LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — July 7–8, 2011, Page 3

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consultation with the Commission on Constitutional Matters…to revise the Handbook of the Synod
immediately after each convention to bring it into harmony with the resolutions and changes adopted by
the convention” (Bylaw 3.9.4.2 [b]). Since the following are not substantial changes but only bring the
pertinent bylaws into harmony with 2010 convention actions, the following resolution was introduced and
adopted:
Resolved, That the 2010 Handbook of the Synod be revised to incorporate the following changes
after consultation with the Commission on Constitutional Matters:
•
•
•

In Bylaw 2.12.1.4, correct the reference in line 4 to the “Office of National Mission” to
read instead “Office of International Mission”
In Bylaw 3.4.3.2, insert in line 1 after “Chief Mission Officer” the words adopted by
amendment by the convention: “shall be a minister of religion—ordained and”
In Bylaw 4.5.1 (c), correct the reference in line 3 to “Bylaws 3.3.5ff” to read instead
“Bylaws 3.3.4ff”

These changes, after consultation with the Commission on Constitutional Matters and taking into
consideration any input received, will be reflected in electronic versions of the Handbook on the Synod’s
Website.
6. 2010 Resolutions 8-30B (02.07.11.[1]) and 8-32B (03.07.11[1])
The commission briefly noted the content of 2010 Resolutions 8-30B “To Study Article VI of Synod’s
Constitution” and 8-32B “To Study Article VII of Synod’s Constitution” and its responsibility in both
cases, “That following the study, the Commission on Handbook, in consultation and concurrences with
the synod President, the Commission on Constitutional Matters, and the Council of Presidents, submit a
proposal to clarify and affirm or amend” the articles in question to the next convention of the Synod. The
secretary was asked to provide copies of both resolutions to the members of the commission.
Noting that its responsibilities await earlier synodwide studies of the subject matters, and given the
passage of time with the 2013 convention now two years hence, the commission agreed that its chairman,
in consultation with the secretary, write a letter to the President of the Synod expressing its willingness to
assist however possible in meeting the expectations of the convention resolutions.
7. 2010 Omnibus Resolution re Overture 8-80 (04.07.11[1])
The commission reviewed 2010 Ov. 8-80 “To Amend Bylaws 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 re Amendments to Bylaws”
submitted to the convention by the former Commission on Structure. It was agreed that reference should
be made to the role of the Commission on Handbook in paragraph (c) of Bylaw 7.1.1, mirroring existing
language already in Bylaw 3.9.4.2 (a). A draft of a proposed amendment to Bylaw 7.1.1 (c) will be
prepared by a member of the commission for consideration at the next meeting.
8. 2010 Resolution 8-05B (05.07.11[1])
The commission reviewed 2010 Res. 8-05B “To Elect Delegates to the Synod Convention,” noting that
this resolution was specifically referred to the Commission on Handbook by the convention and will
require a response. After discussion, the secretary was asked to provide copies of the content pertaining to
this issue from the Final Report of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance.
Research material considered by the task force will also be provided by a member of the commission who
served on the task force, with updates provided as possible.
Page 3 – 07.07 to 07.08.11 – COH Minutes