LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — July 13–19, 2007, Page 6

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Q. Review Committee
The committee of five persons selected according to Bylaw 3.8.2.7.9 (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 3.8.2.7.9 (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 3.8.2.7.9 to ensure consistency
and uniformity when complaints brought against members of faculties and administrations of the seminaries of the
Synod are resolved.
A.

Governing Authority
The complainant and respondent, the president and board of regents of the involved seminary, and the
Review Committee involved in this complaint resolution process shall be governed in all their actions by the
Holy Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions, the Constitution and Bylaws of The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod, and this Standard Operating Procedures Manual.

B.

Governing Principles
Matthew 18 and the Eighth Commandment undergird this process for bringing and resolving complaints
against members of faculties and administrations of the Synod’s colleges and universities. While Matthew 18
provides the structure for carrying out church discipline in a local congregation, it also provides guidance
and a pattern that is to be observed in this procedure whenever applicable. And in accord with the Eighth
Commandment, everything possible should be done to protect the reputations of complainants and
respondents.

C.

Primary Purpose
The primary purpose of this procedure is to achieve reconciliation and, when necessary, repentance, and to
bring healing to the seminary community. The goal will be to resolve matters of complaint in an amicable
manner, if possible without resorting to the use of a Review Committee. The process is intended to provide
opportunity for the ministry of law and gospel, for teaching, and for the practice of Christian love.

D.

Removal of Members of Faculties or Administrations
Whereas Bylaw 3.8.2.7.9 (a) allows for complaints “concerning any matter,” only those complaints
associated with Bylaw 3.8.2.7.5 may result in the dismissal of a faculty or administration member.
IV. Flow Chart of Bylaw 3.8.2.7.9 Process

1.

Reception of Complaint
1.1
1.2
1.3

2.

Board of regents receives complaint
Complainant directed to have face-to-face meeting
Complainant receives assistance from president or chairman of board

Request for Formal Process
2.1
2.2
2.3

Complainant prepares written statements
Respondent submits written reply
Board of regents forms Review Committee

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