LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 20–21, 2014, Page 6

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Article II D 1, paragraph d: It is the responsibility of the secretary of the district, as of the Synod
(Bylaw 3.12.2), to handle the nominations process for president, vice-presidents, and regional
positions. The committee referenced in this paragraph d would better be appointed by the
secretary to tabulate nomination results. Rather than the “tellers,” the secretary is responsible for
reporting to the convention by means of the convention workbook the names of the nominees
(Synod Bylaw 3.12.2 [d]).
Article II F, paragraph 2: The second sentence is unclear whether a vice-president may be elected
to another vice-president position of a different rank.
Article II F, paragraph 6: The reference to Synod Bylaw 4.7.1 should read “Bylaw section 4.7” to
include all of the pertinent bylaws.
Article IV F, paragraph 3: Instead of “boards, committees, and executives,” this paragraph will
better read: “Work cooperatively with “the Synod’s Offices of National and International
Mission.”
Article VI B, paragraph 4: This sentence will more accurately read: “Act in an advisory capacity
to the district and the president in the interpretation of the district bylaws.”
Article VI B, paragraph 5: Mention of “new and revised constitutions” will better read: “new and
revised constitutions and bylaws. The reference to Synod Bylaw 2.2.1 should instead be a
reference to “Synod Bylaw sections 2.1 – 2.4.”
Article VII B: Because the requirements and responsibilities of reconcilers are too many to
summarize easily and accurately, the commission recommends that this section merely include a
statement referencing the Synod’s bylaws, e.g., “Reconcilers shall be chosen and function
according to the Bylaws of the Synod (Synod Bylaw section 1.10).”
Article VIII B 3, paragraph a: In place of “officers” mentioned in general, this paragraph will
more accurately list the “secretary and treasurer.”
Article VIII C, paragraph f: The meaning of “primary election for the nomination” is unclear.
The commission also notes the mention of the “election manual of the Missouri District” and
requests that the district submit this manual for review.

With a November 9, 2014 email, the secretary of the Missouri District also forwarded the district’s most
recent proposed changes to its Articles of Incorporation, as proposed by its legal counsel. After review,
the commission determined that it will forward the document to the Synod’s legal counsel, given its
reference in its latest changes to the district’s 501 (c) (3) status, with the request that the two legal
counsels communicate as necessary. The commission questions whether the district is obligating itself to
having its own 501 (c) (3) status and whether this complicates matters for the district or creates other
complications for the Synod, which already covers its districts with blanket coverage (see The Lutheran
Annual 2014, p. 782).
84. Northern Illinois District Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws Review (14-2744)
With a November 13, 2014 emailed letter, the chairman of the constitution committee of the Northern
Illinois District submitted proposed changes to the district’s Articles of Incorporation for review and
approval by the commission. After review, the commission approved the proposed changes.
The constitution committee chairman also submitted proposed changes to the district’s Bylaws for review
and approval. The commission offers these comments and recommendations:
• II A, paragraph 2: Mention should also be made of the Constitution of the Synod. This sentence
will more accurately read, “All officers shall discharge the duties assigned to them in the
Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod and the Bylaws of the district.”
• III C: Because the requirements and responsibilities of reconcilers are too many to summarize
easily and accurately, the commission recommends that this section merely include a statement
CCM Minutes – November 20–21, 2014 – Page 57