LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — September 15–16, 2017, Page 14

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relationship to the President of the Synod and to the board of directors and convention of
the district.
Bylaw V: The district may wish to incorporate changes to LCMS Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3 [b] to
allow for changes from the floor and subsequent adoption by the Board of Directors.

The commission thanks the Nebraska District for its cooperation in the bylaw review process and
looks forward to reviewing a subsequent draft in which these issues have been addressed. The
commission also notes a need to review the Nebraska District Articles of Incorporation for
compliance with LCMS Bylaw 1.5.3.6 and 2016 Res. 9-02A.
87. South Dakota District Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (17-2849)
By August 15 and September 6, 2017, e-mails, the President of the South Dakota District
forwarded the district’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for review. The changes proposed to
the articles satisfy LCMS Bylaw 1.5.3.6 and 2016 Res. 9-02A, and are approved for presentation
to the convention.
Regarding the Bylaws (noting a change proposed to bylaw 6.1 [a] (or 6.01 [a]), the commission
notes the following points requiring attention:
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Bylaw 1.1 [a,b,c]: each instance of pastor should read ordained minister (likewise, in
Bylaw 5.5 d 1). In [b] and [c], Synod should be replaced with district.
Bylaw 5.1 [a]: The phrase “following regular election of the officers of the Synod” is
unnecessary and may be removed.
Bylaw 5.3 [a][6] and throughout: (Circuit) Counselor should be (Circuit) Visitor.
Bylaw 5.5 d 1: At a minimum, the ballot is required to contain at least two candidates for
each position to be elected.
Bylaw 5.11 [a]: The phrase “in which an election is held” is unnecessary and may be
removed. In [a] and [c], the term “pastor” generally refers to an ordained minister in active
parish service. If “ordained minister” is intended, this term should be substituted.
Bylaw 6.1 [a] (or 6.01 [a]): Prior approval by the Commission on Constitutional Matters is
required (LCMS Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3 [b]) and should be noted here. The change incorporating
the process for dealing with amendments to preapproved bylaw changes is acceptable.

The commission approves the bylaws for presentation to the convention, contingent on the above
points being addressed in appropriate fashion. The commission thanks the South Dakota District
for its cooperation in the bylaw review process and reminds it to file the adopted versions of its
articles and bylaws with the commission following its convention.
88. Concordia Historical Institute Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (17-2835)
On behalf of the Executive Director of Concordia Historical Institute, the Secretary of the Synod
in a June 20, 2017, e-mail, forwarded the institute’s proposed Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
for review by the commission. These were approved, as proposed, to be presented to the
membership for adoption. The institute is reminded that approval by the Synod Board of Directors
is also required (Bylaw 3.6.1.7), and is thanked for its careful attention and cooperation in the
process of amending its governing documents.
89. Meeting with Council of Presidents
Due to a change in the Council of Presidents meeting schedule, the council’s meeting no longer
overlapped with the meeting of the commission, so that the scheduled joint meeting could take

CCM Minutes – September 15–16, 2017 – Page 72