# LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters Minutes_St. Louis Missouri_December 9 1983_S1
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

the current limited tenure rules shall apply; for persons newly appointed and not serving a previous term
the new limited tenure rules shall apply."
The "current" (prior to the 1981 convention) rules read, Bylaw 2.07, b, 1979 Handbook: "All other
elected synodical officers and members of all synodical boards shall be ineligible for reelection or
reappointment for the same board after serving a total of three complete successive terms . . .”
The Commission on Constitutional Matters rules accordingly that a member of the Board of
Managers appointed prior to the 1981 convention of the Synod is eligible to serve three complete
successive terms.
COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
Herbert Mueller, Secretary
September-16, 1983

Minutes of the Commission on Constitutional Matters - December 9, 1983
202. Dr. Walter Rosin led the Commission in an opening prayer. All members were present: Kermit
Brashear II, Carl Eberhard, chairman, John Klotz, Walter Rosin, secretary, and Gene Schnelz. Herbert
Mueller, former secretary, was present to present proposed Guidelines for a Model Constitution. It was
noted that this was the last meeting for member, John Klotz, and that the term of Kermit Brashear II was
also expiring. Future meeting dates were established as February 10-11, May 11-12, August 17-18, and
December 7-8, 1984.
203. English District Bylaws (Ag. 653,A-C): The Commission had expressed certain concerns regarding
the English District Bylaws. No response to the concerns, which included the fact that the Constitution of
the English District was outmoded and created problems, was received. It was agreed that President Jung,
who will take office after January 1, 1984, should be contacted for a response after he assumes office.
204. Eligibility of Robert Preus (Ag. 1668, 183 Min.): Dr. Edward Westcott, Jr. had raised a question as
to whether Robert Preus was eligible to serve on the Board for Mission Services in view of Bylaw 2.67, h.
After a motion had been made to "reconsider the previous ruling in the case of Robert Preus in view of a
reevaluation of 2.67, h and rule that he is ineligible," the Commission discussed the matter and adopted
the following substitute motion as its ruling:
The Commission finds that 2.67, h is a limitation imposed upon the class of executives
authorized by 2.67, e and appointed pursuant to 2.801 as distinguished from positions created by
specific bylaw which exercise inherent executive authority.
Based on this ruling, Robert Preus is eligible to serve on the Board for Mission Services.
205. Model Constitution (Ag. 1446,A,B,D,E, 293, 298, 1638A, 1658): Dr. Herbert Mueller presented
proposed "GUIDELINES . . . for the Constitution and Bylaws of a Lutheran Congregation." Considerable
discussion ensued as the document was considered by paragraph, and significant changes were proposed
and accepted. Following discussion the Commission directed the Secretary to prepare a corrected copy of
the proposed guidelines for consideration and possible adoption at the next meeting.
206. Constitution, United Ministry, Antioch (Ag. 1678,A): The Rev. Theo. DeLaney had requested an
opinion regarding the proposed Constitution for a United Ministry of Word and Sacrament under joint
jurisdiction of the appropriate LCA and LCMS adjudicatories. After careful consideration of the