LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — May 11–13, 2012, Page 7

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Bylaws Article V, paragraph 3: This paragraph remains unclear by confusing visitation circuit
forums and electoral circuit meetings. It will be helpful to provide separate paragraphs for each,
as follows:
3. Visitation Circuit Forums: The congregations of a visitation circuit, represented by a
pastor and one member of each congregation (Synod Bylaw 5.3.2), shall meet in circuit
forums at least once triennially to select circuit counselors (Synod Bylaw 5.2.2), to participate
in the triennial process of suggesting mission and ministry emphases to the district
convention (Synod Bylaws 5.3.4; 5.3.1 [b] [5]; 4.2.1 [b]), and to consider submitting other
overtures to the district or national conventions of the Synod (Synod Bylaw 3.1.6.2). In
addition, the forum is encouraged to meet at least two times a year to carry out other
functions as described in Synod Bylaw 5.3.1 and to pursue other interests deemed important
such as lay leadership development, teacher training, and participation under existing district
policy in future local mission development.
4. Electoral Circuit Meetings: The congregations of a visitation circuit or two adjacent
visitation circuits (Synod Bylaw 3.1.2 [a]) shall meet once triennially to carry out the
responsibility of electing delegates to the general convention of the Synod and to consider
sending overtures to the national convention (Synod Bylaw 3.1.6.2).
5. Circuit Convocations: …
Bylaws Article VI: This paragraph should read: “Changes in these Bylaws and additions thereto
may be made provided they are not contrary to the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the
Synod, have received prior approval of the Synod’s Commission on Constitutional Matters, are
presented to the congregations of the district at least thirty (30) days prior to the time they are
presented for vote, are separately considered and acted upon, and are passed by a majority of the
voting delegates at a district convention.”

The commission thanks the Kansas District for its cooperation in this review process and requests a final
clean copy of the district’s Bylaws be provided to the Office of the Secretary of the Synod following
convention action, with all adopted changes in place.
127. Indiana District Bylaws Review (11-2619 [A])
Upon receipt of the latest version of the Indiana District Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws following
the commission’s earlier review, final attention was given to the documents and the following additional
comments were offered by the commission (new wording underscored):
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Bylaw 1.11: The reference to Chapter 2 of the Synod’s Bylaws will more clearly read “Bylaws
Chapter 2.”
Bylaw 2.14, paragraph a: The reference to the electoral circuit will more clearly read: “The
electoral circuit forum shall be….”
Bylaw 2.43, paragraph a: The word “emphasis” in the new wording will more correctly read:
“…mission and ministry emphases within the district.”
Bylaw 2.45, paragraph a: The proposed words “member of the” in the first sentence will need to
be deleted.
Bylaw 2.95: The proposed lettering of the paragraphs requires correction.
Bylaw 6.21: The first Handbook reference should be “2.2.1” rather than “2.2.2.”

With these changes, the commission gives its approval to the Bylaws of the Indiana District, thanks the
district for its cooperation, and requests that a clean copy with all changes in place be provided to the
Office of the Secretary of the Synod upon their adoption by the district convention.

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