LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — September 15–16, 2017, Page 6

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

convention. The commission also looks forward to reviewing a revision of the district’s articles,
which would bring them into compliance with Bylaw 1.5.3.6 and 2016 Res. 9-02A.
75. Standard Operating Procedures Manual for Seminary Complaints and Dispute Resolution
(17-2845)
The commission reviewed and gave its approval to a draft prepared by the Secretary. The draft
was prepared on the basis of the 2012 SOPM, which in turn was based on the last SOPM developed
by the Board for Pastoral Education. This draft incorporated salient points of Op. 16-2798A,
regarding which bylaw process is to be followed in various situations, as well as changes to bylaw
numbering and a few changes for consistency and clarity. Notably, the requirement of an “appeal
process for use by faculty members of a continuing-level appointment…who wish to challenge a
termination decision” (Bylaw 3.10.5.7.4 [i]) is carefully correlated to the procedure of Bylaw
3.10.5.7.9. Following the meeting, the Secretary shared the draft with the seminaries’ presidents
and board of regents chairmen for adoption and use.
76. Model Operating Procedures Manual for College and University Complaints and Dispute
Resolution (17-2848)
The commission reviewed and gave its approval to a draft prepared by the Secretary in consultation
with the Concordia University System (CUS). The draft is a model policy developed from preexisting bylaws and policies, the adoption of which by the colleges and universities will satisfy in
a uniform way the bylaw requirements (of boards of regents) that they have in place policies for
handling of faculty disputes and termination challenges (Bylaws 3.10.6.7.1, 3.10.6.7.5–5.1). The
policies will be presented by CUS to the system colleges and universities for study and adoption
as policies pre-approved by the CCM. Colleges and universities may adopt their own, distinct
policies—but these must be in accord with the Bylaws of the Synod and are required to be
submitted to the CCM for review.
77. Correspondence Related to Op. 16-2791, “Constitutionality of Historical Appeal to
President and Praesidium in Expulsion Cases” (17-2841)
A pastor of the Synod sent the commission a detailed statement of his objection to the conclusions
of CCM Op. 16-2791, which the commission understands to constitute a request for
reconsideration. A careful review of the observations offered revealed no objections that have not
already been treated in detail in the original development of Op. 16-2791 and reviewed in further
detail in subsequent responses, including Op. 16-2828. The commission thanks the pastor for the
correspondence but finds in it no substantive rationale upon which to reconsider its earlier
opinions.
78. English District Bylaws (17-2833)
By a May 22, 2017 e-mail, the Secretary of the English District forwarded his district board of
directors’ proposal for revision of the district’s bylaws. The commission noted a need to review
the district’s operating manual (mentioned under Bylaws II E and VIII H), especially as it touches
on nominations processes. Under Bylaw XI, the district is advised that it may wish to incorporate
changes to LCMS Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3 [b], allowing for BOD to finish bylaw revision amended by the
convention.
The commission approves the bylaws as submitted, with appropriate changes to implement the
suggestion under XI if desired, for presentation to the convention, thanks the English District for
its cooperation in the bylaw review process, and reminds it to file the adopted version of its bylaws
CCM Minutes – September 15–16, 2017 – Page 64