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

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out the resolutions of the Synod as well as the district. Paragraph f should include mention of not
only the Constitution but also the Bylaws of the Synod. And paragraph g should be clarified as to
whether the district president is a voting or non-voting ex officio member of the commissions and
committees of the district.
Bylaw 2.24, paragraph a: This paragraph must also include reference to Synod Bylaw section
1.5.2, which contains the conflict of interest policy and practice for all agencies of the Synod
including districts.
Bylaw 2.30, paragraph a: It should be clarified that the district may call missionaries-at-large and
place them in new mission fields within the district. Under paragraph b: The reference to circuit
counselors as “executors of the board of directors” is foreign to the Synod’s Bylaws. Synod
Bylaw 5.2 provides the duties of circuit counselors, who assist the district president within the
circuit. Under paragraph d, mention should also be made of the Constitution, Bylaws, and
resolutions of the Synod.
Bylaw 2.33, paragraph b i: The second-last sentence is incorrect insofar as approval of a
congregation’s constitution and bylaws is the responsibility solely of the district board of
directors. Under paragraph ii, the second sentence should be changed to more accurately read:
“Upon favorable action by the district board of directors, the congregation shall be notified that
the changes have been approved and that the congregation may function under the new or
changed constitution and bylaws without jeopardizing its good standing in the Synod.” Under
paragraph iv, mention should also be made of the committee’s responsibility to submit district
handbook changes to the Commission on Constitutional Matters for review prior to their
submission for district convention action.
Bylaws 2.34 and 2.35: It is unclear what is intended with the use of the terms “pastors” and
“teachers.” The commission again advises that the district use the terminology and definitions
provided by the Synod in its Handbook.
Bylaws 2.40, paragraph b, and 2.41, paragraph a: Synod Bylaw 4.7.2 does not allow participation
of the district nominating committee in the nominating/election process of the district president.
Bylaw 2.45, paragraph a: Synod Bylaw 4.3.1 requires that circuit counselors are to be elected
from the clergy roster of the Synod, understanding that consent to serve must also include consent
to relocate if necessary. It should also be noted that Synod Bylaw 4.4.4 (a) gives responsibility for
official visits to district presidents. They may call upon circuit counselors to assist with these
triennial visitations.
Bylaw 2.46, paragraph c: As it presently reads, this bylaw is unclear as to who is responsible for
filling a vacancy on the nominating committee.
Bylaw 2.47, paragraph a: Two clarifications are in order: (1) the district secretary may be
nominated from the entire clergy roster of the Synod (Synod Bylaw 4.3.1); and (2) the election of
a member of the Synod’s Committee for Convention Nominations takes place every other
convention as designated by the Secretary of the Synod (Synod Bylaw 3.12.3.3).
Bylaw 3.04, paragraph a: It should be clarified that each congregation is to be represented by its
pastor and one lay member designated by the congregation. Under paragraph c v, mention should
also be made of the functions of the circuit forum to elect circuit counselors and to discuss and
recommend triennial mission and ministry emphases to the district convention (Bylaw 4.2.1 [d]).
Under paragraph d, it should be clarified that a visitation circuit forum also functions as an
electoral circuit forum to elect delegates to the Synod convention unless there is a need to
combine with an adjacent visitation circuit to satisfy Synod requirements for electoral circuits.
Bylaw 5.01: The correct names for the two mission offices of the Synod are the Office of
National Mission and the Office of International Mission.
Bylaw 13.01: Under “a,” the words “and Bylaws of the Synod” should be added after
“Constitution.” Under “b,” the end of the statement should read “for review and prior approval.”
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