LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — May 1−2, 2006, Page 1

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MINUTES
COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
May 1−2, 2006
St. Louis
134. Call to Order and Opening Prayer
Chairman Albert Marcis called the meeting to order and asked Raymond Hartwig to provide an opening
devotion. All members of the Commission were present for the meeting.
135. “Guidelines for the Constitution and Bylaws of a Lutheran Congregation” (04-2412)
The Commission gave final attention to the revised “Guidelines for the Constitution and Bylaws of a
Lutheran Congregation,” taking into consideration input received from its February 2−3, 2006 meeting
with district constitution committee chairmen. The guidelines were approved as printed in Appendix A of
these minutes.
After giving final attention to the guidelines and after further discussion, it was agreed that hard copies of
the guidelines would be provided to district presidents and district constitution committee chairmen, after
which the document will be made available via the internet and printed copies will be available from the
office of the Secretary of the Synod. A letter of appreciation will also be sent to the district chairmen and
constitution committee representatives who provided input for the review process.
136. Board for Communication Services Policy Manual (06-2457)
The secretary of the Board for Communications Services with a January 10, 2006 e-mailed letter
forwarded a draft of the board’s Policy Manual for the Commission’s review. After brief discussion, the
Commission agreed to give its attention to the manual during its next regular meeting.
Discussion continued regarding the implementation of Bylaw 3.9.2.2.4 and its requirement that the
Commission on Constitutional Matters “examine in advance the articles of incorporation and the bylaws
or regulations of every agency of the Synod and all proposed amendments of such documents to ascertain
whether they are in harmony with the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod.” As an initial
step in approaching this task, the Secretary was asked to send a letter to the program boards of the Synod
requesting copies of their policy manuals.
137. Review of Kansas District Bylaws (06-2458)
With a January 30, 2006 e-mailed letter, the president of the Kansas District forwarded the proposed
revised Handbook and Bylaws of his district to the Commission for review. The Commission asked the
Secretary to communicate the results of its review to the district via letter (copy of letter attached to the
protocol copy of these minutes).
138. Minnesota North District Bylaws (06-2459)
With a February 13, 2006 e-mailed letter, the secretary of the Minnesota North District forwarded a series
of proposed changes to the district’s Bylaws for review by the Commission. The Secretary was asked to
communicate the results of the Commission’s review to the district via letter (copy of letter attached to
the protocol copy of these minutes).