LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — December 13–14, 2013, Page 1

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MINUTES
COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel, St. Louis, MO
December 13–14, 2013

1. Call to Order/Opening Devotion
Synod Secretary Raymond Hartwig called the first meeting of the triennium of the Commission on
Constitutional Matters to order and provided an opening devotion. All members of the commission were
present: Attorney Thomas Deadrick, Rev. Dr. George Gude, Rev. Dr. Raymond Hartwig, Judge Neely
Owen, Rev. Larry Peters, and Rev. John Sias.
2. Introduction to SharePoint Site
Also present for the initial portion of the meeting were Pamela Weeke, executive assistant to the
Secretary, and Brenda Wilson, executive assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer, who provided
introductory training for the commission’s use of a SharePoint Internet site to facilitate the sharing of
documents and the conduct of its business.
3. New Member Orientation
During Secretary Hartwig’s absence from the meeting to participate in a telephone conference call,
returning members of the commission provided orientation to the new members regarding the
commission’s responsibilities and resources and role in the Synod. The commission’s servant role and
manner in which it will carry out its responsibilities and issue its responses to requests for opinions was
discussed, with plans for a revision of its governing documents in due time. Several points were
emphasized during the review of Bylaw 3.9.2 (notes taken by Acting Secretary John Sias):
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Distinguishing between individuals speaking as a member, from experience, and rendering an
opinion. This should be reflected in the new operating documents.
Understanding what exactly is being asked is important. “What are you actually trying to
accomplish?” Some questions may need to be restated, so that answers can actually be useful.
Under 3.9.2.2.2: attendance at executive sessions is a question. Depends on interpretation, but no
certain need that we have to be there, as no action can be taken in executive session anyway.
Under 3.9.2.2.3: Bylaws have largely been done. Articles of Incorporation, not so much.
Agencies are not very forthcoming with policy manuals (creating liability issues). Perhaps legal
counsel should bring this up with the Board of Directors? Our only role is evaluating
conformance to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod. We can remind them that uniform
terminology is helpful. We are not proofreaders. We are not evaluating workability. We do not
comment on legal responsibilities state-wise.
Policy is not subject to prior approval. Our copy of the Council of Presidents’ policy manual is
badly out of date.

The commission also discussed schedule and frequency of meetings and options for non-face-to-face
meetings.
4. Selection of Commission on Constitutional Matters Officers for the Triennium