LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — July 13–19, 2007, Page 4

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D. Exceptions
As with other dispute resolution processes of the Synod (e.g., Bylaw section 1.10) the process described in this
Standard Operating Procedures Manual is intended to provide an evangelical procedure to respond to complaints. It
is not intended to provide an exclusive remedy for the following matters, unless such matters involve theological,
doctrinal, or ecclesiastical issues, including those arising under the divine call of a member of the Synod:
(a) Disputes concerning property rights (e.g., real estate agreements, mortgages, fraud, or
embezzlement); and
(b) Disputes arising under contractual arrangements of all kinds (e.g., contracts for goods,
services, or employment benefits).
E. Other Processes for Dispute Resolution
The process provided by Bylaw 3.8.2.7.9 and this Standard Operating Procedures Manual exists to address
complaints brought against members of the faculty or administration of the Synod’s seminaries. In addition, provisions
and procedures for doctrinal dissent are set forth in Bylaw section 1.8; provisions for doctrinal discussions are set
forth in Bylaw 3.9.6.2.1 and Bylaw sections 4.8, 4.9, and 5.3; provisions and procedures for doctrinal review are set
forth in Bylaw section 1.9; provisions and procedures for dispute resolution (when not involving expulsion from
membership) are set forth in Bylaw 1.10; and procedures for expulsion from membership are provided in Bylaw
sections 2.14–2.17.
II. Definition of Terms
In order to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstanding, it is critical that terms be carefully defined:
A.

Administration
Those persons responsible for managing the affairs and operations of the seminary (who may or may not
also be faculty), with direct supervision of staff(s) to carry out the operational affairs of the seminary. In most
cases these persons have a direct reporting relationship with and responsibility to the president of the
seminary.

B.

Blind Draw
Used by the Secretary of the Synod to select a name from the list of 25 hearing facilitators (Bylaw 1.10.12)
to serve as a member of the Review Committee in the Bylaw 3.8.2.7.9 process. The name is drawn in the
presence of two witnesses, who prepare and sign a written statement attesting to the proper conduct of the
draw.

C.

Board of Regents
For the purpose of this process, only the voting members of the governing board of the seminary. The
president of the seminary participates without vote in the discussions unless personally involved in the
complaint. Non-voting members of the board are excluded from participation.

D.

Complainant
The individual or entity that brings a complaint against a member of the faculty or administration of a
seminary under Bylaw 3.8.2.7.9 (a).

E.

Complaint
Any complaint against a member of the faculty or administration directed to the board of regents, including
matters arising out of Bylaw 3.8.2.7.5. The complaint should be concise, delivered to the president of the
seminary except when the president is the subject of the complaint, in which case the chairman of the board
of regents receives the complaint. In all cases, it is to be presented to the board of regents (Bylaw 3.8.2.7.9
[a]).

F.

District President
For the purposes of this complaint process, the president of the geographical district of the Synod in which
the seminary is located.

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