LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — May 11–13, 2012, Page 15

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[WJS1]Bylaw 5.54:

The final phrase of this bylaw should be deleted, leaving the bylaw to read:
“The job descriptions for these positions shall be prepared by the district president in consultation
with the board of directors.”
Bylaw 7.11: This bylaw would provide opportunity to add a reference to the forum’s opportunity
to submit suggestions for triennial mission and ministry emphases for the Synod, to be forwarded
via overture to the district convention.
Bylaw 7.13: The final phrase of this bylaw should also reference the Synod: “…in order to share
the hopes and needs of the circuit, the district, and the Synod.
Bylaw 7.21: This bylaw as stated is incorrect regarding the composition of circuit forums (see
Synod Bylaws 5.3.2; 3.1.2.1 [c]) and its first sentences should read: “Each circuit forum shall
consist of the pastor and one lay member from each congregation of the circuit. The circuit lay
delegate to the Synod convention shall function as an advisory member” (Synod Bylaw 3.1.2.2).
Bylaw 7.22: This bylaw can be deleted, as it is inaccurate (see Synod Bylaw 5.3.2 [c]) and
unnecessary (see proposed wording for district Bylaw 7.24, here following).
Bylaw 7.24: The circuit counselor is more than a resource to the circuit forum. This bylaw will
more accurately read: “The circuit counselor shall ordinarily serve as the chairman of the circuit
forum, providing….”
Bylaw 8.11: The reference to “two pastors” may not be accurate if the more general “ordained
ministers” is intended.
Bylaw 8.12: The Synod’s Bylaws do not require that the district review the constitutions of
auxiliary organizations. They do require the review of congregations’ bylaws in addition to their
constitutions.
Bylaw 8.13: In light of Synod Bylaw 2.2.1 (b), this bylaw will more accurately read: “The
Committee on Constitutions shall examine the constitution and bylaws of congregations to
ascertain that they are in harmony with Holy Scripture, the Confessions, and the teachings and
practices of the Synod in order that any necessary changes may be made by the congregation
before the application is acted upon.”
Bylaw section 8.0 Standing Committees: This section would be an appropriate place to include a
bylaw provision for the district committee or board for stewardship required by Synod Bylaw
section 4.6.
Bylaw 8.14: This bylaw will more accurately read: “If at any time there is a disagreement
between the committee and a congregation applying for membership on any scriptural doctrine or
Synod policy that cannot be resolved by the district president or board of directors, and if the
board of directors denies the application, the district president shall submit the application to the
next convention of the district (Synod Bylaw 2.3.1 [c]).
Bylaw 10.1: This bylaw will more accurately read: “The Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod
and the rules contained in the current edition….”
Bylaws 12.11 and 12.12: Both of these bylaws should have the following statement added to
them: “Prior review and approval by the Commission on Constitutional Matters will be required.
When prior approval is not possible, actions taken will not become effective until and unless such
approval has been obtained.”

137. Eastern District Bylaws Review (12-2639)
With an April 26, 2012 email, the president of the Eastern District explained that a comprehensive review
of the district’s Bylaws is underway in preparation for the 2015 district convention, and that the district is
requesting approval at this time only of the proposed amendment to the portion of the Bylaws governing
the election of circuit counselors. The commission reviewed the specific bylaw submitted for review,
“Part IV, C, 2.03,” and herewith grants its approval pending changes to paragraphs (a) and (b) as follows
(proposed wording underscored):
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