LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — February 2–3, 2018, Page 9

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121. Missouri District Bylaw Proposal, Further Revised (17-2823C&D)
The chairman of the Missouri District Task Force on Structure, by e-mails of January 4 and 21, 2018, sent
further revisions to the bylaw proposal previously reviewed by the commission. These revisions, to bylaws
II.B, II.D.1–2, II.G.1–3, III.A, III.A.1, III.B.3, V.B.3, VII.A.4–5, and XI.C.1, are all acceptable to the
commission. The bylaw proposal as modified is approved for presentation to the convention. The district is
thanked for its cooperation with the review process and reminded to send a clean copy of the bylaws as
adopted to the Office of the Secretary after its convention.
122. Kansas District Articles and Bylaws Proposed, Second Resubmission (17-2844B)
The Secretary of the Kansas District, by a December 1, 2017, e-mail submitted a second revision of his
district’s proposed articles and bylaws for review. The commission’s concerns with the articles have been
addressed, and these are approved as consonant with LCMS Bylaw 1.5.3.6 and 2016 Res. 9-02A and
approved for presentation to the convention.
The commission finds that its concerns with the bylaws have been addressed, with the exception that Bylaw
IV 2 c is still of uncertain meaning. How are the “at least two” selected, if not by a nominating committee—
which would be prohibited by LCMS Bylaw 4.7.2? It would seem that a numerical process is required (e.g.,
all those having more than a single nomination and who are willing to serve; the three nominees, having
the greatest number of nominations, with ties resulting in inclusion of all tied names, who consent to serve;
etc.) The commission suggests a clarification here, although the district may understand its own document
in a manner that is not clear to the commission.
If the district wishes to clarify Bylaw IV 2 c as suggested, the commission requests resubmission of changes
proposed. Otherwise, while cautioning of apparent unclarity, the commission approves the proposal for
submission to the convention.
123. Questions regarding the definition of multi-congregation parish (17-2870)
A district president of the Synod submitted a series of questions regarding whether or not the call of a pastor
by both an existing dual parish and by a third congregation rendered the three congregations a parish (Const.
Art. V A). The commission discussed these questions at considerable length, requested the Secretary to
discuss with the Council of Presidents the need to further refine the matter, and to revisit the questions and
its draft opinion at its next regular meeting.
124. Central Illinois District Proposed Articles and Bylaws (including Endowment Bylaws) (18-2874)
The President of the Central Illinois District, by a January 12 e-mail, forwarded for the commission’s review
his district’s proposed articles of incorporation and bylaws, along with proposed bylaws for the district’s
endowment.
The commission notes, with regard to the articles, that only the board of directors (not the convention) can
now approve variation from the language required by Bylaw 1.5.3.6. Changes are thus required in Art. VIII
A and IX B. With that change applied, the commission approves the proposed articles for presentation to
the convention, finding them to contain the relationship and asset disposition language required by Bylaw
1.5.3.6 and 2016 Res. 9-02A. The district is thanked for its cooperation with the review process and
reminded to file a clean copy of its articles as adopted by the convention with the Secretary of the Synod.
Regarding the district’s bylaw proposal:
•

Bylaw 1.03: LCMS Bylaw 4.2.2 [a] allows credentials to be sent by mail to the district secretary
prior to the convention.

•

Bylaw 2.06[a], etc. (throughout): Use of “parish teachers or DCEs,” as opposed to “commissioned
ministers” may be intentional or may be an opportunity for further revision.

CCM Minutes – February 2, 2018 – Page 97