LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2010, Page 130

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130

RESOLUTIONS

To Amend Bylaw 1.5.3 re Agency Meetings

To Address Student Indebtedness

RESOLUTION 4-14

RESOLUTION 4-17

Overture 4-13 (CW, p. 184)

Overtures 4-05 (CW, p. 180)

Whereas, Bylaw 1 .5 .3 requires every agency of the Synod
to meet but does not specify the manner of meeting; and
Whereas, Some bylaws require face-to-face meetings in
certain situations, others imply face-to-face meetings, and still
others are silent as to the manner of meetings; and
Whereas, At times a mission can be achieved effectively,
efficiently, and economically without a face-to-face meeting;
and
Whereas, Agencies should have the freedom to meet in a
manner that best balances several goals; therefore be it
Resolved, That current Bylaw 1 .5 .3 be amended to read
as follows:

Whereas, The LCMS colleges, universities, and seminaries have taken significant and responsible steps to reduce
operating costs to maintain fiscal viability; and
Whereas, 74 percent (the average between the two seminaries) of the pastoral ministry students who graduated from
the LCMS seminaries in May 2009 and 75 percent of the
Concordia University System students who graduated in May
2009 did so with educational debt; and
Whereas, Carrying large amounts of educational debt
while receiving a modest salary results in stress for the church
worker, which negatively impacts his/her family, health, and
service; therefore be it
Resolved, That individuals, groups, and congregations in
the LCMS be encouraged to increase their support for our
Synod’s colleges, universities, and seminaries with prayers,
referrals of prospective students, and financial gifts; and be
it further
Resolved, That Concordia University System schools and
the seminaries require all students enrolled in church work programs to receive instruction in biblical stewardship beginning
in the first year, designed to increase their ability to manage
their personal finances wisely .

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
1 .5 .3 Every agency of the Synod shall meet at least quarterly unless otherwise stipulated in the Bylaws . Exceptions require
the approval at least annually of the President of the Synod . All
agencies shall announce their upcoming meetings . Unless otherwise specified in the Bylaws, each agency is free to select a
manner of meeting, consistent with Board of Directors policy,
that best enhances its ability to accomplish its mission, taking
into consideration fostering the open exchange of ideas, availability of technology to all members, stewardship of resources,
perception of fairness, controversial nature of agenda items, and
whether secret ballots might be used .

Action: Adopted (8)
(Res . 4-14 was adopted as presented without discussion [Yes:
1,089; No: 19] .)

2010 Convention Proceedings

Action: Adopted (8)
(During discussion which began in Session 5, a proposed
amendment to the final resolve to insert “beginning in the first
year” after “stewardship” was accepted as a friendly amendment
by the floor committee . When discussion resumed during Session
8, Res . 4-17 was adopted as changed [Yes: 1,007; No: 80] .)