LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — October 9, 2023, Page 1

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MINUTES
COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
Internet Conference Meeting (Zoom.us)
October 9, 2023
2. Opening Prayer, Introduction, and Brief Orientation for New Members
The Secretary called a meeting of the commission to welcome new members, the Rev. Kevin A. Karner
and the Rev. David D. Vandercook, appointed by the President and Council of Presidents on September 19
to the seats formerly occupied by Dr. Gude and Rev. Bode (Mr. Scott A. Killian was also returned to the
commission in his first full term). With all members present, Secretary Sias opened with prayer and the
meeting’s agenda was proposed and adopted as follows. The commission determined to defer the election
of its officers until its first in-person meeting, yet to be scheduled, to allow members time to become
acquainted. Brief introductions were made.
3. Planning for Review of 2023 Convention Proceedings and Draft Handbook
The Commission on Handbook is meeting electronically Wednesday, October 11, to review the draft
Handbook and to plan a subsequent meeting (whether in person or electronically, yet to be determined) to
continue its revision work. The Secretary noted a few passages of the Handbook where integration of
convention results will require some attention of the Commission on Handbook and explained how the
Commission on Constitutional Matters might be needed to assist, should questions of interpretation arise
(none having yet been identified).
4. Review of Outstanding Business
The Secretary reviewed the material that is presently before the commission, as follows:
Opinion Requests
(A) 23-3017 SMP Supervision of Commissioned opinion request: The Secretary will on behalf of the
commission request input from the Council of Presidents, the seminaries, and the Pastoral Formation
Committee.
Policy Review
(B) 23-3016 Policy Review, Board for International Mission: This item and the two following will be
assigned to review leaders and taken up in the commission’s next in-person meeting.
(C) 23-3018 Policy Review, Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry
(D) 22-3002 Policy Review, Synod Board of Directors
(E) 22-2985 Policy Review, Concordia University System (CUS): The Secretary will notify CUS that
2023 bylaw changes have, as expected, rendered this review moot; CUS will be invited to submit policies
to be developed under new bylaws for review. The agenda item will be closed out.
Document Maintenance and Other Work as Assigned
(F) 21-2973 Dispute Resolution / Expulsion Process Review; Regular Standard Operating Procedures
Manuals Update: A general review of these processes foundered in the triennium past for lack of interest
from the Council of Presidents; this item will be closed out. The SOPM review project is now ripe due to
2023 bylaw adoption; minimal bylaw changes relate to a process for removal of reconcilers / facilitators,
to be specified in the SOPM (2023 Res. 10-01). The Secretary will draft language along the lines of
similar “removal for cause” standards and procedures in Bylaws 1.5.7–8.1. Revised draft SOPMs will be
available for review at the commission’s December meeting.

CCM Minutes – October 9, 2023 – Page 3