LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 10–12, 2012, Page 8

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Bylaw 1.09, paragraph a: See Synod Bylaw 4.1.1.2 for wording that is more reflective of the
Synod’s intent in its bylaw.
Bylaw 1.11, paragraph a: The final reference to the Synod’s Handbook would be clearer if it read
“Bylaws chapter 2.” Regarding paragraph b, see Synod Bylaw 4.1.2 for wording that is more
reflective of the Synod’s intent with its bylaw.
Bylaw 1.13: The parenthetical reference to several Synod bylaws should also include reference
to Bylaw 1.7. Under paragraph a, the specific mention of “professors” in a listing of Synod
member categories is unnecessary and confusing, since professors who are members of the Synod
are already included under the Synod’s listings of ministers of religion.
Bylaw 2.13: The reference to Robert’s Rules of Order should specify the most recent edition,
since new editions are published periodically, the latest being the eleventh.
Section 2 heading, “Circuit Forums”: The parenthetical reference to the Synod’s bylaws
regarding circuit forums should list Bylaw section 5.3 rather than Bylaw 5.3.1.
Bylaw 2.17: This bylaw will need to be reworded to distinguish between visitation circuit forums
and electoral circuit forums as in Synod Bylaws 3.1.2, 5.3.1, and 5.3.3. In addition, it should be
noted that both voting delegates (not only the lay delegate) serve for three years as advisory
members (not voting members) of the circuit forum (Synod Bylaw 3.1.2.2). It should also be
noted that the duties of visitation circuit forums include, as of the 2010 Synod convention, the
selection of circuit counselors and the discussion and forwarding to district conventions of
triennial Synod mission and ministry emphases suggestions.
Bylaw 2.27: The district may want to make its paragraph more comprehensive by noting the
additional functions for circuit convocations included in Synod Bylaw 5.4.2 or at least
referencing the bylaw.
Bylaws 2.29 and 2.31: References to “pastors” and “teachers” conferences should be changed to
use the Synod’s terminology “ordained” and “commissioned” in order to make clear that
members on those rosters not specifically active pastors or classroom teachers are also to be
included.
Bylaw 2.35: The parenthetical reference to Synod Bylaws should also include Bylaw section 4.3.
Under paragraph a, the wording should be changed to reflect Synod Bylaw 4.3.1, which speaks of
the election of district officers “from the clergy roster of the Synod.”
Bylaw 2.43: The general provisions for boards, councils, and committees should also include
mention of their responsibility to promote the triennial mission and ministry emphases of the
Synod.
Bylaw 2.67: There is no mention of tenure of the officers of the district other than the district
president, which leaves the matter uncertain. Under paragraph c, because the Bylaws of the
Synod are primarily the bylaws of its districts, it is advisable for the district to follow Synod
Bylaw 3.2.4.2 (b) with regard to service for less than a full term. Under paragraph d, Synod
Bylaw 1.10.10.1 no longer limits the service of reconcilers to two six-year terms.
Bylaw 2.71, paragraph e: It should also be noted that the district president also reports to the
President of the Synod.
Bylaw 2.75, paragraph a: The title “Theologian” is not a Synod Bylaws designation and should
be replaced with “Ecclesiastical Supervisor.” Under paragraph c, item 6, the district president is
also responsible for the roster of member congregations of the Synod in his district. The
commission recommends, since this bylaw does not iterate all of the district president’s duties,
that reference be made to Synod Constitution Art. XII as well as Bylaw section 4.4.
Bylaw 2.81, paragraph a: The nomination and election of Vice-presidents of the district cannot
be limited to called pastors of congregations of the district but may be from the entire clergy
roster (Bylaw 4.3.1). Accordingly, consent to serve must also include consent to relocate as
necessary to fulfill the expectations of the office (Bylaw 4.3.3).
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