LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — September 15, 1978, Page 5

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129. Unretired "Retiree" (Ag. 1313): The Commission approved the correspondence of the Secretary to
the effect that Rev. Conrad Coyner of Burns, Oregon should not be deprived of voting privileges because
he had merely applied for early social security and had not retired from the pastorate of the congregation
or from the ministry of the Synod under the Concordia Plan provisions.
130. Vice-Presidents and Treasurers on District Board of Directors (Ag 1314): Rev. Howard Ulmer,
chairman of the Manitoba-Saskatchewan Handbook Committee, had inquired about the status of vicepresidents and treasurers on the District Board of Directors. The Secretary had indicated that Districts axe
free to give voting status to District vice-presidents on the Board of Directors, but that the status of the
treasurer is somewhat cloudy if he is appointed by the Board of Directors instead of being elected. He had
also suggested that the revised bylaws be submitted for review by the CCM. The Commission therefore
agreed to hold this item on the docket while awaiting copies of the bylaws.
131. Voting Rights of Seminex Pastors (Ag. 1315): Chairman Louis F. Rusch of the Committee on
Constitutional Matters of the Northwest District had asked whether properly called Seminex graduates
should not be seated as voting delegates even though they had not yet been certified by the Synod. The
Secretary had taken exception to this and had supplied copies of various rulings and resolutions of the
Synod. The Commission ratified this action.
132. Ohio District Bylaws (Ag. 236, A): No new material has been received as yet to enable the
Commission to act.
133. New England District Bylaws (Ag. 344, A,B,C,D): Donald Prevallet led the Commission through the
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the District. The following points were raised:
Art. of Incorporation, sheet 1, d. What is meant by delegating and sharing? It should perhaps be
made very clear that the District needs to operate under the governing principles of the Synod.
Art. of Incorporation. We recommend the incorporation of the model paragraphs regarding
"objects" and "dissolution." See attached documents: for wording, substituting the proper state for
"Nebraska."
Bylaws, Article I, B. Begin paragraph by stating: "In cases of urgent necessity special meetings . .
." (See Synod's Constitution, Article XII, 15)
Bylaws, Article II, C. The Commission is still of the opinion that boards and commissions should
be added since some of these axe even required by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod to be
in existence in each District. (See May 30, 1972 letter of Secretary Herbert Mueller, fourth
paragraph)
Bylaws, Article IV, C, line 4. This should perhaps be plural: Vice-Presidents
Bylaws, Article IV, D. The committee recommends that the wording of synodical Bylaw 2.125a be
incorporated at this point: "D. A majority of all votes cast shall be required for election to all
elective offices and elective board positions."
Bylaws, Article V. To eliminate confusion and in the interest of editorial clarification the
Commission suggests that the words "and Handbook" be removed.