LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 10–12, 2012, Page 16

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Bylaw D1.53, paragraph a: Although the wording used echoes Synod Bylaw 3.1.3.1, the
beginning of the second paragraph would more helpfully read, “One advisory delegate shall be
elected for every….” since it is the advisory members themselves who do the selecting and not
the district per se (Synod Bylaw 3.1.3.1).
Bylaw D2.05, paragraph e: Since convention committees do more than “study” overtures
received, it would be more accurate to speak of the committees “processing of reports and
overtures.”
Bylaw D2.29, paragraph k: It should be clarified whether the president, as an ex officio member
of all committees, is a voting or non-voting member of those committees.
Bylaws D2.71ff.: Since several bylaw numbers between D2.70 and D2.79 are not being used,
using one of those numbers and renumbering subsequent paragraphs would make unnecessary the
use of the number D2.2710, which can be confusing.
Bylaw D2.73: Reference should be made to Synod Bylaw 1.5.7 for the process to be followed in
removing board members from office.
Bylaw D2.127, paragraph b: According to Synod Bylaw 4.7.3, the process for electing the
president of the district is to be different from that described in district Bylaw D2.125. The
process normally used for the election of the president is the process described in Synod Bylaw
3.12.2.4 (b) for the election of the First Vice-President of the Synod.
Bylaw D2.133, paragraph a, subparagraphs 2 and 3: According to Synod Bylaw 4.3.1, district
officers such as vice-presidents are to be nominated and elected from the clergy roster of the
entire Synod, not just the pertinent region. Accordingly, consent to serve if elected must also
include agreement to relocate as necessary to fulfill the requirements of the office.
Bylaw D3.31: The district president, district vice-presidents, and secretary should be added to
“circuit counselor” as offices to which the bylaw’s one-year membership-in-the-district limitation
does not apply, since all may be elected from the entire clergy roster of the Synod (Synod Bylaw
4.3.1).
Bylaw D16.01, paragraph b: The words “and approval” should be added after the word “review,”
which rules out the possibility of proposals for bylaw amendments being made from the floor of
the convention.

101. New Jersey District Bylaws and Bylaw Amendments Review (12-2629)
With a February 4, 2012 email, the secretary of the New Jersey District submitted resolutions proposing
amendments to the district’s Bylaws as well as the current bylaws for review. Upon careful review, the
commission calls attention to the following concerns in the bylaw change proposals.
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Bylaw 3.1.4: This proposed change to the position of president will require additional change to
reflect Synod Bylaws 4.3.1 and 4.3.3 which allow for nominations and elections from the entire
clergy roster of the Synod. Consent to serve by nominees outside the district must include consent
to relocate to satisfy Synod Bylaw 4.3.3 if elected.
Bylaw 6.10, paragraph a: The proposed wording does not take into consideration the triennial
synodwide mission and ministry emphases that were introduced by the 2010 convention, which
synodwide emphases should contribute to the determination of the district’s triennial emphases.

The commission also made use of the opportunity to review the existing Bylaws of the New Jersey
District and made the following recommendations.
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Bylaw 2.03, paragraph a: If the words “shall stand accredited” intend to say that the registration
process described for lay delegates in paragraph b does not pertain to pastors, new wording will
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