.16.7.7

no change

Final Hearing
2.16.8

no change

Decision by Congregations
2.16.9–2.16.9.3

no change

General Regulations
2.16.10–2.16.10.4

no change

2.17 Expulsion of Individuals from Membership in the Synod
as a Result of Sexual Misconduct or Criminal Behavior
2.17.1

no change

Definition of Terms
2.17.2 For a definition of terms used in this bylaw, see the “Definition of Terms” under Bylaw 2.14.2.
Consultation
2.17.3

no change

Commencing an Action
2.17.4
no change
2.17.4.1 The ecclesiastical supervisor shall make his determination whether or not to suspend the member
within 120 days after receipt of a formal written complaint or accusation, unless:
(a) in the event that the accused is a district president or officer of the Synod, the President of
the Synod extends his investigation with concurrence of the majority of the uninvolved vice-

CCM Minutes (Protocol Supplement) – May 5–6, 2017 – Page 27g