LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — August 10–12, 2012, Page 2

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149. Review of Concordia University System Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (11-2602)
In response to a May 8, 2012, emailed request, the interim Executive Director of Concordia University
System provided the current Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Concordia University System for
review. Upon review, the commission offers the following recommendations.
Regarding the Articles of Incorporation:
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Under Article Fourth, paragraph b: The final phrase should read, “…which are not contrary to the
Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod, subject to the general policies of the Synod.”
Under Article Sixth: This paragraph must incorporate, if not the wording of 2004 Res. 4-11, then
the spirit of said resolution.
Under Article Eighth: In the first paragraph, the reference in the first line to the members of the
corporation will need to be changed from “eleven” to “ten.” Similarly in the third paragraph, the
number of boards of regents will need to be changed from “ten” to “nine,” due to the affiliation of
Concordia University Ann Arbor with Concordia University Wisconsin.
Under Article Ninth: The second paragraph must include reference to the requirement of Synod
Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3 that the Commission on Constitutional Matters is to provide advance approval of
any proposed changes to the Articles of Incorporation.

Regarding the Bylaws:
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Prior to Article I: The commission suggests consideration of the addition of a Preamble section to
the Bylaws identifying the purpose of Concordia University System and its relationship to the
Synod, giving consideration to the content of Synod Bylaw 3.6.6.
Under Article I: In the first paragraph of Section 1, the reference in the first line to the members
of the corporation will need to be changed from “eleven” to “ten.” Similarly in the third
paragraph, the number of boards of regents will need to be changed from “ten” to “nine.”
Under Article I: In the paragraph under Section 2, it will be helpful to clarify that the reference in
the second sentence is to the “Concordia University System Board of Directors.” In the same
sentence, reference to “telegraphed” could be updated to reflect today’s other forms of
communication suitable for this purpose.
Under Article I: In the paragraph under Section 3 and in accordance with the commission’s
earlier suggestion in opinion 06-2472, a statement might be added that will allow for the
provision of notice regarding upcoming business meetings by email.
Under Article II: In the first paragraph under Section 6, the number of colleges and universities
must again be changed from “ten” to “nine.” The same change will also be necessary in
subparagraph g.
Under Article V: As previously recommended in opinion 06-2472 and as already instructed under
Article Ninth of the Articles of Incorporation above, the second paragraph must include reference
to Synod Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3 and the responsibility of the Commission on Constitutional Matters to
provide advance approval to proposed bylaw changes.

150. Request for Update of Guidelines for Congregations’ Constitutions and Bylaws (12-2641)
In a letter dated April 26, 2012, the chairman of the Minnesota South District Constitution and
Membership Committee reported that his committee had petitioned the Commission on Constitutional
Matters to update its “Guidelines for Constitutions and Bylaws of Lutheran Congregations,” specifically
to amend guidelines 6.1, 6.2 and 10.0 to conform with Synod convention actions.
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