LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — May 18–20, 2007, Page 4

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president is the respondent, the chairman of the board of regents assumes the role of assisting in this attempt (Bylaw
3.8.3.8.9 [a] [2]).
K. Limited Activities
The relieving by the president or board of regents of a respondent’s teaching and/or administrative duties pending final
resolution of a conflict when in the best interest of the college or university (Bylaw 3.8.3.8.9 [e]) or parties involved.
Contractual obligations of the institution shall, however, continue to be honored until the matter is resolved.
L.

Parties to the Matter
In the narrow sense, the complainant and the respondent. If the complainant is a board or commission or district, it shall
be represented by its chairman or a designated member. In a broader sense, the members of the panel and the board of
regents are also parties to the matter.

M. Private Hearing
The nature of all hearings conducted by a Review Committee, such hearings to include only the panel, the complainant
and respondent, and any witnesses called upon to substantiate facts relevant to the complaint. Unless otherwise decided
by the committee, witnesses are allowed to be present only while giving their testimony.
N.

Request for Opinion
A request for an opinion from the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (in matters of doctrine and doctrinal
application) or the Commission on Constitutional Matters (in matters requiring constitution and bylaw interpretation)
made through the Review Committee (which shall determine the wording of the question[s]), to be made within four
weeks of the selection of the Review Committee or later only by or with the approval of the committee. Opinions
received must be followed by the Review Committee.

O. Reply of Respondent
A written response by the accused party to a complaint, submitted to the board of regents and the complainant and
containing factual assertions in response to the complainant’s written statement of the matter in dispute (Bylaw
3.8.3.8.9 [c]).
P.

Respondent
The named member of the faculty or administration of a college or university of the Synod in a complaint submitted to
the board of regents of the institution under Bylaw 3.8.3.8.9 (a).

Q. Review Committee
The committee of five persons selected according to Bylaw 3.8.3.8.9 (d) to decide regarding the validity of a complaint
received against a member of a college or university faculty or administration. It conducts its business according to
Bylaw 3.8.3.8.9 (f).
R.

Witnesses
Persons called upon by the complainant or respondent to substantiate facts relevant to a complaint during a hearing
before a Review Committee.
III. General Principles and Regulations

These general principles and regulations accompany the process provided by Bylaw 3.8.3.8.9 to ensure consistency and
uniformity when complaints brought against members of faculties and administrations of the colleges and universities of the
Synod are resolved.
A.

Governing Authority
The complainant and respondent, the president and board of regents of the involved college or university, and the
Review Committee involved in this complaint resolution process shall be governed in all their actions by the Holy

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