LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — June 23, 2003, Page 10

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After discussion, the Commission deferred its response until its next meeting.
174. Board of Directors’ Action re Radio Station KFUO (03-2357)
In a letter received June 9, 2003, a District President questioned the right of the Board of Directors of the
Synod to assume direct responsibility for the operation of KFUO radio in light of past convention actions.
He also inquired regarding the possibility of a similar action by the Board of Directors over against
entities owned by Districts, such as a radio station or resource center.
The Commission deferred its response to these questions pending receipt of additional information.
175. Board of Directors’ Requirement for Use of Funds Allocated to Board for Higher Education/
Concordia University System (03-2358)
In a letter received May 28, 2003, the Executive Director of the Board for Higher Education/Concordia
University System asked whether the Board of Directors has the authority to require the Board for Higher
Education/Concordia University System to distribute a specified amount of allocated unrestricted dollars
to other entities under the direct supervision and oversight of the BHE/CUS Board.
The Commission deferred its response to this question pending receipt of additional information.
176. Board of Directors’ Directive for Use of Funds Allocated to the Board for Communication
Services (03-2359)
In a letter received June 9, 2003, the chairman of the Board for Communication Services asked a series of
questions regarding the extent of the authority of the Board of Directors to hold a program board
accountable for its use of allocated funds.
The Commission deferred its response to these questions pending receipt of additional information.

177. Election of Delegates to a Convention of the Synod (03-2360)
A pastor of the Synod in a June 19, 2003 e-mail letter asked two questions regarding the election of
delegates to a convention of the Synod.
Question 1:

What is the proper/prescribed method and timetable for notice for the convening of a circuit
caucus for the election of synodical delegates?

Opinion: The Commission assumes that what is meant by “circuit caucus” is the meeting of the electoral
Circuit for the purpose of electing delegates to a convention of the Synod. Bylaw 3.05 a states, “Each
electoral Circuit shall meet at the call of the Counselor(s) to elect its delegates not later than nine months
prior to the opening day of the convention.” The same paragraph also states, “The privilege of voting
shall be exercised by one pastor and one layperson from each member congregation of the Circuit, both of
whom shall have been elected in the manner prescribed by the congregation.” Furthermore, Bylaw 3.05 b
states, “Prior to the meeting of the electoral Circuit, each congregation may nominate one layperson,
either from its congregation or from the Circuit. These names must be submitted to the Circuit Counselor
prior to the day of the Circuit meeting and shall constitute the slate of candidates.”
Therefore, although there is no prescribed method and timetable for notice for the convening of an
electoral Circuit in the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod, ample notice is necessary to provide
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