LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 2–4, 2012, Page 29

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7.0 AMENDMENTS
It is essential that provision be made in the bylaws for amending the bylaws. Congregations which revise their
bylaws must also submit these proposed changes for review by their district’s constitution committee. Upon
favorable action by the district board of directors, the congregation shall be notified that the changes are
acceptable to the Synod, and the congregation may proceed with formal adoption of the revised bylaws, and
remain a member in good standing of the Synod.
Example:
“These bylaws may be amended in a properly convened meeting of the voters assembly.
7.1 Amendments shall be adopted by a majority of all votes cast, provided the proposed change has been
announced in a previous meeting or has been submitted in writing at least two weeks prior to the
meeting to all communicant members.
7.2 The revised bylaws shall, as a condition of continued membership in good standing of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod, must be submitted to the president of the district for review by the district’s
constitution committee and favorable action by the district’s board of directors before being adopted by
the congregation.”

175. District Articles of Incorporation Template
The commission continued its work on a template for use by districts in reviewing their articles of
incorporation. The commission has delayed its own review of district articles of incorporation pending
final preparation of the template.
176. Other Agenda Items
Chairman Sohns led the commission in a review and discussion of other items listed on the agenda of the
meeting, as follows.
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A request for an opinion regarding “close” v. “closed” communion has been deferred and awaits
further input from the pastor making the request (12-2654).
A request for an opinion regarding “women’s service in congregations” was removed from
pending business given the lack of response to requests for further input.
The commission reviewed inaccuracies found in the 2010 Handbook, already corrected or in the
process of being corrected on the Synod’s Internet site.
The commission discussed its 2013 convention report and will be making suggestions regarding
its content to Chairman Sohns.
The commission discussed carrying out its responsibility for reviewing reports, overtures, and
resolutions before the 2013 convention.
Secretary Hartwig reported that work continues on the Council of Presidents Policy Manual,
which will be submitted to the commission for its review as work on portions of the manual is
completed.
Chairman Sohns provided a report of the activity of the Commission on Handbook, of which he is
a member as the representative of the Commission on Constitutional Matters.
The commission briefly discussed future revisions of the dispute resolution and expulsion
standard operating procedures manuals in light of its recent opinions.
Chairman Sohns provided a brief progress report of the work of the Res. 8-07 Task Force which
is looking into possible district realignment.

177. Pending Agenda Items
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Concordia Historical Institute Policy Manual Review [08-2523]
336