LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — December 13–14, 2013, Page 5

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In a letter dated October 2, 2013, an officer of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) submitted
changes to the LCEF Bylaws as determined by its Board of Directors in an April 2013 meeting. The
purpose for the changes was to make the bylaws consistent with recent changes to LCMS Bylaws 1.5.7.1
and 3.6.4.3.1 by the 2013 convention (Res. 6-13, Proceedings pp. 167–168). Upon its review of the LCEF
bylaw changes, as required by Synod Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3 (a), the commission granted its approval, thanking
LCEF for its cooperation.
9. Concordia Plan Services Bylaw Revisions Review (13-2691)
In a letter dated September 5, 2013, Concordia Plan Services submitted its Bylaws with proposed
amendments for review by the commission. After review, the commission offers the following
recommendations:
•
•
•

The addition of a reference to paragraph A in paragraph C of Article IV would help to clarify that
the president of the corporation is excepted from the one-year-term rule.
Legal counsel may want to consider whether the combination of removing the paragraph
regarding bonding from Article VI and only stating in Article V that the power to indemnify
exists is adequate to make certain that directors and officers will be properly protected.
Article XVI must also include mention of the review of proposed bylaw changes by the
Commission on Constitutional Matters (Synod Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3 [a]).

10. Bylaw Section 1.10 Standard Operating Procedures Manual Review (13-2693)
As required by Bylaw 1.10.18.1 (j), the commission reviewed the proposed revised Standard Operating
Procedures Manual for Bylaw section 1.10, as prepared by the Secretary of the Synod in consultation
with the Convention Actions Committee of the Council of Presidents. After careful review, the
commission approved the revised manual after making several final minor changes.
11. Constitutional Issues (13-2694)
With an email dated December 6, 2013, the President of the Synod submitted a series of questions to the
commission regarding constitutional matters. After discussion, the commission agreed to look for an
opportunity to discuss his questions with the President before responding.
12. Presidential Election Process for Concordia University System Schools (13-2695)
Via a December 6, 2013 letter, the chairman of the board of regents of one of the universities of the
Concordia University System submitted a series of questions regarding the presidential election process
for Concordia University System schools. Bylaw 9.3.2.2 (b) directs the commission to notify officers and
agencies of the Synod when a request for an opinion involves an activity of that officer or agency,
inviting them to submit information in writing regarding the issue. The commission agreed that its
chairman should so notify the President of the Synod and the boards of regents of Concordia University
System schools and invite their input.
13. Review of Board of Directors Policy Governing Use of Lutheran Church Extension Fund Assets
(13-2696)
Synod Bylaw 3.6.4.4.1 provides a list of exclusive uses of the assets of the Lutheran Church Extension
Fund—Missouri Synod, also allowing their use for “other purposes approved by its governing board
consistent with the ministry and mission of the Synod under policies approved by the Board of Directors
CCM Minutes – December 13–4, 2013 – Page 5