LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — April 21−22, 2007, Page 11

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in spiritual matters and assigning them to a male member of the administration or faculty during a
vacancy.
It may also be helpful, given developments in the Synod pertaining to the service of women, to
request counsel also from the Commission on Theology and Church Relations.
194. Calling a Special Convention of the Synod (07-2490)
In a letter dated February 16, 2007, a district president asked a series of questions related to the
calling of a special convention of the Synod, especially in light of Constitution Article VIII and
Bylaw section 3.1.
Question 1: Is “the Synod” in convention authorized by the Constitution to call a special session?
Opinion: Yes. Constitution Article VIII B 1 states: “The Synod may under circumstances call a
special session if two-thirds of the voting representatives so decide” (emphasis added). In
referring to the regular meetings of the Synod, Article VIII A 1 uses the same term: “The Synod
convenes every three years for its regular meeting” (emphasis added). And Bylaw 3.1.1, in setting
forth the provisions for a national convention, states:
The national convention of the Synod…is the principal legislative assembly,
which amends the Constitution and Bylaws, considers and takes action on reports
and overtures, and handles appropriate appeals. It establishes general positions
and policies of the Synod, provides overall program direction and priorities, and
evaluates all such positions, programs, policies, directions, and priorities in order
to provide responsible service for and on behalf of its members….” (emphasis
added).
Question 2: Is there any definition of the “circumstances” necessary for calling a special session
of the Synod?
Opinion: No. The Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod are silent with respect to the definition
of “circumstances” in this Article VIII B 1. Thus, the Synod in convention determines the
conditions that affect the calling of a special session.
Question 3: Is “a special session” of the Synod the same as or different from a convention of the
Synod?
Opinion: The only difference is terminology. In one case the term used is a “regular meeting”
(Art. VIII A 1) and in another a “special session” which can be called in different ways (Art. VIII
B).Whether a “regular meeting” or a “special session,” either one is a convention of the Synod,
and the appropriate provisions under Constitution Art. V, VIII, and IX and Bylaw section 3.1
apply to both in the same way.
Question 4: Do the existing bylaws (3.1.2–3.1.5.2; 3.1.6–3.1.10.1; 5.3.3) provide for the
implementation of Article VIII B?
Opinion: Yes. See the answer to question #3 above.
Question 5: As long as any amendments to the Bylaws are in harmony with Constitution Art. VIII
B 1, Art. IX, Art. V, may bylaws be added or amended in order to provide for the
implementation of “special sessions of the Synod” only?
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