LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 18-20, 2011, Page 3

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extensively, taking care that what is included in this paragraph accurately tracks the content
of those portions of the Synod’s Handbook (pp. 20–21, 192–195).
Under Bylaw D2.29, paragraph c, the words “and the Synod” should be added at the end of
the final sentence.
Under Bylaw D2.42, paragraph d is inaccurate in that it is the responsibility of the president
of the district, not the secretary, to keep a roster of all member congregations of the district
(Synod Bylaw 4.4.7).
Under Bylaw D2.42, paragraph g, the reference to the Handbook of the Synod requires
updating. Also, since the secretary is to be a neutral administrator of nomination procedures,
it may be best to replace “recommendations” in the final phrase with the word “nominations.”
Under Bylaw D2.42, paragraph i, lack of mention of presenting a copy to the Commission on
Constitutional Matters assumes that the commission has already had opportunity to review
the changes prior to the convention (Bylaw 3.9 .2.2.3 [a]). A copy of the updated Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws, when prepared, should be provided to the Office of the Secretary
of the Synod (Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3 [b]).
Under Bylaw D2.44, clarification that the assistant secretary is appointed by the board of
directors could be helpful.
Under Bylaw D2.71, paragraph c must now reflect the provisions of Synod Bylaws 1.5.7ff.
governing the removal of board members.
Under Bylaw D2.79, paragraph l is inaccurate compared to Synod Bylaw 2.4.1 (c) and should
reflect that the district board of directors approves congregation constitutions “upon advice of
the constitution committee and recommendation by the district president.”
Under Bylaw D2.79, paragraph n is unclear as to the identity of this “chief executive.” If this
is the president of the district, it should be noted that a district’s board of directors evaluates a
district president only regarding his administrative performance. The board does not have
supervisory/evaluative authority over a district president’s ecclesiastical duties.
Under Bylaw D16.01, mention should be made of the Synod Bylaw requirement that
amendments are to be reviewed by its Commission on Constitutional Matters (Bylaw
3.9.2.2.3 [a]).

The commission thanks the Florida-Georgia District for providing its Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws for review. It asks that it be given opportunity to review the amendments that will be proposed to
the district convention as a result of this opinion prior to their submission to the convention.
26. Council of Presidents Manual Review (09-2563)
The commission conducted a page-by-page review of the Council of Presidents Manual, noting the
extensive attention that will be required to bring the manual up-to-date with the changes made to the 2010
Synod Handbook by convention actions. The Secretary of the Synod will look for an opportunity to work
with Council of Presidents representatives to make the numerous minor cosmetic and other changes in
Bylaw references, grammatical usage, and terminology that will be required.
During its review, the commission also noted a number of more substantive issues that will require
attention as well, as follows:
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Under 1.2 (p. 1-9), the definition of “Bylaws” includes mention of “district constitution.” A
separate such document should not exist, as the Constitution of the Synod serves as the
constitution of each district (Bylaw 4.1.1.2).
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