LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 15–16, 2007, Page 7

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Does the wording above from the district in any way change the answers to questions 1 and
2?
Opinion: These paragraphs requested by the district committee do not change the answers to questions 1
and 2. The language suggested by the district’s committee assumes continued membership in the Synod
and correctly points out that a congregation has covenanted with the Synod not to implement changes to
its governing documents until approved by the district, as provided in paragraph (d) of Bylaw 2.4.1:
(d) Upon favorable action by the district board of directors, the congregation shall be
notified that the changes are acceptable to the Synod and that the congregation is entitled
to continue to function as a member of the Synod in good standing under the new or
changed constitution or bylaws.
The suggested language could be construed to require district approval before withdrawal of membership,
and the specific language could have binding effect under state law to that effect. A congregation is not
required by the Synod to do so. Should the members of a congregation desire to include such a provision
voluntarily, limiting the possibilities of withdrawal by future members, it may certainly do so.
20. Orientation of New Commission Member and Refresher for Continuing Members
The commission spent time during the meeting providing orientation for its new member, which also
provided opportunity for its continuing members to review its specific duties and responsibilities under
the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod. The commission also resolved to prepare a policy
manual for its own use, and the preparation of a draft was assigned to a member of the commission.
21. Standard Operating Procedures Manual Reviews
In view of the pending publication of the 2007 Handbook, the commission reviewed its responsibility to
review Standard Operating Procedures Manual[s] pursuant to Bylaws 1.10.18.1 (j), 2.14.9.3, 2.15.9.3,
2.16.10.4, and 2.17.9.3. A commission member was assigned the review of the manuals prior to the next
meeting of the commission. The Secretary of the Synod was directed to remind the Board for Pastoral
Education and the Board for University Education of their responsibility to update their manuals (in
consultation with the commission) in light of changes in the 2007 Handbook.
22. Review of Program Board Policy Manuals (06-2457; 06-2471 through 06-2476)
Due to the absence of the Secretary of the Synod and the commission’s scheduled meeting with the Board
of Directors of the Synod, during which consideration will be given to the relative authority, duties, and
responsibilities of the two groups with respect to policy manuals of agencies of the Synod, these agenda
items will remain deferred until the commission’s next meeting.
23. Proposed Bylaws for Concordia University, Ann Arbor (07-2509)
Due to the absence of the Secretary of the Synod and meeting time reserved for the commission’s
scheduled meeting with the Board of Directors of the Synod, this agenda item was continued to the
commission’s next meeting. In addition, the Secretary was asked to be in contact with the executive
director of the Board for University Education with respect to any role that his board may be taking in the
process for the review of the proposed Bylaws of Concordia University, Ann Arbor as well as attempts it
may be making to maintain uniformity in the governing documents of the colleges and universities of the
Synod. An assignment was also given to a member of the commission to draft an opinion regarding
proposed CUAA Bylaw 4.08.
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