LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — March 21–22, 2025, Page 8

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Opinion:
The commission is not in a position to answer this question in the abstract. Bylaws 1.5.1.3
and 1.5.2 should be applied to the particular situation by the individual and the respective board(s).
99. Central Illinois District Bylaws, Proposed Revision (25-3053)
By an email of Feb. 11, the Central Illinois (CI) District President forwarded for the commission’s review
a proposed revision of the district’s bylaws. In its review, the commission noted the following:
•

CI Bylaw 2.3.b: The specification of a date definite for the district president’s assumption of office
should perhaps require a bylaw specifying a date before which the district convention must be held.

•

Bylaw 2.5.c, 2.6.a.9, etc.: The change from “ordained minister” to “pastor” creates an ambiguity.
The commission recommends “ordained minister” if any such is eligible, or “parish pastor” if an
ordained minister currently called and installed to a congregation is intended. It seems the district
intends “pastor” to mean “ordained minister” (cf. Bylaw 2.6.a.9–10), but examination of the clearer
constitutional language (Const. Art. V B, IX 1, XII 10 a; but cf. Const. Art. XI E 1 and Bylaw
3.3.4.1) suggests that “pastor” should be understood as specific to parish service. The district
should, except where it is following explicit Synod Bylaw language that does otherwise,
consistently use “ordained minister” and “parish pastor” where it intends these distinct senses.
Otherwise, it only invites pervasive and persistent confusion.

•

Bylaw 2.22.a, etc.: The standard language “commissioned minister” would be clearer than the
district’s language, “commissioned church worker from the Synod roster.” This is not consistently
used, even within the district bylaws (cf. Bylaw 2.6.a.7, where there is an instance of
“commissioned minsters [sic]”) and may introduce confusion, in this instance, about a potential
conflict (as to district membership) with Bylaw 2.22.d or Synod Bylaw 4.3.3 (cf. the substantive
difference between “from the clergy roster of the Synod” and “of the district” in Synod Bylaw
4.3.1).

•

Bylaw 2.45.b.i: The sentence added by 2023 Res. 9-02 [H] to Synod Bylaw 5.2.2 (b) should be
added here.

•

Bylaw 2.45.b.ii: It would be clearer to say, “congregation or multi-congregation parish.”

•

Bylaw 3.4.d: The proposed language should more accurately read, “…which may consist of one or
more adjacent visitation circuits.” The reference to Synod Bylaw 5.3.3 is incorrect and should be
removed or replaced with a reference to Synod Bylaw 3.1.2.2.

The commission thanks the district and its president for submitting these documents for review and requests
a revised proposal addressing the above for its further review and approval.
100. Ohio District Bylaws, Proposed Revision (25-3051)
By an email of Feb. 4, the Ohio (OH) District Secretary forwarded for review three proposed district
convention resolutions to amend the district’s bylaws. With regard to these, the commission finds:
•

To Amend the Code of Regulations re the District President Being Able to Serve a Congregation:
The commission finds that the proposed changes do not conflict with the Synod’s Constitution and
Bylaws, and the district may present this resolution to the convention. The commission notes that
the concern underlying this resolution is not entirely eliminated by the proposed changes. The
proposed revised Article VII.F.7 could still be read to imply that the elected district president does
have to terminate his position as pastor of a congregation. The district may want to consider striking
the language entirely from Article VII.F.7 and adding the following as a new sentence at the end
of Article VII.F.2: “The District President, the Vice-Presidents, the Secretary, and all other officers
and members of District boards and committees shall not be required to terminate their positions
as pastors of congregations within the District.”
CCM Minutes – March 21–22, 2025 – Page 75