LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1998, Page 147

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7. Planning, and Administration
To Re-establish Commission
on Structure
RESOLUTION 7-01
Overture 8-14, F (CW, pp. 288–89)
Rationale:
In 1992 the Commission on Structure was eliminated
from the Bylaws. It was believed that some of the major
concerns had been dealt with by previous convention actions and that only minor changes in Bylaws would be required in the future. The decision of the Commission on
Constitutional Matters involving corporate agencies, however, led to the conclusion that further consideration
needed to be given to better clarify the Constitution and the
Bylaws.
The responsibility for dealing with Bylaws revisions was
made the responsibility of the Council of Mission and Ministry. On account of its large size and other duties, that
group was not in a position to take over responsibility previously covered by the Commission on Structure.
The Blue Ribbon Committee has strongly indicated that
there is still a need to deal with matters involving Districts,
District/national relationships, and other issues. The present volume of the synodical Handbook included a compilation of revisions (both additions and deletions) representing the intents and desires of the membership of the Synod
in convention as well as notations from synodical conventions dating back many years. It contains many inconsistencies and conflicting and fragmented statements inserted
or omitted in strategic Bylaws governing specific activities
of the Synod.
WHEREAS, There is a need to clarify ambiguities contained in the Synod’s Handbook; and
WHEREAS, There may be some things contained in the
Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod (Handbook) which
could be better handled as board manuals and/or policy
statements; and
WHEREAS, There is a perceived and strongly felt need to
make the Handbook of the Synod easier to understand and
use; and
WHEREAS, There is a need for a standing commission to
keep the Handbook in order as it carries out directives of the
Synod in convention and receives assignments from the President and Board of Directors of the Synod; therefore be it
Resolved, That the 1998 synodical convention empower
the Board of Directors, in consultation and mutual concurrence with the President of the Synod, to appoint a Commission on Structure consisting of at least four persons;
and be it further
Resolved, That this commission draft revisions to the
format and content of the Synod’s Constitution and Bylaws
(Handbook) which will eliminate inconsistencies and make
the Handbook more usable for the Synod; and be it finally
Resolved, That the draft be completed and disseminated
to the Synod one year prior to the 2001 synodical conven-

Committee 7 Chairman Ron Garwood

tion for review and input for refinement by the commission
prior to endorsement by the 2001 convention.
Action: Adopted (5)

To Create Task Force to Study
National/District Synod Relations
RESOLUTION 7-02A
Report R1-8, Part II (TB, pp. 14–18) Overtures 7-30,
7-34–35, 7-37–38, 7-42 (CW, pp. 248–51, 252)
WHEREAS, The Blue Ribbon Committee has strongly indicated that there is still a need to deal with matters involving Districts, District/national relationships, and other
issues; and
WHEREAS, It is our ongoing desire to enhance our Lord’s
work in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod; therefore
be it
Resolved, That the 1998 synodical convention direct the
President of Synod in consultation with and mutual concurrence of the Board of Directors, to appoint a task force,
including among others representatives of the Commission
on Structure, representatives of the Blue Ribbon Committee, and representatives of the Council of Presidents to
study the Synod as it exists and relates to itself on the national, District, and Circuit levels, the manner of electing
delegates, the role of the Council of Presidents, as well as
other issues; and be it further
Resolved, That the task force complete a draft of its findings and disseminate them throughout the Synod, including District Boards of Directors and other entities, one year
147