LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 23, 2013, Page 18

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(Bylaw 1.10.10)
Rationale
Regarding the service of district reconcilers, current Bylaw 1.10.10 limits the selection of ministers of
religion—ordained to “pastors,” (parish pastors actively serving congregations of the Synod), thereby
removing from consideration all other ordained ministers. The same concern exists in Bylaws 1.10.13.1
and 1.10.15.1. The Commission on Handbook proposes the following bylaw changes.
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
1.10.10

Within three months after conventions of the Synod, each district board of directors shall
appoint a district roster of four reconcilers (ministers of religion—ordained, ministers of
religion—commissioned, and laypersons), no more than two of whom shall be pastors ordained
ministers, from a list supplied by the circuit counselors of the district.

1.10.13.1 Each Dispute Resolution Panel shall consist of three voting members, at least one of whom
shall be a pastorminister of religion—ordained and one a layperson.
1.10.15.1 Each Review Panel shall consist of three voting members, at least one of whom shall be a
pastorminister of religion—ordained, and at least one a layperson.

(E) Reappointment of Hearing Facilitators
(Bylaw 1.10.12)
Rationale
Current Bylaws 1.10.12 – 1.10.12.3, which speak of the appointment and service of hearing
facilitators, do not address the question of reappointment after terms of service of six years. The
Commission on Handbook proposes the following addition to Bylaw 1.10.12 to address this issue.
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
1.10.12

After the training of the reconcilers and in consultation with the appropriate district presidents,
the Secretary of the Synod shall identify 25 of the reconcilers who exhibit skills in the proper
conduct of a fair and impartial hearing to comprise the Synod’s roster of hearing facilitators,
who shall be trained for such purpose.
(a) The term of service shall be six years, renewable without limit. Within three months
after conventions of the Synod, the Secretary of the Synod shall contact those hearing
facilitators whose terms have been completed to learn of their availability and willingness
to continue for an additional term.
(b) Any vacancies for an unexpired term or resulting from a decision not to continue at the
end of a term of service shall be filled in the same manner as described above as needed
and as requested by the Secretary of the Synod.

(F) Removal of Reconcilers from Office
(New Bylaw 1.10.10.4)
Rationale
Page 88 – 02.23.13 – COH Minutes