LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — April 26–27, 2012, Page 4

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(e) Upon formal adoption of the revised proposed constitution and/or bylaws, the
congregation shall provide to the district a dated copy of the action taken accompanied by a
copy of the dated revised constitution and bylaws.
(f) Until a congregation formally adopts a revised constitution and/or bylaws using this
process, the existing constitution and bylaws shall remain in effect for all purposes.
23. Circuit Counselor Nominations and Elections (11-013)
Chairman Tresch reported that he has communicated with the chairman of the Council of Presidents to
obtain input regarding questions pertaining to circuit counselor nominations and elections, including how
the nominations process is intended to work and whether circuit counselors must be pastors or members
of circuit congregations in order to hold office.
24. Visitation Circuit Forums and Electoral Circuit Meetings (11-015)
Walter Rosin led discussion of possible bylaw changes to provide clarification of terminology in current
Bylaws 3.1.2 and 5.3.3 regarding visitation circuit forums and electoral circuit meetings. After discussion,
it was agreed that this item along with 11-008 and 11-022 will be deferred until 11-005 has been
addressed.
25. Required Background Checks for LCEF Board Candidates (11-016)
The nominations/elections process during the 2010 convention was complicated by the requirement of
background checks for candidates for positions on the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Church
Extension Fund—Missouri Synod. The same concern exists when nominations are made from the floor of
the convention. Ron Schultz provided a draft of a proposed 2013 convention overture which, following
several minor changes, was approved for submission to the convention, as follows:
To Require Background Checks for LCEF Board of Directors Candidates
Background:
The Lutheran Church Extension Fund—Missouri Synod Board of Directors members are required to
successfully pass a background check prior to being seated on the board. At the 2010 Synod
convention, the nomination process provided by Synod Bylaws 3.12.3.6ff was followed and
background checks were completed for the candidates for the offices.
During the convention, however, as allowed by Bylaws 3.12.3.7ff, floor nominations were received,
prompting questions regarding how the background check requirement was to be satisfied in their
regard.
Proposed Resolution:
WHEREAS, Certain positions within the LCMS may have regulatory requirements that the person
filling the position must successfully pass a background check; and
WHEREAS, These requirements traditionally have been managed during the nominations process,
resulting in a slate of candidates that complies with the background check requirement when
necessary; and
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