LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 18-20, 2011, Page 1

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MINUTES
COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
St. Louis Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel
February 18-20, 2011
21. Call to Order, Opening Devotion and Prayers
Following an informal joint luncheon with the Board of Directors, acting Chairman Wilbert Sohns called
the meeting to order with two new members of the commission present, Dr. George Gude and R. Neely
Owen. Secretary Hartwig was absent at the start of the meeting due to his participation in the final
session of the concurrent meeting of the Board of Directors. The opening devotion and prayers were led
by Philip Esala based on Acts 1:15ff.
22. Triennial Organization
As required by Bylaw 1.5.3.1, since this was the initial meeting with the newly appointed members, the
commission considered its organizational needs. Wilbert Sohns was elected chairman by acclamation.
Daniel Lorenz was elected secretary pro tem, to serve at times of absence of the Secretary of the Synod.
The commission also considered the need for a vice-chairman. George Gude nominated and Neely Owen
seconded the nomination of Philip Esala, who was elected to that position.
The commission considered the need for a representative to serve on the Commission on Handbook, and
it was agreed that Chairman Sohns will serve in that capacity.
The commission also considered the need for the appointment of a representative for the task force to be
convened by the President as required pursuant to 2010 convention Res. 8-07, “To Study Future District
Function and Configuration.” Although the President has not yet called for the formation of this task
force, the commission considered the need for making this appointment at this time. After discussion, the
commission determined to select Chairman Wilbert Sohns as its representative.
23. Orientation and review of CCM Internal Governing Documents
The chairman conducted a general orientation for the benefit of the new members of the commission,
which included a detailed review of the commission’s internal governing documents. Suggestions for
additions or changes to those documents will be considered in the future.
Daniel Lorenz, Secretary pro tem
Secretary Raymond Hartwig joined the meeting as the chairman continued the orientation session. The
content of the appendices to the commission’s internal governing documents was noted, giving particular
attention to the principles of interpretation that the commission uses to arrive at its opinions.
24. 2010 Handbook and Constitutional Amendments Reports
Secretary Hartwig provided copies of the 2010 Handbook to the members of the commission and reported
that Concordia Publishing House has begun mailing copies to all members of the Synod. He also reported
that the process of receiving and tabulating constitutional amendment ballots is underway, to be
completed on March 15.