LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — October 11-13, 2013, Page 1

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MINUTES
COMMISSION ON HANDBOOK
Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel, St. Louis, MO
October 11-13, 2013

1. Call to Order and Opening Devotion
Acting Chairman Gordon Tresch called the meeting to order and called on Ron Schultz, devotion leader
for the meeting, for an opening devotion. All members of the commission attended the meeting.
2. Election of Officers
Due to the late arrival of Albert Marcis, the election of the commission’s officers for the 2013–2016
triennium was delayed to allow for his participation. When the chair called attention to the need to elect
officers, a motion to have the 2010–2013 officers continue for the current triennium was introduced and
carried. Gordon Tresch will continue to serve as chairman, Marvin Temme as vice-chairman, and
Raymond Hartwig as secretary.
3. Review of Proposed 2013 Synod Handbook
The commission spent nearly the entire meeting reviewing the draft document provided by Secretary
Raymond Hartwig. The document with changes in place will be forwarded to the Commission on
Constitutional Matters to allow it to fulfill its consultation responsibility (Bylaw 3.9.4.2 [b]).
During the commission’s review, it was noted that changes to bylaws governing Concordia University
System faculties (Bylaws 3.10.5.6ff.) have resulted in the removal of bylaws from the Handbook that
have served as the basis for the Standard Operating Procedures Manual for Dispute Resolution, now
referenced in Bylaws 3.10.5.6.1 and 3.10.5.6.4.2. The secretary of the commission was asked to write a
letter to the Concordia University System Board of Directors calling attention to this concern and
suggesting that it be addressed by that board (letter attached to the protocol copy of these minutes).
3. 2013 Convention Res. 6-16A
The commission spent time discussing its anticipated role as required by 2013 Rev. 6-16A “To Encourage
Conversation and Education re Commission on Constitutional Matters Opinions,” in particular the
resolution’s second resolve: “Resolved, That the Synod President convene the Commission on
Constitutional Matters, Commission on Handbook, and representatives of the Council of Presidents to
discuss making the Commission on Constitutional Matters a more integrated servant of the Synod, to
offer suggested bylaw changes to the next convention, and to effectuate such changes.” The commission
offered a number of encouragements to the Commission on Constitutional Matters’ representatives on the
Commission on Handbook, also suggesting that the anticipated meeting convened by the President of the
Synod take place early in 2014.
4. Commission on Handbook Portal Training
The remainder of the meeting was spent in a review of the content and use of the Commission on
Handbook’s Portal led by Ron Schultz, this to support the intended increased use of the Portal by the
commission for document reference and discussion during the 2013–2016 triennium.