LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — January 25–26, 2013, Page 19

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

Confusion exists regarding the implementation of Bylaw 2.4.1 (d) after congregations have submitted
their constitutions and bylaws to district constitution committees for review. Some congregations
formally adopt new or revised documents before receiving approval by the district board of directors,
while others only do so after receiving approval. Still others adopt new or revised documents with the
understanding that they will not be effective until approval is received from the district board of directors.
The Commission on Handbook proposes the following bylaw changes to provide clarification and
consistency of practice.
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
2.4.1 A congregation desiring to retain membership in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod shall
continue to have a constitution and bylaws approved by the Synod.
(a) A member congregation which desires to revises its constitution and/or bylaws or adopts a
new constitution or bylaws shall, as a condition toof continued eligibility as a member of the
Synod, submit sucha proposed, revised or new constitution and/or revised bylaws to the
district president.
(b) The district president shall refer such to the district’s constitution committee for review, to
ascertain that the provisions are in harmony with the Holy Scripture, the Confessions, and the
teachings and practices of the Synod.
(c) Upon advice of the constitution committee and recommendation by the district president,
the district board of directors shall determine if the changes are acceptable to the Synod.
(d) Upon favorable action by the district board of directors, the congregation shall be notified
that the changes are acceptable to the Synod, and that the congregation may proceed with
formal adoption of the revised constitution and/or bylaws, and remain is entitled to continue to
function as a member of the Synod in good standing of the Synodunder the new or changed
constitution or bylaws.
(e) Upon formal adoption of the revised proposed constitution and/or bylaws, the congregation
shall provide to the district a dated copy of the action taken accompanied by a copy of the
dated revised constitution and bylaws.
(f) Until a congregation formally adopts a revised constitution and/or bylaws using this
process, the existing constitution and bylaws shall remain in effect for all purposes.

(E) District Stewardship Board/Committee Requirement
(Bylaw 4.6.1)
Rationale
As a result of structural changes adopted by the 2010 convention, the Synod Bylaw 4.6 requirement that
each district must elect or appoint a committee or board for stewardship to relate to the Synod’s
“Department of Stewardship” begs attention, there no longer being such a department on the Synod level
and very likely no longer such boards or committees in some districts. At the same time, it is beneficial
for the Synod and its districts to continue their interest and cooperation in the development and promotion
of stewardship programs on the district level. The Commission on Handbook proposes the following
amendments to Synod Bylaw 4.6.1to advocate the continuance of such a presence on the district level.
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
4.6 District Committees or Boards forStewardship Promotion
Page 46 – 01.25 to 01.26.13 – COH Minutes