LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — April 10–11, 2015, Page 7

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I.

Bylaw 6.009: All calls extended to rostered members of the Synod must comply with a
category listed under Synod Bylaw 2.11.1. There does not appear to be a category for what is
described in the proposed changes to paragraph g, which also sounds like an accommodation
call (not permitted by Board of Directors and Council of Presidents policy). Likewise, in
district Bylaw 14.009 c.
Bylaw 7.003: The reference to “Board of Missions” in paragraph j must be changed to
“Office of National Mission” (Bylaw 3.8.2.3).
Bylaw 8.003: Paragraph c should have the following added words: “…and in conformity with
policies established by the Synod’s Board for Church Extension” (Synod Bylaw 3.10.6.1).
Bylaw 8.009: The commission noted the mention of a policy manual and requests that it be
submitted for review (Synod Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3).
Bylaw 10.003: If not already done, paragraph b remains to be deleted, as in 6.001 c.
Bylaw 10.019: Under paragraph b, the name of “Concordia University at Austin” should be
consistent with its listing by the Synod as “Concordia University Texas.”
Bylaw 14.001: Synod Bylaw 1.3.8 speaks of membership in national inter-Lutheran
organizations, which are to be authorized by a Synod convention or the Synod’s Board of
Directors. Care must be taken that Texas organizations considered for membership are truly
organizations operating within the boundaries of the state. Constitution Art. VI must also be
taken into consideration.

Iowa District East Articles of Incorporation (15-2754)

The commission reviewed the “Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation” of Iowa District
East and approved them as presented.
J. Minnesota South District Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (15-2756)
Given its moratorium on the reviewing of district articles of incorporation unless there is a specific
need, the commission limited its review at this time to the Bylaws of the Minnesota South District
and offered the following recommendations and/or requirements for changes.
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Bylaw 1.12: The commission notes serious concerns with the proposed new paragraph and
advises that it will best be repaired by returning to the original wording.
Bylaw 2.20.1: “Articles of Incorporation” must be replaced by the words “Constitution of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.”
Bylaw 2.20.2: This paragraph will better read: “Each application for membership in the
district by a congregation shall be submitted to the district president along with the applicant
congregation’s constitution and bylaws. The district president shall who in turn submit the
documents to the district constitution committee to determine whether any changes will be
required before the application isshall submitted by the district president it to the board of
directors of the district for its approval.” (Synod Bylaws 2.2.1 and 2.3.1)
Bylaw 2.20.3: In paragraph c, the congregation cannot be required to conduct a worship
service. While Synod Bylaw 2.3.1 (b) (1) assumes that such a worship service will take place,
it cannot be a requirement.
Bylaw 2.20.4: The commission notes serious concerns with the proposed paragraph and
advises that the district return to its original wording.
Bylaw 2.20.6: Congregations also are members of the Synod. This paragraph will better
read: “Every congregation and individual member of the district shall, in accordance with his
or her vocation, his or her ability, and the means at his or her command, diligently and
earnestly promote the purposes of the district and organizationsministries of the LCMS by
word, deed, and financial support.
CCM Minutes – April 10–11, 2015 – Page 69