LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 23, 2013, Page 26

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district positions rightly belong to the district convention, the Commission on Handbook proposes the
following amendments to Bylaws 4.7.1–4.7.3.
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING
4.7.1

Each district may adopt regulations for the nomination and election of its president; the
nomination, selection, election, and ranking, of its vice-presidents; and the succession in case of
vacancies of its vice-presidents; and the nomination or selection of any regional officers or
regional board of directors members, as long as these provisions do not conflict with the Bylaws
of the Synod.

4.7.2

A nominating committee of each district shall be elected by the district convention. Nominating
committees may not be employed in the election of the president, and vice-presidents, and
regional board of director positions.

4.7.3

A majority of all votes cast by a district convention shall be required in every election to all
elective offices and elective board positions….
(E) Revision of Congregations’ Constitutions and Bylaws
(Bylaw 2.4.1)

Rationale
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.
Page 96 – 02.23.13 – COH Minutes