LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — May 11–13, 2012, Page 9

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teacher” are synonymous, referring to one category of “commissioned ministers” or “ministers of
religion–commissioned,” which is the general category that includes directors of Christian
education, deaconesses, etc. (3) The term “layman” refers not only to voting lay members of a
congregation but all lay members of Synod congregations. This entire section “(Explanation of
Terms)” is unnecessary and cannot remain as is, since a district cannot contradict or restrict what
the Synod determines or allows.
Bylaw 2.30, paragraph b: The commission repeats its earlier comment that the reference to
circuit counselors as “executors of the board of directors” is foreign to the Synod’s Bylaws.
According to Synod Bylaw section 5.2, the primary duty of circuit counselors is to assist the
district president with his responsibilities within the circuit. The commission advocates deleting
that phrase from the bylaw.
Bylaw 2.33, paragraph b i: The final two sentences require modification as follows: “Once a
congregation’s application for membership has been approved by the district board of directors
or, if denied by the board of directors and requested by the congregation, approved by the district
convention, a copy of its Constitution and Bylaws shall be forwarded to the secretary of the
district and retained in the district office for future reference (Synod Bylaw 2.3.2).
Bylaw 2.33, paragraph b iv: Approval by the Commission on Constitutional Matters is required
prior to submission to the district convention. The final words of the first sentence therefore must
read: “…revisions for its prior approval.”
Bylaw 2.34, paragraph a: The reference to “two pastors” will need to be changed (see comment
to Bylaw 2.02 above) to “ordained ministers.”
Bylaw 2.40, paragraph b: The reference to “committee” in the final remaining sentence will also
need to be changed to secretary of the district, as was done twice before in the paragraph.
Bylaw 2.45, paragraph a: This paragraph must be made to comply with Synod Bylaw 4.3.1
regarding the election of officers (including circuit counselors) of the district, i.e., they may be
elected from the entire clergy roster of the Synod.
Bylaw 2.47, paragraph a: A sentence should be added calling attention to Synod Bylaw 4.3.1 and
its requirement that nominations for secretary of the district (an officer position) may be made
from the entire clergy roster of the Synod.
Bylaw 3.04, paragraph a: The Commission on Constitutional Matters has clarified (Opinion 112617) that the member representing a congregation at a circuit forum must be “one lay member
designated by the congregation.”
Bylaw 13.01 b: This statement should read: “submitted to the Commission on Constitutional
Matters of the Synod for review and prior approval. Amendments not approved prior to the
convention shall not take effect until approved by the commission.”

With these changes, the commission gives its approval to the Bylaws of the Central Illinois 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 adoption by the district convention.
130. Mid-South District Bylaws Review (11-2624 [A])
Upon receipt of the latest submission of the Mid-South District Bylaws following the commission’s
earlier review, final attention was given to the documents. The Bylaws and proposed amendments stand
approved by the commission. The district is requested to provide a clean copy with all changes in place to
the Office of the Secretary of the Synod following the district convention.

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