LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — September 16, 1983, Page 2

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president's responsibility be shared with others? Is it necessary to wait for a regular convention to select a
president?" The Commission adopted the following opinion:
1. Whenever there is any conflict between the synodical bylaws and District bylaws the bylaws
of the Synod must prevail.
2, The Commission on Constitutional Matters holds that if the presidency of the English District
is vacated, the first vice-president assumes the duties of the office until the next convention;
he does not assume the office, but acts in the capacity of an acting president without the
necessity of giving up his present position.
3. The first vice-president as acting president may, if he so desires, delegate some
responsibilities to others, including other vice-presidents.
4

Unless a special convention of the English District is convened pursuant to Article XII, 15 of
the Synod's constitution, which is also the constitution of the English District, it is necessary
to wait for the next regular convention of the District to elect the president.

185. Eligibility of Ralph Niedert and Richard Peters (Ag. 1677): The Board of Managers of the Worker
Benefit Plans had asked the Commission to determine whether Mr. Ralph Niedert and Mr. Richard Peters
were eligible for any additional terms on the Board of Managers. The Commission adopted an opinion
stating that a member of the Board of Managers appointed prior to the 1981 convention of the Synod is
eligible to serve three complete successive terms (see attachment).
186. Joint Meeting with President Bohlmann (Ag. 1670): The planned joint meeting with President
Bohlmann did not materialize because the President had received an invitation to attend a state dinner at
the White House.
187. English District Bylaws (Ag. 653): President Bornemann had submitted the revised constitution and
bylaws of the English District which had been approved by the 1982 convention. A review of the bylaws
of that District had been begun already in October, 1979, but in deference to a plea from Dr. Bornemann
not to pursue the matter at that particular time, the matter had been postponed. The Commission went
through the revised bylaws and called attention to several inadequacies. The Commission then resolved to
have the Secretary pull together the critique of this meeting with the October 12, 1979 critique and to
forward the result to the English District (see attachment).
188. North Dakota District Bylaws (Ag. 1262,A,B,C: The North Dakota District had now submitted
answers to the previous recommendations of the Commission. These answers were evaluated; some were
approved, namely, those covered in points: 16, 20, 23, --, 6, 7, 16, 17, 24, 27, as well as the changes in
District Bylaws 2.92, 2.94, 2.51, and the wording change "shall" to "should" with regard to the size of
each of the six divisions. Approval of point 16 was given in view of 2.1le and j and 2.88 A, a and b.
Approval was given on point 24 only in view of the size of the District. The following matters still need
to be adjusted:
22. Bylaw 5.05, 1, 5: The District has agreed to reconsider the title
4. Bylaw 1.1l,a: The Commission continues to maintain its position.
26. Bylaw 11.01: The Commission reiterates its conviction in view of the function and purpose of
the presidency and continues to recommend a change.