LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 3–4, 2017, Page 1

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MINUTES
COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
Hilton Airport Hotel, St. Louis
February 3–4, 2017
January 12, 2017 E-mail Decision
26. Confirmation of Commission on Handbook Change to Bylaw 4.7.2 (16-2799A)
In the Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM)’s November joint meeting with the Council of
Presidents, it was noted that, although 2016 Res. 11-05, “To Revise and Enhance Nomination and Selection
Process for Regional Board Members,” changed procedures on the Synod level to allow for the use of the
nominating committee in regional elections, Bylaw 4.7.2 had been modified in 2013 to prevent the same
procedure being implemented at the district level—at that time, to bring district convention practices into
line with those for the Synod convention. The latter now having changed, the former, it was felt, should be
allowed to follow suit. In its January 6–7, 2017, meeting, the Commission on Handbook (COH) agreed and
struck the phrase “and any regional board of director positions” from Bylaw 4.7.2, to render the latter
consistent with the convention-revised Bylaw 3.12.2.8. The COH requested the CCM confirm this change,
as it was substantial but required for consistency’s sake. By a unanimous e-mail vote, the CCM confirmed
the action of the COH on January 12, 2017.
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27. Call to Order, Opening Devotion, Review of Correspondence
Chairman George Gude called the meeting to order with all members present. The chairman led a translation
of, and opening devotion on, 1 Cor. 2:1–16 (Friday) and 1 Cor. 3:1–9 (Saturday). Following the devotion,
Chairman Gude reviewed correspondence received and responses provided since the commission’s
November 2016 meeting.
28. Michigan District Request for Reconsideration of Op. 16-2784, “Constitutionality of Bylaw
3.12.2.4” (16-2784A)
Communication between the Secretary of the Synod and the Secretary of the Michigan District suggests
the Michigan District Board of Directors has not yet determined whether it still desires the commission’s
reconsideration of elements of Op. 16-2784. The commission will await further clarification of the board’s
request.
29. Voting for Seminary Board of Regents Appointments (16-2805)
On Nov. 30, the Secretary of the Synod responded to a request by a member of a seminary board of regents
and of the Synod for clarification of Bylaw 3.10.5.2 [4], made in conjunction with an imminent meeting of
the seminary board of regents. The Secretary requested that the CCM review his response and provide an
opinion. (While this is obviously neither the normal nor the preferred process, the urgency of the question
necessitated a response. In such an instance, should the commission’s eventual opinion contradict the advice
given, corrective action might then be required.) The commission ratified the response of the Secretary of
the Synod, which is as follows:
A member of the Synod and of a seminary board of regents posed questions regarding the board’s upcoming
vote on additional board appointments under Bylaw 3.10.5.2 [4], specifically, whether the member
designated by the President of Synod and/or the member appointed by the Council of Presidents could vote
on such appointments.
Question 1: Does Synodical Bylaw 3.10.5.2 [4] apply only to those appointed by the board of regents itself?

CCM Minutes – February 3-4, 2017 – Page 20