LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — March 27-28, 1967, Page 1

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507. Pension Overture: The following new overture was therefore developed: "Whereas the Concordia
Retirement and Welfare Plans have been published in separate booklets and not in the synodical
Handbook; and whereas it would seem wise to make sane reference to these plans in the Handbook; and
whereas the details of the old pension plan could also be incorporated in a separate booklet with only the
basic provisions referred to in the Handbook; and whereas most of the responsibilities of the Board of
Support and Pensions now concern themselves with pensions rather than support; therefore be it resolved
that the name of the Board of Support and Pensions be changed to the Board of Pensions and Support;
and be it further resolved that this board be authorized to incorporate the present Handbook provisions for
pensions and support in a separate booklet similar to those issued for the Concordia Plans; and be it
finally resolved that the following chapter be adopted by the Synod as a substitute for the present Chapter
X (Support and Pensions) of the Handbook."
508. Convention Delegates: Mueller presented the draft of the overture which he had prepared concerning
Handbook changes for the election of convention delegates. The first two sentences of 1.53 were changed
to read: "...Each electoral circuit shall meet at the call of the Counselor(s) to elect its delegates not later
than nine months prior to the opening day of the convention. The election shall be by written ballot." The
word "already" was deleted, and "respective" inserted on the last line. In 1.51 the following change was
made: "from 7 to 20 member congregations involving an aggregate communicant membership ranging
from 1,500 to 10,000." The Commission then resolved to present this as a memorial to the convention, in
view of the fact that Dr. William Kohn had reported that the draft of the proposed Handbook-changes had
not been presented to the Council of Presidents for their consideration.
509. Presidential Mediation in Appeal Cases: The Commission then drafted the following overture:
"Whereas it would appear to be desirable for the President of the Synod to have an opportunity to mediate
cases of appeal from the District to the synodical Board of Appeals, therefore be it resolved that section
5.37 be amended to read as follows: " . . . a copy of such statement shall be delivered to the President of
the Synod by the synodical Board of Appeals. The President may then exercise the prerogative of making
an effort to mediate the case before it is heard by the synodical Board of Appeals. Upon notice by the
President, within twenty days after delivery of his copy, of his intention to attempt mediation, the
synodical Board of Appeals shall suspend further action for no more than ninety days to permit such an
attempt to be made." A study of this problem had been requested by the President and the VicePresidents.
510. Commission Bylaws: Upon recommendation of Kuenne the Commission decided to add to its
convention report the suggestion that paragraphs 2.107 a and g be revised in order to bring them more
into harmony with the realities of the Commission's work:
2.107 e The commission shall interpret the Synod's Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions and give
guidance and advice with-respect thereto, either upon the request of a member (congregation,
clergyman, or teacher), official, board, commission, or agency of the Synod, or upon its own
initiative. An opinion of the commission shall be binding on the question decided unless and until
it is overruled by a synodical convention.
2.107 g The commission shall maintain a file of the articles of incorporation (or articles of
association) and bylaws and regulations of all Districts of the Synod. It shall examine the articles
of incorporation (or articles of association) and the bylaws or regulations of every District, and all
proposed amendments of such documents, to ascertain whether they are in harmony with the
Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod. A District shall make such amendments to, or
changes in, these documents as may be necessary to conform.
It was agreed to let the question of tenure rest for two more years.