LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — April 26–27, 2012, Page 7

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28. Removal of Reconcilers from Office (12-030)
Secretary Hartwig surfaced a new issue for the commission, i.e., the absence of a provision in the Bylaws
for the removal of district-appointed reconcilers for the Synod’s dispute resolution process (Synod Bylaw
section 1.10). During discussion, it was recommended by consensus that a proposal be prepared for the
2013 convention to add bylaw wording that will allow removal of reconcilers for cause. The Secretary
was asked to write a draft for a proposed overture.
29. Right of Suspended Individual Members to a Hearing before a Final Hearing Panel (12-031)
Secretary Hartwig spoke of a recent Bylaw section 2.14 expulsion proceeding in which the suspended
church worker intentionally failed to attend the hearing he requested to appeal his suspension and
expulsion from the Synod. It was agreed that such failure of the accused to participate in a Bylaw 2.14.7
hearing removes the right for a second hearing by a Final Hearing Panel. The Secretary was asked to
write a draft for a proposed overture, applying the same principle to Bylaw sections 2.15, 2.16, and 2.17.
30. Safety of Participants in the Dispute Resolution and Expulsion Processes (12-032)
The discussion of 12-031 above led to discussion of the safety of panel members and witnesses in the
Synod’s dispute resolution and expulsion processes when a party to a dispute demonstrates behavior that
causes concern for the safety of participants in the process. After discussion, this agenda item was tabled
by the commission.
31. 2010 Resolutions 8-30B and 8-32B (11-002)
Chairman Tresch again reported on this communication with the President’s Office, with the
understanding that the commission’s responsibilities articulated in 2010 Resolutions 8-30B and 8-32B
must necessarily wait until earlier requirements of the resolutions have been completed.
32. Bylaw Section 2.12: District Membership/Ecclesiastical Supervision (12-027)
Bylaw section 2.12 governing district membership and ecclesiastical supervision of individual members
of the Synod as it pertains to various kinds of church workers was discussed. Ron Schultz was asked to
attend to this issue and bring a proposal to the next meeting of the commission.
33. Convention Expenses for CTCR and COH Members (12-028)
Secretary Hartwig noted that although Bylaw 3.1.4.1 (b) now requires the attendance of members of the
Commission on Handbook and Commission on Theology and Church Relations, they are not included in
the listing by Bylaw 3.1.9 (e) of those whose expenses are included in the operating cost of the
convention. He was asked to prepare a draft of a proposed overture for the commission’s consideration at
its next meeting.
34. Criteria for Board Service (12-029)
After discussion of the need to update Bylaw 3.12.3.4 (b) to be more inclusive, Richard Nuffer was asked
to draft a proposal for consideration at the commission’s next meeting.

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