LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — June 30 - July 1, 1966, Page 3

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397. Importance of Signatures: The Commission also resolved to have the Secretary write to all District
Presidents, with copies to all District Secretaries, (1) calling attention to the necessity of signing the
constitution of Synod and of listing the date of transfer or death in the signature book, and (2) suggesting
that those who transfer into the District be specifically asked whether they have already signed Synod's
constitution.
398. Woman Suffrage: Sommermeyer and Mueller reported on the meeting which hadbeen held with the
sub-committee of the CTCR. The impression is that the CTCR
will be quite specific.
399. Southern Nebraska Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws: Kuenne will study the new proposed
bylaws (e.g., Board of Appeals section needs revision) and will ask for additional copies.
400. Eligibility of Executive Secretaries: The Board for Convention Nominations had inquired whether
District Executive Secretaries could hold elected or appointed membership on synodical boards and
commissions. The Commission resolved to inform the Board that past practices had permitted this but
that the board should be extremely careful about conflict of interest. Paragraph 2.7i also holds specific
requirements for the Board of Directors. The Secretary will give examples of conflict of interest.
401. Overtures from Auxiliary Agencies: President Oliver Harms had asked whether under the terms of
paragraph 1.27 he could entertain overtures or reports from auxiliary agencies recognized by the Synod.
By formal resolution the Commission held that 1.27 does not permit this, and that also these auxiliary
agencies must use the approved channels which other groups of laymen and individual laymen must use.
402. Bridgeville, Pennsylvania: Hope congregation of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, had asked whether
unalterable articles could indeed never be altered, whether one of their unalterable articles could be
changed to allow woman suffrage, whether a board of directors polity could be introduced under its
constitution, and whether it could eliminate its article concerning lodge membership. Chairman Kuenne
was authorized to reply along the following lines: The law does not recognize that anything is
irrepealable; however, it is good practice to have such articles and if they are changed it should be by
unanimous consent; at the present time we are awaiting the results of the study of the CTCR and have
therefore no opinion to render on woman suffrage; we also have no opinion on a board of directors polity
but the congregation should be sure to check state laws; it is the general policy of our Districts to require a
lodge paragraph in the congregational constitutions and such a paragraph is indeed incorporated in the
model constitution (Guidelines).
403. Rules of the Board of Appeals: The Chairman has received the rules developed by the Hoard of
Appeals. Although our Commission is not required to study them, it feels that it is wise to do so. The
Chairman will ask for additional copies.
404. District Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation: The following assignments for study of existing
articles of incorporation and bylaws were made, to determine whether there is any conflict with the
articles of incorporation, the constitution, and the bylaws of Synod. Members will make a list of
questionable items for discussion at the next meeting before finalizing critique on each set. Special points:
articles governing dissolution; who is the District?; objects; where does the voting power reside?;
membership of the Board of Appeals.
Kuenne:
Jersild:
Luessenhop:

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