LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — March 21–22, 2025, Page 9

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To Amend the Code of Regulations Regarding Filling Vacancies on the Committee on
Nominations: 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.

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To Rename Code of Regulations to “Bylaws”: 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 an instance of “Code of Regulations” remains
in the district’s articles of incorporation (Article Fifth), albeit with an explanatory “(‘Bylaws’).”
The commission approves this being changed to “Bylaws” if the district so desires.

In its review of the proposed resolutions, the commission undertook a comprehensive review of the
district’s bylaws, noting the following as commended and approved for inclusion in the convention
business:
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OH Bylaw Article IV A 2: Since the district’s bylaws are also called “articles,” it may be clearer to
reference “Synod Const. Art. VI” here (and perhaps also Const. Art. II). See also confusing
references in Art. IV D 1 and 3, etc.

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Article IV B: The last sentence should more accurately reproduce the definition of Synod Bylaw
2.5.5: “The total number of congregations regularly cared for (served) by a pastor or pastors
constitutes a parish.”

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Article VI A: The reference should be to Const. XII 13 instead of Synod Bylaw 4.2.

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Article VI G: The reference to “Article IX” is obscure and should likely be removed.

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Article VII D: The reference should be to Synod Bylaw 3.12.3–3.12.3.8.

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Article VI F 2: Because of the freedom of the district to elect a president from the roster of the
Synod, this requirement should be limited to the period “throughout their term of service.”

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Article VI F 5: District staff are not called by the congregations of the district but by the board,
subject to Bylaw 3.11.1, which should be referenced.

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Article VI F 7: A reference to Synod Bylaw 5.2.2.1 would be more apt. In the second paragraph,
“In the latter case” should likely read “As a result.”

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Article VIII A 2: The committee should be free to organize itself as to chair (Synod Bylaw 1.5.3.1).
If necessary, the president could appoint a convener instead.

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Article VIII A: The prohibition of Synod Bylaw 4.7.2 should be included in this article.

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Article VIII B 3: The commission questions whether this reflects current practice.

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Article VIII B 6: It should be clear that this provision is an elaboration of an exception that can
happen during the exercise of the procedures of Synod Bylaw 4.7.3.

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Article VIII C 2 m: This is not “a final election” but “a series of ballots.” It should be noted that
the ranking vote follows the same procedure as described in (l).

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Article VIII should include something, even just a reference to Synod Bylaw 4.7.3, which controls,
dealing with election procedure for elective offices other than the president and vice-presidents.

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Article IX B: This provision is obscure and may deserve clarification.

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Article X A 3: Does the district really intend nominated, or does it mean candidates (i.e., selected
by the nominating committee for presence on ballots) or elected.

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Article X B 3: Such committees (not really sub-committees) would be subject to Synod Bylaws
1.5.3.1–4. This does not have to be explicit but making it so may help the district to remain aware.
CCM Minutes – March 21–22, 2025 – Page 76