LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — December 1–2, 2023, Page 1

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MINUTES
COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
St. Louis, Missouri
December 1–2, 2023
8. Opening Prayer and Adoption of Agenda
With all members present, Secretary Sias opened with a devotion (on Friday, on the Gospel for St. Andrew,
and Saturday, on Ad Te Levavi) and the meeting’s agenda was proposed and adopted as follows.
9. Orientation for New Members
The Secretary and continuing members of the commission briefly shared perspective and answered
questions on the commission’s various areas of work for the benefit of the newly incorporated members.
10. Triennial Organization of the Commission
The commission organized itself as to chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary pro tempore.
For chairman, nominations included: Larry Peters and Thomas Deadrick. Rev. Peters was elected in one
ballot.
For vice-chairman, it was moved and carried unanimously to acclaim Atty. Thomas Deadrick as vicechairman.
For secretary pro tempore, Atty. Scott Killian was nominated and unanimously acclaimed.
11. Designation of Representative to Commission on Handbook
The commission determined to continue with its designation of Rev. Peters as its representative to its sister
commission.
12. Review of Draft 2023 Handbook (23-3020)
The commission reviewed the work of the Commission on Handbook in revising the 2023 Handbook as a
result of 2023 convention actions and in its general pursuit of a clearer and more consistent book.
Noting that Bylaw 3.10.6.8.1 (f) references ecclesiastical supervision including not only matters of doctrine
and administration of office but matters of life and offensive conduct, and that Bylaw section 2.17 provides,
relative to Bylaw section 2.14, the specific features necessary for dealing with matters involving allegations
of sexual misconduct and/or criminal behavior (namely, that the accuser is not limited to being a member
of the Synod and is not required to have a face-to-face meeting with the accused between the alleged event
and filing of a complaint), the commission recommended that the Commission on Handbook expand the
reference later in the noted bylaw as follows: “subject to the process of Bylaw 2.14 or 2.17, as appropriate,
as if he were…” The Secretary was asked to convey this suggestion to the Commission on Handbook.
This suggestion having been offered, the commission noted no need for further consultation and noted
appreciation for the fine work of its sister commission.
13. Policy Review, Board for International Mission (23-3016)
By an email of August 31 (with an updated version, dated September 14, 2023, conveyed on September
22), the office of the Chief Mission Officer sent, on behalf of the Board for International Mission, the
mission board’s policies for review. The commission noted no issues of concern with regard to fidelity to
the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod. The board is thanked for submitting its policies for
review.

CCM Minutes – December 1–2, 2023 – Page 5