LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — September 14–15, 2007, Page 2

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

terminology that distinguishes between “policy manuals” and accompanying responsibilities of the Board
of Directors and Commission on Constitutional Matters (2007 Res. 7-06A) and “governing instruments”
as legal constituting documents in Bylaw 3.3.3.2 (f).
5. Review of Agency Policy Manuals
The commission discussed at length its responsibility for review of agency policy manuals in light of the
changes made to Bylaw 3.9.2.2.4 by 2007 Resolution 7-06A, also taking into consideration the review
and coordination of agency policies by the Board of Directors required by newly amended Bylaw 3.3.5.3.
It was agreed that this should be a topic of discussion with the Board of Directors at the joint meeting that
is being planned for November 16, 2007. The Secretary was asked to obtain latest editions of the policy
manuals already received and to begin to lay out a plan for a coordinated effort that can be discussed at
the joint meeting. Work will also continue on the development of a definition of “policy” that will be
helpful to the review process.
As the commission discussed at length the purpose and nature of its own review of the policy manuals
already in hand (Board for Communication Services—06-2457; Board for Pastoral Education—06-2471;
Board for University Education—06-2472; Board for Black Ministry Services—06-2473; Board for
Human Care Ministries—06-2474; Board for Mission Services—06-2475; and Board for District and
Congregational Services—06-2476), the commission agreed that its review should be limited to
ascertaining whether the content of the manuals in is harmony with the Constitution, Bylaws, and
resolutions of the Synod. The commission will also develop general guidelines to assist Synod agencies in
articulating policy in a more uniform manner across the Synod.
After the general discussion, the commission used available meeting time to review the policy manual of
the Board for Communication Services (06-2457), noting the following concerns for further attention by
the board:
•

Under “2.1 Purpose and Program” (p. 3), the paragraph could more adequately reflect the
objectives/responsibilities given to the board in the Handbook of the Synod, especially Bylaw
3.8.5ff.

•

Under “2.8 Providing Resources” (p. 5), congregations should not be listed as agencies or entities
of the Synod.

•

Under “3.1 Standards” (p. 5), paragraph 3.1.1 includes an unnecessary reference to “Synod” in its
first line.

•

Under “3.5 Board Activities” (p. 8), the words “by law” at the end of paragraph 3.5.1 could be
clarified.

•

Under “6.6 Ineligibility for Other Synodical Offices” (p. 17), the allowance for “approval from
the board” at the end of the paragraph is not in harmony with 2007 Bylaw 1.5.1.1 which prohibits
staff from serving as members of a board of any other agency of the Synod.

•

Under “4. Principal Responsibilities” of the Executive Director of the Board for Communication
Services, mention under paragraph “r” of service on the Council of Administrators (p. 21) should
be deleted because this council no longer exists.

•

Under “4. Principal Responsibilities” of the Director of News and Information Services, mention
under paragraph 3 (p. 24) of service as the chief spokesman for the Synod and/or its ministries
exceeds constitutional authority. See also paragraph “G” on p. 31.

2