LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 10–11, 2017, Page 11

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It is possible to prohibit floor nominations, although Synod’s bylaws do this only in cases of
necessity (as the President is elected before the convention and the regional vice-presidents are
nominated by a direct regional nomination process). The commission notes that District Bylaw 1.57
[d], which reads, “The District Convention reserves the right to nominate candidates directly from
the floor whenever it deems it necessary or advisable,” applies only to positions other than president
and vice-president, so this does not conflict.

The commission, having reviewed the amendment of 2015 Res. 2-03A and found no inconsistency with the
Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod, does not object to its now being considered in force and effect. As,
however, the district’s bylaws require prior review and approval also by the district’s CCM (which may or
may not have taken place), and as that commission is ultimately responsible for interpretation of the district
bylaws adopted—including in the potentially problematic cases noted above—it would appear that the
district CCM also needs to evaluate this bylaw amendment and reach its own understanding of its adoption’s
impact on the nominating processes of the South Wisconsin District.
The district is requested to submit revisions addressing the above matters to the commission for review and
approval prior to the convention of the district.
Districts are reminded that articles and bylaws ought not to be amended by a district without prior review
and approval of revisions by the Synod’s Commission on Constitutional Matters prior to their presentation
to the convention (Bylaw 3.9.2.2.3 [a]).
106. Review of Revised Standard Operating Procedures Manual (SOPM) for Bylaw Section 2.16 (172840)
The commission reviewed a draft of the Bylaw Section 2.16 SOPM, as prepared by the Secretary. Compared
to the version last adopted in 2015, significant changes include:
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Reformatting, standardization of text, and incorporation of recent improvements for greater
consistency with Bylaw Section 2.14 and 2.17 SOPMs.

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Provisions for theological assistance of panel members (General Principle P) and timeline
exceptions (General Regulation AA).

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Adjustment of Definitions as a result of bylaw changes, including the change to “party to the
matter,” which treats the suspending ecclesiastical supervisor (no longer the accuser) as the
initiating party.

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General Regulations have been standardized as much as possible with Bylaw Sections 2.14 and
2.17.

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Investigation and admonition timeline changes have been incorporated (Step 2.5) as a result of
2016 Res. 12-14.

The commission made a number of clarifications regarding the various specifications for voting in the
process. The commission noted in Bylaw 2.16.7.1 [c], the SOPM has in the past corrected “chairman” in
the bylaw language to “secretary.” This change is consistent with the secretary of the Council of Presidents
being the process administrator. The commission noted its intention to refer this issue to the Commission
on Handbook for its study.
Having been adopted by the commission, the draft will next be shared with the Council of Presidents as
required by Bylaw 2.16.10.4, to obtain its concurrence.
107. Overture to the Southern Illinois District Convention to Amend District Bylaw 2.09 [b] (172857)

CCM Minutes – November 10–11, 2017 – Page 84