LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — June 6–7, 2008, Page 2

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

The title for 4.9 would better read “Agencies” in place of “Entities,” given the definition of
“agency” in Bylaw 1.2.1 (a) (1).

Regarding the Campus Policy Manual:


Under 0.1, the paragraph entitled “Concordia University System: Mission and Purpose” appears
not to be relevant and confuses the purpose of the Board for Pastoral Education with the Board
for University Education.



Under 0.4, the paragraph essentially allows veto power by another board, which is not allowed by
the Bylaws. This paragraph would better read: “…neither board will change the following
sections of this manual without consultation with the other board.”



Under 1.1, this paragraph essentially creates policy for institutions of university education, for
which the Board for Pastoral Education does not have authority. Reference to university
education should be removed.



Under 1.2, paragraph 1 is an appropriate policy for the Board for University Education since
college and university boards of regents include the president of the geographical district in which
the school is located. Where the Board for Pastoral Education is concerned, the president of the
geographic district in which a seminary is located may not be a member of its board of regents.



Under 6.3, paragraph 6, new church vocation programs that result in a new position on the
Synod’s roster require adoption, not ratification, by a convention of the Synod. The Synod’s
adoption should also be reflected in paragraph 9 under 6.3 and paragraph 2 under 6.4.



Under 10.4, this policy section pertains to initial appointments of “other faculty and staff.”
Delegation of authority to the local board of regents appears to conflict with Bylaw 3.8.2.7.3
when the policy includes “seminary faculty” in paragraph 2, since the bylaw requires prior Board
for Pastoral Education approval for all initial appointments to seminary faculties.



Under 11.4, Bylaw 1.5.2 (c) does not limit the requirement that annual statements be signed only
by “exempt” staff. All staff are required by the bylaw to sign such statements.



Under 11.6, paragraphs 1 and 2, new Synod Bylaw 3.8.2.5.5 (i) (2) allows each seminary’s board
to receive and manage its own funds, though it may opt to do as this policy directs.

B. Board for University Education Policy Manuals (06-2472)
The commission reviewed the Board Policy Manual and the Campus Policy Manual of the Board for
University Education in light of the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod, noting the
following concerns. Other editorial and content suggestions and encouragements will be included in the
letter to the board that will convey this formal opinion.
Regarding the Board Policy Manual:


Under 0.1 and throughout the document, references will need to be updated to refer to the 2007
LCMS Handbook.



Under 0.2, paragraph 1: If the “entity” referred to in this paragraph is listed under Bylaw 1.2.1 (a)
(1), “entity” should be replaced with the word “agency” as the appropriate term.



Under 0.3, the paragraph entitled “Pastoral Education: Statement of Purpose” appears not to be
relevant and confuses the purpose of the Board for Pastoral Education with the Board for
University Education.
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