# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_April 27 1979_S2
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

a word or two, the approval of which could be relayed by letter. Furthermore, it should be made
clear that the report concerning the constitution goes to the convention as a recommendation of
the committee, even though it may be channeled through the President's office. Therefore it
would be advisable to add the words: ". . . and reports the approval of the constitution to the
convention in connection with the convention's consideration of the congregation's overture for
reception into membership."
i)

If step "h" is followed, "i" would seem to be superfluous. If retention is still desired, then the
words should be added: ". . . as a supplement to the congregation's overture for membership."

j)

The Commission holds it will be better to substitute synodical Bylaw 1.11 b for the wording
suggested.

In connection with the present Northwest District Bylaw 2.14 B, to which the proposals above are to be
attached, the Commission also took the following positions:
1.

Point 2 needs to be elaborated to bring out the fact that in the case of approval of new
constitutions (or parts thereof) of member congregations, only the favorable action on the
part of the District Board of Directors is required to empower the congregation to live under
its new constitution. Then this decision is submitted to the District convention merely for
ratification. (See Bylaw 1.11 b).

2.

Point 4 should be changed to state that the committee may act in an advisory capacity to
congregations of the District in submitting overtures to the Synod seeking changes in or
amendments to the Constitution of the Synod. There is no necessity involved.

3.

Point 5 should be changed to state that the committee shall also interpret the District Bylaws
in cases of controversy, since the District does not have a Constitution of its own and the
interpretation of the synodical Constitution and Bylaws is the responsibility of the synodical
Commission on Constitutional Matters.

The original submission from the District is attached to the minutes so that the proposed changes can be
adequately traced.
179. Status of Non-Synodical Teachers in District Conferences _(Ag. 1350): The Commission decided,
since no follow-up had been made, not to send any additional letter to Chairman Goldenstern, although
the Commission did ratify the letter of the secretary regarding the question of membership of non.-roster
teachers in the official District teachers conference (i.e., that this cannot be allowed). He had given no
opinion regarding the validity of the conference elections and the Commission took no position on this
since no further request had been made.
180. Membership in High School Association (Ag. 1351): It was decided to hold this item on the docket.
181. Manitoba--Saskatchewan Bylaws (Ag. 1326): Although Mueller had prepared a review of these
Bylaws, it was suggested that this matter also be deferred until a later meeting.
182. Task Force Proposals (Ag. 1266A): Since Klotz and Mueller would be attending the floor
committee meeting on the following two days regarding these proposals, considerable time was spent in
discussing these matters. The Commission came to the conclusion that especially the following areas
seem to be of constitutional concern: