LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — April 26–27, 2012, Page 3

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draft for an overture to the 2013 convention addressing this matter which, after discussion and several
changes and additions, was approved by the commission as follows:
To Amend Bylaw 2.4.1 re Revisions of Congregations’ Constitutions and Bylaws
WHEREAS, Confusion exists regarding the process by which a congregation may adopt a new or
revised constitution and/or bylaws; and
WHEREAS, Some congregations formally adopt such new or revised documents before approval
by the district board of directors; and
WHEREAS, Some congregations formally adopt new or revised documents only after approval by
the district board of directors; and
WHEREAS, Some congregations adopt new or revised documents before approval by the district
board of directors, with the condition that they will not be effective until approval by the district
board of directors; and
WHEREAS, The lack of uniformity of practice in this matter not only causes confusion but also
presents uncertainty as to which constitution and bylaws govern a congregation at any given point in
time during the revision or adoption process; therefore be it
Resolved, That Bylaw 2.4.1 be amended as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
2.4.1

A congregation desiring to retain membership in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
shall continue to have a constitution and bylaws approved by the Synod.
(a) A member congregation which desires to revises its constitution and/or bylaws or adopts a
new constitution or bylaws shall, as a condition toof continued eligibility as a member of the
Synod, submit sucha proposed, revised or new constitution and/or revised bylaws to the
district president.
(b) The district president shall refer such to the district’s constitution committee for review, to
ascertain that the provisions are in harmony with the Holy Scripture, the Confessions, and the
teachings and practices of the Synod.
(c) Upon advice of the constitution committee and recommendation by the district president,
the district board of directors shall determine if the changes are acceptable to the Synod.
(d) Upon favorable action by the district board of directors, the congregation shall be notified
that the changes are acceptable to the Synod, and that the congregation may proceed with
formal adoption of the revised constitution and/or bylaws, and remain is entitled to continue
to function as a member of the Synod in good standing of the Synodunder the new or changed
constitution or bylaws.

Page 12 – 04.26 to 04.27.12 – COH Minutes