LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — May 11, 2015, Page 1

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MINUTES
COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
Telephone Conference Meeting
May 11, 2015
107. Call to Order
Chairman George Gude called the conference call meeting to order with all members of the commission
participating. He called on Larry Peters for an opening prayer.
108. Southeastern District Bylaws Review (14-2723A)
With a May 8, 2015 emailed letter, the Southeastern District responded to the commission’s earlier
review, presenting additional proposed changes for final review by the commission. During its review, the
commission noted two remaining matters of concern.
• Under “Article IV Officers and Directors,” paragraph 1, the commission continues to disapprove
of the proposed wording of the paragraph’s final sentence: “In the event that those elected do not
represent ethnic diversity, the board of directors shall appoint a lay voting member to the board
who represents an ethnic minority to serve the current term.” The commission continues to
maintain that “ethnic diversity” is not a “skill set” specifically called for by Synod Bylaw 4.5.1.
To include it in the “etc.” of the bylaw broadens the application of the bylaw beyond its intended
meaning and purpose and opens the door to other such applications. The commission suggests
that the sentence in question can be made to accomplish the district’s intended purpose while
honoring the Synod’s bylaw expectations by changing it to read as follows: “In the event that
those elected lack the requisite knowledge and understanding of and affinity connections with the
district’s ethnic minorities, the board of directors shall appoint a lay voting member to the board
who has that skill set.”
• Under “Article V Nomination and Election of Officers and Directors and Assumption of Office,”
paragraph 2 a, the wording proposed by the district does not distinguish between the nomination
requirements for the office of district president and those of other officers and directors. The
paragraph will more accurately read: “a. Each voting congregation of the district shall be entitled
to nominate from the minister of religion—ordained roster of the Synod two (2) persons for the
office of district president. Congregations shall also be entitled to nominate two persons for all
other positions to be filled. Nominations for offices designated for ministers of religion—
ordained or ministers of religion—commissioned must be made from the appropriate roster and
according to residence within the district or region as required. Lay nominations must also be
made according to residence within the district or region as required.”
109. Florida-Georgia District Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws Review (15-2766)
With an April 18, 2015 email, the Florida-Georgia District submitted its Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws for review by the commission prior to their submission to the district convention. Upon review,
the commission responded as follows.
•

The current wording of Article II, paragraph c blurs the mission roles of the district and the
Synod. It will better read: “c. To promulgate the Gospel throughout the world through the work of
national Synod and specifically to establish and maintain mission, educational, and charitable
work within the district.