LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2010, Page 222

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222

Synod Structure and Governance

8-03

To Foster Greater Unanimity in Decisions
re Structure
Whereas, Votes on matters that deeply impact the whole Synod
should not be seen as exercises of political power of one group or
party over another, nor as attempts to establish organizational control in the Synod or over the Synod; and
Whereas, Even the report of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on
Synod Structure and Governance (BRTFSSG) itself recognizes and
publicly states the principle that “close majority votes on doctrinal
matters do not promote unity and are conducive to increased internal
conflict and consternation”; and
Whereas, Pastor Matthew Harrison, Executive Director, LCMS
World Relief and Human Care, in evident agreement with the
BRTFSSG statement above, has helpfully counseled the Synod that
“Bylaw and constitutional matters should come to the floor of the convention only if they have been previously recognized across the broad
spectrum as non-political and not given to exacerbate an already tense
situation. And once on the floor they should be adopted only by a minimum 85% approval” (It’s Time, LCMS Unity and Mission, p. 15); and
Whereas, The effort and goal of the Synod convention is to speak
in a way that will not lead to “increased internal conflict and consternation” (BRTFSSG), but will allow a joyful and free conversation
not ruled over by the will of a majority but welcoming to all voices
in a way that seeks unanimity; therefore be it
Resolved, That at the 2010 LCMS convention, all changes to the
Constitution and Bylaws which affect the structure of the Synod will
be adopted by a vote of 85% or greater; and be it further
Resolved, That even though a majority vote may be used to revoke
said resolution (resulting from this overture), the resolution, having
been passed by a majority of the convention, will receive the cooperation and fraternal assent of all those voting on Constitution and Bylaw
changes affecting changes to structure at the 2010 LCMS convention.
North and South Sandia Circuit Forum
Rocky Mountain District
8-04

To Postpone Consideration and Implementation
of Task Force Report
Whereas, The Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure
and Governance (BRTFSSG) was appointed by President Gerald
Kieschnick in March of 2005 to propose recommendations for
changes to the Synod’s structure and governance; and
Whereas, A recommendation for using different constitutional language which implements substantive changes within the
Constitution is given for consideration without rationale or declaring the deficiency of the current Constitution; and
Whereas, The BRTFSSG has put forward proposals which continue to change; and
Whereas, The rationale given for perceived problems or deficiencies is not quantified and no evidence of perceived problems is
given; and
Whereas, No evidence is given as to how the recommended solutions will rectify perceived problems and deficiencies; and
Whereas, There is not sufficient time for any meaningful discussion or consideration of significant changes to the Synod’s
Constitution or final proposals; and

Whereas, Without a final proposal clearly communicating each
proposed change, little or no meaningful comment or action can be
expected from the districts; and
Whereas, There is insufficient time for congregations and districts thoroughly to consider final proposals prior to the 2010 Synod
convention; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Circuit Forum of North Wisconsin District
Circuit 20 memorialize the LCMS in its 2010 convention to postpone
until the 2013 Synod convention consideration of any final report,
recommendations, or proposals of the BRTSFFG in order to give
congregations and districts time to consider all final proposals; and
be it further
Resolved, That the Circuit Forum of North Wisconsin District
Circuit 20 request that the President of the Synod cancel the twoday extension of the 2010 Synod convention, in accordance with
Constitution Art. VIII; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Circuit Forum of North Wisconsin District
Circuit 20 request that the BRTFSSG provide all final proposals
for action, including their rationale and quantifiable evidence for
perceived problems or deficiencies as well as evidence as to how
proposals will rectify problems, directly to all congregations no later
than January 1, 2011, for study during the next triennium by congregations and districts, prior to any action by districts and/or the Synod.
St. Paul, Whitehall, WI; St. Peter, Osseo, WI;
Wyoming District; Circuit 20 Forum,
North Wisconsin District
8-05

To Exercise Care and Delay Implementation
of Structure Changes
Whereas, In 2005 LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick appointed
a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance; and
Whereas, The task force’s proposals, as presented to the district
conventions of 2009 and now in completed form, have been far-reaching in scope and significant in importance; and
Whereas, Experience teaches that careful attention must be given
to detail and wording in making adjustments or changes that involve
structure and governance; and
Whereas, The Synod would do well to proceed with careful and
prayerful caution in considering any changes; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure
and Governance be urged to submit to the Synod the precise language
being proposed for any and all Constitution and Bylaw changes as
well as the complete text of any enabling resolutions in time for inclusion in the 2010 Convention Workbook; and be it further
Resolved, That the report of the task force not be acted on until
the 2013 Synod convention, thus allowing optimum time for congregations, boards, commissions, and other Synod entities to study the
report and consider all of its implications.
Trinity, Norborne, MO; Missouri District; Iowa District East;
Carrollton Circuit Forum, Missouri District; Circuit 6 Forum,
North Wisconsin District; Trinity, Freistatt, MO; Immanuel,
Merrill, WI; Zion, Moberly, MO; Our Savior, Muscatine, IA;
St. John, Brunswick, MO; Zion, Wilton, IA; Southern Illinois
District; Mon-Clair Circuit, Southern Illinois District

2010 Convention Workbook

2010 Convention.indb 222

4/15/10 2:39 PM